A resident questioned Lehigh Township supervisors last week about solar panel regulations.

During public comment, resident Michael Druckenmiller asked if the township has an ordinance requiring screening around solar panels installed in yards.

“Is there an ordinance that says people need to put the screening around their solar panels in their yards, because when we look out of our kitchen window, all we see is solar panels,” Druckenmiller said.

Backenstoe and Colfer told him the township currently does not have such a requirement.

“No, not right now,” they said, adding it may be addressed in updated ordinances.

Druckenmiller expressed frustration. “So there is nothing I can do?” he asked.

Supervisor Janet Sheats suggested speaking directly with the neighboring property owner. “Did you ask your neighbor about putting up a screen?” Sheats asked.

“Yes,” Druckenmiller said. “They have no plans to put one up. They got a permit for the panels.”

Recreation and parks

In a recreation report, supervisors discussed the Christmas tree lighting, tennis courts and National Night Out. A DCNR grant application was also submitted for a consultant for township parks.

Public works updates

Public Works Director Frank Zamadics provided an update on road maintenance and spring cleanup.

“We have about two weeks of street sweeping yet. Two units are running,” he said. “We have begun to fixing potholes starting on Granger. The cost of asphalt is holding steady, which is a good thing.”

Township Engineer Brandon Muffley noted additional stormwater work is needed on Timberline Road.

“We have to replace more pipes for stormwater,” Muffley said, adding the township decided on “two separate bids, road and pipe work.”

Zamadics also reported an unusual maintenance issue at Berlinsville Park.

“We are working on getting a family of squirrels out of the ceiling in the bathroom at Berlinsville Park,” he said.

Supervisor Gerald Pritchard praised the condition of the township’s baseball fields.

“I want to say you should be proud of how well the baseball fields are kept,” Pritchard said.

“Thank you,” Zamadics responded.

Police report

Police Chief John Henry said the department handled 467 calls during April.

“We had 467 calls for the month of April,” Henry said. He also told supervisors he has “two officers ready for interviews” and asked if the board could begin the May 26 meeting at 6 p.m. to conduct interviews prior to the regular meeting. The board agreed.

Henry also announced National Night Out will be Aug. 4 at Berlinsville Park. “We will incorporate the 250 Celebration,” he said.

Sheats recognized the department during National Police Week.

“It’s National Police Week. I feel our officers do a really great job for us,” Sheats said, drawing applause from those in attendance.

Zoning and fire updates

Zoning Officer Roxann Colfer reported 47 new permits issued, two hearings held and 11 cases sent to the magistrate.

Fire Commission Chairman Rick Hildebrand reported the township has responded to 180 calls so far this year.

“We had 180 calls for the year so far,” Hildebrand said. “On Saturday morning we broke our new truck in out the fire in Walnutport.”

He said the truck will be sent to Ephrata for adjustments.

“It will be going to Ephrata for fine tuning,” Hildebrand said, adding the department has also held training for compressed air foam systems.

Hildebrand noted the department is also seeking a grant to dispose of older firefighting foam.

“We are looking into a grant for disposal of our current foam that is considered toxic by the federal government,” he said.

Agricultural security approval

Supervisors approved an application from Jenny and Dale Sell to add 23.73 and 39.78 acres to the township’s Agricultural Security Area.