A public hearing about the proposed community center preceded the Oct. 6 meeting of the Washington Township upervisors.

An ordinance to participate in the Northern Lehigh Recreation Authority, along with Slatington borough, was discussed.

Each member of the authority will have membership on the board.

Brent Herzog, Wesley Beltz, Josh Friebolin, Debra Klock and Renee Evans will represent Washington Township. Action will require five members of the authority.

Resident Ed Ziegler said they should have bought the old schoolhouse that was at the park near the Morgan bridge.

He also said the center would not work without a full-time manager and there should be a fee for attending for various events.

Supervisor Josh Friebolin said forming the authority does not necessarily mean the center will be built but will help in obtaining grants with more backing for the applications.

“It will provide more recreational opportunities,” Friebolin said.

Ziegler said he bought the property from Helen Romano and sold it for a center at the same price he paid for it.

He said he wanted something to get the kids off the streets of Slatington.

The ordinance was approved during the regular meeting.

At the regular meeting two bids for work on the Old Mill Road Bridge were rejected because they were higher than expected.

The job will be rebid in the spring.

Stephen Mazepa added 113.63 acres along Ashfield Road to the Agricultural Security Area.

The pension plan ordinance for township workers lowered the age from 65 to 62 for receiving a pension after working at least 10 years.

Wildlands Conservancy is selling 22 acres at $400 an acre abutting State Game Lands 217. The Game Commission is making the purchase.

Washington received a recycling performance grant of $3,977.

Recently, a fire policeman had a heart attack while working.

This raised the question of whether Workman’s Compensation is effective if fire personnel are doing something other than firefighting.

Secretary JoAnn Ahner said she put in a claim and will check on coverage during a nonemergency event.

Fire personnel said they would not participate in such things as parades and runs/walks unless it is covered.

The November meeting has been scheduled for Nov. 4 instead of Nov. 3.

Trick or Treat Night will be celebrated from 6-8 p.m. Oct. 28.