At the Sept. 24 East Allen Township Board of Supervisors meeting, board members voted unanimously to allow trick-or-treat night in the borough. It is set for 6-8 p.m. Oct. 30.

Supervisors noted safety precautions should still be in place. Some recommendations include not having children enter homes, trick-or-treaters should be wearing masks and host participants should consider having a bowl of candy set outside to maintain social distancing.

Some local municipalities have opted out of trick-or-treat night due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Residents interested in participating should keep their outside lights turned on as an indication.

After some discussion, the supervisors agreed to purchase a 2000 Eglin Pelican street sweeper for $17,500. The sweeper, originally owned by South Whitehall Township, is currently owned by Walnutport Borough. It was reported the 20-year-old sweeper is in good condition and market values at $20,000.

A new sweeper, reportedly, can cost from $180,000 to $200,000. Renting a sweeper can cost from $1,000 to $2,000 per day.

The sweeper has most of its service reports verifying it has been well maintained. Before the sweeper purchase is finalized, supervisors agreed the sweeper will receive one last inspection by township staff.

In other business, Vice Chairman Mark Schwartz announced the township is prepared to offer the township secretary position to a successful applicant. The name was not announced because the person had not formally accepted the role. The township secretary salary is $43,750 annually.

Two other personnel employment decisions were made at the meeting regarding full-time and part-time seasonal positions. Both carry a wage of $14 per hour and will work primarily in the public works department.

It was reported the township will be working with PPL Electric on streetlight conversion to increase LED lighting. LED lighting provides brighter lighting and decreases electric costs.

In the township ambulance report, 49 incidents were responded to during August, and 29 nonemergency ambulance transports were provided. The ambulance corps plans fundraising activities during the fall and winter. The corps is seeking a quote on a new ambulance and also plans to hire more EMTs and other staff members.

Open space and farmland preservation were discussed with a plan to meet with Moore and Plainfield townships to learn about their activities to preserve farmland and open space.

Moore Township has a long active, successful farmland and open space preservation effort. Its success is noted across the Lehigh Valley. Moore has guided other municipalities in their fledgling efforts to preserve land.

There was a discussion about holding hybrid meetings where residents could begin to attend meetings in person. The township solicitor said he will research the matter. The next board of supervisors workshop meeting is set for 7 p.m. Oct. 14. Check the township website, www.eatwp.org, to see if it will be a Zoom meeting or a hybrid meeting.