By SARIT LASCHINSKY

Special to The Press

Apart from the annual reorganization activities, North Whitehall supervisors had a very short agenda during the general business portion of their Jan. 4 virtual meeting.

To begin, the board was presented with a prepared, draft request for proposal for lawn mowing services in the township.

Township Manager Chris Garges said the request for proposal would allow and require any interested bidder to attend a prebid meeting with the public works director, who will show each party all of the parks in the township and answer any questions.

He also noted the RFP allowed for several areas to be mowed for one combined unit price, such as mowing several sports fields in one trip, and that contractors would not be allowed to mow more than one time per week, unless directed by the township to avoid unnecessary mowing trips running up costs.

Garges said the bid opening would be 11 a.m. Feb. 19 and the proposal was completed aside from small additions or changes to the legal language.

The board voted to approve the request for proposal.

In other business, supervisors approved exoneration of taxes for two township veterans.

Secretary and Treasurer Brenda Norder said the first exemption was an exoneration from real estate property tax collection and a prorated refund of $105.03.

The second was an exoneration of real estate property taxes starting Jan. 1, 2021.

She said both exonerations were at the request of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs under the disabled veteran real estate property tax exemption.

Furthermore, the board approved the release of escrow for the Strohl Road development in the amount of $8,694.25.

Supervisors also approved a time extension for Phase 2 of the Ridings at Parkland development until March 21 to give the board time to review all plans.

Supervisors also approved a resolution which adopted, amended and revised the fee schedule for various services, equipment, goods and materials furnished by or through the township.

In his manager’s report, Garges noted there is currently an opening on the township’s farmland preservation board, which he said is a board which has drawn much interest from residents.

Interested individuals are encouraged to email a letter of interest, a brief resume and background to the township manager by Jan. 31 for consideration.

The next farmland preservation board meeting will take place 2 p.m. Feb. 4 at which point Garges said the board will review interested candidates and look to make a recommendation to supervisors for appointment.

Additionally, Garges said the township has an open, full-time position for a planning assistant and special project coordinator, which is being advertised on North Whitehall’s website.

Applications are being accepted through Jan. 22 for the position.

He also noted the planning commission will next meet at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 29 and the zoning hearing board on Jan. 20 and 27, both also at 7:30 p.m.

In the solicitor’s report, Lisa Young commended Administrative Assistant Jess Koenig for going “above and beyond” in assisting with documentation regarding the right of way for ongoing work along Independence and Pennsylvania drives.

Young also asked the board to authorize Koenig to receive her notary certification - including the class, certification and stamp - in order to have another notary present in the township. The board agreed with her request.

The next board of supervisors meeting is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Feb. 1.