Despite the heavy snowfall, Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners held its monthly workshop meeting virtually Feb. 1.

Christopher Gittinger, Whitehall’s zoning and development officer, was in attendance to discuss the winter storm. He confirmed Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf had announced a disaster declaration, which will give the state and elected officials some leeway on any upcoming deadlines.

Gittinger also mentioned that, in the past, the National Guard has provided an ambulance or two that can drive through heavy weather conditions but did not for this winter storm, nor the last storm in December 2020.

Board President Philip Ginder expressed gratitude to the Whitehall Township snowplow operators and emergency staff who have been working endlessly.

“We appreciate all of your efforts,” he said.

In other news, commissioners began looking ahead into possible activities for the summer months. Resolution 3148 will establish costs for Camp Whitehall, and Resolution 3149 will be setting rates for the township pools. More information will come from next week’s regular meeting, Feb. 8.

The board discussed an additional ordinance regarding the salary of Whitehall’s treasurer position. Ginder said he introduced the information to commissioners now because any decision will require some investigation and the next election will be coming up shortly. However, the board is unlikely to vote on the matter until March.

The treasurer position is funded through a salary paid by the township, but the position is also awarded a stipend by the school district and is given a percentage on real estate taxes, according to Commissioner Thomas Slonaker, board secretary and former treasurer. This is because the treasurer is the only person who has the power to authorize property tax certifications, so that person is awarded that extra fee.

While it is impossible for the board to determine next year’s real estate success, commissioners will help determine the proper compensation by considering the amount of the school district’s stipend.

“It would be an insult to go down,” Slonaker said, and Ginder agreed.

The board will gather the necessary materials and set a new compensation rate before the election. More information is expected to be provided at the March workshop meeting.

As part of the new-year business, many board positions required reappointing. Resolution 3151 aims to appoint Vincent Misuraca to serve on Whitehall Township Building Code Board of Appeals.

Following this resolution, there were six motions that filled several positions.

Ann Freyman is being appointed to serve on the planning commission.

Motions were made to reappoint John Delserro to serve on the environmental advisory council and shade tree committee, to appoint Deborah Rosene and Monica Chibber to the environmental advisory council and to appoint Richard Bentz to the Civil Service Commission.

Ginder mentioned all of the interviews were conducted last week, and it was a “pleasant experience” talking with everyone and getting these positions filled.

Commissioners will next meet 7 p.m. Feb. 8. To attend virtually, visit whitehalltownship.org and find a link to the event under Whitehall News on the homepage.