A new pavilion with a built-in sewage facility was up for discussion during the Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners May 3 workshop meeting.

The purchase of the Parkaire Activity Center was introduced to the board through Bill No. 15, and the land development for the sewage facility was discussed later in the meeting as Resolution No. 3159.

Mayor Michael Harakal Jr. mentioned the price of the pavilion has risen in the last six months, and the recreation bureau wanted to lock in the purchase before it became too expensive. Commissioner Jeffrey Warren said the township had obtained three grants from May and September 2019 and April 2021 that will be utilized for this project.

Board President Philip Ginder questioned where the township would be storing the pavilion since the project would require land development first. Harakal noted they do not have an answer at this time, but they will find a place “or make one if we have to.”

The Whitehall Township Fire Department is looking to purchase 12 portable radios, introduced as Bill No. 12, and a new self-contained breathing apparatus through Bill No. 14. Both purchases were previously budgeted for but have to be approved by the board since the cost will exceed $25,000.

The public works department has proposed the purchase of a new 2022 Mack GR42BR cab and chassis single-axle dump truck. Commissioner Thomas Slonaker questioned why the department was only asking for a Mack truck. Deputy Mayor Jack Meyers explained this is the highest-quality option, and it has proven durability.

Bill No. 16 will use the Community Development Block Grant to begin construction of handicap ramps and concrete curbs and make sidewalk improvements throughout the township. The bill required the board’s authorization to accept the proposal for construction.

The single motion of the evening requested the reappointment of Michael Long to the Plumbers Examining Board, with an expiring term of April 2024. There were no additional comments.

The workshop agenda ended with a discussion about Jefferson Pool, Fullerton. Harakal acknowledged many of the residents are disappointed the pool will not open this summer, but he explained the pool has been receiving “band-aid repairs” for far too long.

According to Harakal, the interim bureau chief of recreation, Tony Cocca, has been reaching out to the neighboring municipalities for advice on moving forward. He has also been working with organizations to evaluate the work that needs to be done on the pool, but there has not been an official evaluation yet.

Harakal noted he expects the pool may need to remain closed for as long as another year.

Commissioner Randy Atiyeh spoke on behalf of the Fullerton residents, as he lives in that village as well. He urged the board to remain passionate about this project because it is a valued attraction for the residents in that area.

The board of commissioners will meet 7 p.m. May 10 to vote on the matters discussed at the workshop. To view the meeting, visit whitehalltownship.com and find the Webex Events link under the Whitehall News box.