Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners gathered July 6 for the workshop meeting, following the weekend holiday.

Board Secretary Thomas Slonaker mentioned the amount of firework activity he experienced in his neighborhood and wondered if the number of complaint calls had increased with the statewide legalization of consumer-grade fireworks.

Mayor Michael Harakal Jr. said he did not have the numbers from previous years to compare, but it was something they could gather to discuss again.

In other business, commissioners discussed Bill 21, which is seeking to amend several articles within Chapter 27, which covers zoning.

The bill will revise Articles 7, 9 and 16 by amending definitions of words to reduce the negative impact of outdoor commercial cooking within residential neighborhoods. This is the first time this ordinance is appearing before the board, and it will still have several steps of discussion before any voting takes place. No additional comments were made by the commissioners.

Bill 22 is looking to amend articles within Chapter 7 - focused on fire prevention and fire protection. The bill will add additional language to allow the fire chief or the fire inspector to determine if a building is a safety hazard and if it requires demolition.

The amendments will make it possible for both parties to take action on the building if the owner fails to do so. The township will be able to pass on charges or place a lien on the property if necessary. Commissioner Jeffrey Warren had a question about legal fees but did not expect an answer at this time. He was not given one during this meeting.

The Jefferson Street Playground community building will be getting a new roof if Bill 23 is passed. The bill had to appear before the board because the roof will cost more than $25,000. No additional comments were made.

The employees of Whitehall Township can expect to see changes made to the township’s harassment policies. Amendments will make it possible for employees to have additional avenues to report misconduct to, including middle management, union representatives and bureau chiefs. Board Vice President Joseph Marx Jr. mentioned he wanted every employee to have a fair opportunity, and Deputy Mayor Jack Meyers said this would help ensure that.

The board wrapped up the evening with one resolution and one motion. Resolution 3165 will transfer funds within the township’s general fund and liquid fuels fund to provide for unanticipated fiscal year expenses. Meyers said most of these fees are small in nature.

The single motion for the evening approved the release of escrow for completed and withdrawn projects per Meyers. No additional comments were made by either the board or the public.

The board of commissioners will gather again July 12 to vote on the matters discussed at this meeting. To view the public meeting, visit whitehalltownship.org/boc_minutes.html.