During the July 12 meeting of the Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners, a township resident reported numerous areas in Whitehall experienced high fireworks activity July 4.

The board agreed with the comment, adding this was a statewide problem and Whitehall is not the only municipality suffering from the recent legalization of consumer-grade fireworks.

Commissioners encouraged residents to write to their local state representatives regarding the fireworks issue.

In other business, the board reviewed Bill 21, which aims to amend the language of various articles within Chapter 27 of zoning - specifically, the definitions of words to reduce the negative impact of outdoor commercial cooking within residential neighborhoods. Since this was the first hearing on the bill, the board did not take a vote.

All seven commissioners were present virtually through Webex. Mayor Michael Harakal Jr. was not in attendance due to personal obligations.

The board also heard the details of Bill 24, an ordinance to amend township employee personnel policies and procedures. The changes will focus on the township’s harassment policies by making it more accessible for employees to report misconduct. There was no vote taken.

The board unanimously approved Bill 22, which will amend Chapter 7 on fire prevention and fire protection to include language that will allow the fire chief or the fire inspector to determine if a building is a safety hazard and if it requires demolition.

Commissioner Jeffrey J. Warren earlier asked a question about legal fees. Solicitor Jack Gross confirmed the township is entitled to apply legal fees to the lien if necessary.

Bill 23 passed with seven votes, granting the purchase of a new roof for the Jefferson Street Playground community building in Fullerton.

Passed unanimously at the meeting, Resolution 3165 will use the general and liquid fuels funds to cover unanticipated yearly expenses.

The board also unanimously approved a motion to release escrow for completed and withdrawn projects to Deputy Mayor Jack Meyers.

Commissioners Michael Dee and Warren praised the volunteers from the township’s recycling event June 26. They said it would not have been possible without all of the helping hands.

Commissioner Randy Atiyeh discussed speeding concerns of residents living in the area of Pennsylvania and Congress streets. Whitehall Township Police Chief Michael Marks said the department is aware of the problem and officers patrol the area.

Marks noted if residents want to see change happen, they should write to their local state representatives. Warren encouraged residents to review the radar bill that was just passed by the Pennsylvania Senate.

The commissioners next meet 7 p.m. Aug. 2 for a workshop. Visit the board of commissioners page on the township website, whitehalltownship.org, for the virtual link and agenda.