By MICHAEL HIRSCH

Special to The Press

South Whitehall commissioners honored Cetronia volunteer firefighters Andrew Kloss and Jared Diachynsky at their Feb. 16 meeting.

“It’s my honor to present these recognitions here this evening. On behalf of South Whitehall Township and the board of commissioners, we felt it was very appropriate to recognize two very brave and special individuals tonight,” Randy Cope, interim township manager said, “These two individuals showed great courage and bravery during the large house fire in Salisbury township on Nov. 16, 2021.

“Tonight, we honor and recognize volunteer firefighters Andrew Kloss and Jared Diachynsky for exhibiting outstanding performance and exceptional courage on Nov. 16, 2021, while ensuring the safety of others. We honor both of you for your commitment and dedication to serve South Whitehall Township and our surrounding communities.”

Next was the recognition of the retirement of Solicitor Maria Mullane, Esq., who represented the zoning hearing board.

“The South Whitehall Township board of commissioners, township staff, and citizens of South Whitehall would like to recognize your 38 years of stellar service to South Whitehall Township,” Cope said. “Additionally, we thank you for the 33 years you served the South Whitehall Township as the zoning hearing board solicitor.

“Your outstanding commitment to our township has truly been an example and inspiration for all.

“Therefore, it is with great pride and appreciation that the board of commissioners and township staff hereby present this Distinguished Service Award as a token of our gratitude to you, Maria C. Mullane, it has been an honor and privilege to work with you throughout the years, and we are deeply grateful to you. We wish you the very best in your future.”

There was a resolution bonding the tax collector for South Whitehall Township and authorizing the tax collector to appoint deputies to serve the township.

There was a resolution appointing Keycodes Inspection Agency as a temporary code enforcement officer for the township.

The next item on the agenda was a resolution extending conditional preliminary approval/final approval was granted to a major plan entitled “Proposed Parking Lot Improvements at 798 Hausman Road” granting an additional waiver for the construction of a driveway and elimination of some parking stormwater management in the installation of a new water line.

There was a resolution extending the conditional preliminary final approval granted for a major plan titled “Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat of Pennsylvania.”

There is currently a mosque on the property at 1500 Ridge View Road and the plan is to take down the old mosque and put up a new one.

The last resolution of the board of commissioners approving and authorizing the entry into an Intergovernmental Cooperation agreement with Upper Macungie and North Whitehall townships for the 2022 Parkland Area Summer Program Partnership.

Finally, Cope spoke regarding vacancies on the boards and commissions.

“Just as a reminder to the public, both here in the audience and on Go To Meeting. The volunteer board member application can easily be found on our homepage of our website, southwhitehall.com. I know the board is still interested in receiving new applications for interview consideration. So, if you do have an interest in one of these boards and commissions, please fill out that volunteer board member application and submit it to the township.”