Anthony Rossi was sworn in during Hanover Township, Lehigh County, Council’s May 4 meeting.

Rossi presented a short speech to the board explaining his residency and priorities in the township before taking his official oath. Council gave its full approval and invited Rossi to join council to finish the rest of the meeting.

The meeting continued with members of the recreation board approaching council with a proposed plan to sell alcohol at the community event later in the summer. The representatives explained they wish to have a local brewery and winery sell their products for consumption, in order to increase attendance at the summer event, but the board would need council’s approval in order to move forward.

Council members were hesitant for a few reasons, such as obtaining proper licenses and general safety. They requested the recreation board gather some more information on insurance possibilities and who exactly would be selling the alcohol before making a decision.

In other matters, council voted to sponsor fingerprinting at the Community Days event. The activity brought a lot of attention last year, and Township Manager Melissa Wehr was looking to have council sponsor it again. The motion passed with four votes and one abstention from Robert Heimbecker, who serves a role with the fingerprinting service.

Council also voted to join and show support to the Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial, also known as the America250PA. The commission was established in 2018 to plan, encourage and develop a commemoration for the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States and Pennsylvania’s star role in that event. The 250th anniversary will take place in 2026.

The meeting closed with Vice Chairman Michael Woolley proposing a motion be added to the next meeting’s agenda that would change the street name coming into the township building to Paulus Way. Woolley explained this would be to honor Chairman Bruce Paulus and Barb Paulus for all of the work they have done to serve their community. Bruce Paulus appeared to be left speechless and humbled by the honor.

More information on this topic will be discussed at the next council meeting, set for 7:30 p.m. May 18 at the municipal building, 2202 Grove Road. To view the agenda ahead of time, visit hanleco.org.