Hanover Township, Lehigh County, Council’s July 20 meeting took a surprising turn when township Manager Melissa Wehr, during courtesy of the floor, very urgently asked the attendees to step outside of the building for a moment.

The manager guided the crowd to the front entrance, where council Chairman Bruce Paulus’ family stood eagerly waiting to greet council members and walk them to the front of the driveway.

Unknown to Paulus, a small ceremony was waiting to unveil Resolution No. 2022-35, which was passed in May - the dedication of the 2202 Grove Road municipal building entrance as Paulus Way.

Vice Chairman Michael Woolley, who also made the original motion for the honoring resolution, delivered a short speech before a cover was pulled from the street sign, revealing Paulus Way in white and blue.

Paulus first joined municipal government in 1988 and sat on the zoning board for four years. He then moved to a council position and took his first leadership role as vice chairman in 2000. He was elected chairman just a year later. He has dedicated more than 30 years to township work.

The resolution not only honors Paulus’ “unwavering dedication, relentless hours and exceptional service” but his ability to provide “exemplary guidance” to the board and township throughout the years, it was agreed.

This is the second honor given to the Paulus name, as a bench outside the front door of the municipal building is in honor of the late Patricia Paulus. She was not only a partner to Bruce Paulus, but also an important member of the township, serving a role on the planning commission for 25-plus years.

The small ceremony returned back inside, and the crowd celebrated with cake before returning to regular business. The July 20 agenda was short, only quoting monthly reports as necessary business to go over.

Wehr briefly discussed the Community Night event, which is set for 4-7:30 p.m. Aug. 23 at Canal Park, 1960 Dauphin St. The gathering will include local food and drinks and activities for kids, including a petting zoo, pony rides and a visit from Tootsie the Clown.

The meeting wrapped up with approval of municipal bills.

Council will next meet 7:30 p.m. Aug. 3 at the municipal building. The agenda can be found ahead of time by visiting hanleco.org.