At the East Allen Township Board of Supervisors monthly meeting Jan. 11, the board approved a resolution, 2023-07, that amends the township’s agricultural security area to include tax parcel L5-5-2-0508 on Walnut Street.

The agricultural security area program began in 1981 as a tool for strengthening and protecting agriculture in Pennsylvania. Landowners work together to initiate the process of establishing such areas where agriculture is the primary activity.

When enrolled, participating farmers are entitled to special consideration from local and state government agencies, thus encouraging the continued use of the land for productive agricultural purposes.

Agricultural security areas are intended to promote more permanent and viable farming operations by strengthening the farming community’s sense of security in land use and the right to farm.

These areas are created by local municipalities in cooperation with individual landowners who agree to collectively enroll at least 250 acres on an agricultural security area.

In other business, the resignation of zoning hearing board member Tom Long was accepted. That left a one-member vacancy.

The board voted to fill the position by having alternate member Eric Miller elevated from alternate to full member. The motion to advance Miller was approved.

Township Manager Brent Green noted the fire chief was asked to attend the next meeting to present the department’s plans for purchasing a new firetruck, which may replace two firetrucks. Green said the cost of the new truck may be around $1 million.

There was a discussion about the request from Bath Borough to share the township’s emergency management coordinator in some form of a joint-use agreement. The discussion was tabled because the board wants to have Bath officials at a future supervisors meeting to discuss the request.

Board members also voted to ratify general fund checks 1794-1819, totaling $110,684.51. The supervisors also approved two tax refunds for two tax parcels in the amount of $5.10 each.