A representative of JP Mascaro & Sons addressed Hanover Township (Lehigh County) Council during the meeting Aug. 16 regarding trash collection issues that have occurred in the township during the past several weeks.

Mascaro’s Chris Caras said the company appreciates the important relationship it has had with the township for several years and wants to continue the successful service provided. He recognized and apologized for the recent trash pickup issues.

Caras noted that, at times, Mascaro has employees who do not adhere to its rules of proper trash and recycling pickup and do not abide by the company’s customer service motto. He pointed out that, as in all organizations, poorly performing employees can create problems that take a process and some time to resolve.

The township office had received several complaints of recyclables being mixed with regular trash by Mascaro sanitation workers and poor performance from Mascaro employees. In this instance, Caras said a crew of three workers had their employment terminated for these improper pickups. Another Mascaro worker was terminated, according to Caras, after a verbal disagreement with a township resident.

In another complaint, trash was allegedly spilled into the street by a Mascaro worker who did not pick it up or return the garbage can to its correct place.

“These issues are not overlooked,” Caras said. “We value our relationship with the township.”

He said he is working with township Manager Melissa Wehr to manage and respond quickly if any future issues arise.

In other news, council approved the authorization of the manager to reduce the improvements security from $1,384,194.80 to $173,024.85 for FR200 Cascade LLC, 1960 Weaversville Road, and to commence the 18-month maintenance security in the required amount of $173,024.85.

In her report, Wehr said the township had a great season with their summer workers, who have now returned to college. Both summer workers asked if they could return next year, she said.

Wehr noted to council the 2024 township calendar is being assembled for both council meetings and other scheduled meetings in the township.

Pennsylvania State Police were contacted several times about the number of motorists who are not fully stopping at stop signs. PSP has issued tickets to those who drift through a stop sign. A discussion ensued that included possible solutions - purchasing larger stop signs at certain locations and the trimming of trees that could increase the visibility of a stop sign.

Wehr said the stop signs that have lights around the sign are costly. One sign is approximately $2,500.

The next council meeting will be 7 p.m. Sept. 6. It is an in-person-only meeting at the municipal building, 2202 Grove Road.