At the beginning of the Hanover Township, Lehigh County, Council meeting Oct. 18, Councilman Bob Heimbecker spoke about and presented the 2023 child safety handbook for Community Partners 4 Kids to his peers. He urged those present to take a copy of the handbook and help spread the word about CP4Kids.

According to the handbook, Heimbecker has a number of years serving the CP4Kids on its board of directors, as an executive director and currently operations manager. He also is the general manager of Altronics Security Systems.

The handbook for child safety is a resource guide for parents by addressing a number of topics such as addiction, child trauma, PTSD, brain development and much more. Visit cp4kids.com for information and to get a copy of the handbook.

Township Manager Melissa Wehr reported the River Central Multi-Municipal Comprehensive Plan has been adopted by all five municipalities – Hanover Township- Lehigh County, East Allen Township and North Catasauqua, Catasauqua and Northampton boroughs.

Wehr also said the township continues to seek a code enforcement officer. Interested individuals can call the township office to apply.

Engineer Al Kortze said the Valley Plaza sanitary sewer project is wrapping up with only concrete work and paving needing completion. In addition, the Catasauqua Road signal project is proceeding.

Kortze added the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) requirements will add three projects to be detailed later.

Council adopted resolution 2023-46, granting preliminary final land development approval for a ground-mounted solar array at 1 Cascade Drive, Allentown, owned by FR Cascade Property Holding LP and submitted by Stantec Consulting Services.

Before approving the resolution, council asked Stantec Consulting Services several questions, such as the implications of solar panels at Lehigh Valley International Airport, what kind of facility it is and how much electricity will be reduced at the facility. It was noted there are about 2,400 solar panels on the property.

Council also agreed to a property reassessment of Fridge Borrower, 800 Willowbrook Road, Allentown. The reassessment will increase real estate taxes on the property, which will, in turn, increase tax collection on the property by the township by more than $1,000 annually.

The next council meeting was set for 7 p.m. Nov. 1 at the township municipal building, 2202 Grove Road. It was an in-person meeting only.