Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners held a special public meeting in late October to unanimously appoint Alberta Scarfaro to the vacant commissioner’s seat.

Scarfaro replaces Andy Roman, who reportedly forfeited his seat on the board after accumulating three consecutive unexcused absences. She will serve until Dec. 31, 2025.

At the Nov. 6 workshop meeting, commissioners discussed changes to the township’s stormwater pollutant reduction plan. The former plan would have put the township back $4 million to $6 million, while the updated plan, if approved, would cost about $500,000.

According to Engineer Frank Clark, the plan is to replace the synthetic liner in the 6-acre pond behind the former Kmart with a clay liner.

The ground will appear to be dry with the synthetic liner but sinks in once maintenance equipment drives over the land.

Clark said the clay liner will “crack like the Sahara Desert” when dry and will allow water to evaporate and transpire naturally.

A Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection representative will make a presentation at next week’s meeting to answer questions. Township residents will be able to comment on the plan at that time as well.

Commissioners will also vote on approving the retirement and commencement of pension benefits for two police officers, Kevin Fuehrer and Sgt. Mark Nederostek.

The board of commissioners next meets 7 p.m. Nov. 13 at the municipal building, 3219 MacArthur Road.