At the Hanover Township council meeting Nov. 15, 2023, council passed ordinance 647 that adopts the budgets for the year 2024. Council chair Bruce Paulus noted it is a no-tax hike budget.

Council also approved a bid award to Stonewood Landshaping, Inc. in the amount of $264,462. for a township MS4 Stormwater Project. The bid is accepted pending township’s engineer review and approval. There were six bids offered for the project, Stonewood provided the lowest bid.

Stonewood Landshaping, Inc. is located in Zionsville, PA. Stonewood is a veteran owned, specialty contractor that provides numerous services including, but not limited to, stormwater management, site development, and commercial sized retaining walls. Their website is stonewoodlandshaping.com

Council also passed Resolution 2023-47 that adopts budget amendments. Resolution 2023-48 was approved that adopts the amendments to the five-year Capital Plan for the years 2024-2028.

A resolution requesting a statewide local assessment grant through the Commonwealth Financial Authority was council approved to undertake the project known as the “Sherwood Park Pickleball and Basketball Court Improvements. The requested amount is $336,059.10.

All resolutions and ordinances are available for review by contacting the township office.

If the grant is awarded the plan is to install two pickleball courts, and relocate the full sized basketball court. Pickleball continues to grow in popularity nationwide. Visit usapickleball.org for information about the game and how to play it. The grant, if the township is successful in its request, is expected to be awarded in early 2024.

In his Public Works report Josef Fragnito Public Works Director said that leaf pick up in the township will continue through mid-December. He added his team is beginning prepare his salt reserves for use this winter.

The township engineer, Al Kortze reported the two projects - the Catasauqua Road Signal, and the Sanitary Sewer Project “are substantially complete and should wrap up in December.”

Melissa Wehr, Township Manager, in her manager’s report noted the Toys-for-Tots donation box will be located in the township municipal building.

She also announced the Sanctuary at Haafsville will no longer pick up stray cats or dogs for the township. The Sanctuary, located at 901 Nestle Way, Breinigsville, PA has reached capacity at their facility. Visit thesanctuarypa.org to adopt a dog or cat, volunteer, or donate. Wehr is seeking an alternative organization replace the Sanctuary.

It was noted the township continues to seek a Code Enforcement Officer. Contact the township office for information or to apply.

A thank you tribute video was played during the meeting honoring the Armed Forces of the United States and commend township veterans in honor of November 11th Veterans Day.

The next meeting of the Hanover Township - Lehigh County is Dec. 6, 2023, Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the township municipal building, 2202 Grove Road, Allentown, PA 18019. It is an in-person meeting only.