At the March 11 meeting, Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners discussed multiple ordinances approving brake retarder prohibition and pool pass rates for 2024.

Ordinance 10-2024 will prohibit the use of brake retarders on Mauch Chunk Road between Rural Road and Schadt Avenue.

Residents of Fellowship Community requested the brake retarder ordinance due to the increased volume of truck traffic, which may continue to increase with warehouses popping up around the area.

As discussed at last week’s workshop meeting, violating this ordinance will set a person back $300, as opposed to the $25 fine proposed by Solicitor Jack Gross. Resident Anthony Kopach felt the $300 fee was “excessive” since, he alleged, a person “can run a red light and kill someone for $25.”

The board approved the motion, with the $300 fee, 7-0.

The board also approved pool pass rates for 2024. Season passes for residents are $155 for a family of four, $65 for an adult and $55 for a student.

Commissioner Ken Snyder suggested changing the resident student pass to a Whitehall-Coplay School District student pass to accommodate those who live outside the township.

The pass rates were approved as discussed. It was noted they may be amended if Coplay is amenable to reciprocating the deal.

In other business, Joseph Shambo, a longtime firefighter, will serve as interim fire chief.

The board next meets 7 p.m. April 1 at the municipal building, 3219 MacArthur Road.