Han-Le-Co Fire Company, 1001 Postal Road, Allentown, is seeking new volunteers, according to an announcement made at the March 6 meeting of Hanover Township, Lehigh County, Council. Its website has applications for prospective adult volunteer and junior firefighters. Visit hanlecofire.org.

According to volunteerfirefighter.org, an applicant be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver’s license, be healthy and in good physical condition, complete basic fire and EMS training, live close to the fire department, have no criminal record, meet minimum ongoing training requirements and respond to a certain percentage of calls.

Requirements can vary at different departments and municipalities.

Han-Le-Co Fire Company was founded in 1978. It has ample equipment to provide quality fire and emergency services to Hanover Township, Lehigh County. Han-Le-Co Fire Company provides mutual aid to Catasauqua Borough, Whitehall Township, Allen and East Allen townships, Allentown and Hanover Township, Northampton County.

In other business, it was recently announced on the township website the Willowbrook Road closure and detour will continue until about April 12 for the bridge replacement project.

At the meeting, members discussed resolution 2024-37 to grant preliminary land development of 795 Roble Road, Allentown. All resolutions can be reviewed by contacting the township office.

Council also planned a public hearing regarding bill 2024-01, which will amend Chapter 18-201 of the township’s statutory code to prohibit connecting more than one primary commercial building on a property to a single building sewer.

There was a planned review and discussion about the responsibility of the removal of street trees in Hanover Township. The tree issue arose at a previous council meeting. Two trees were identified for possible removal because they reportedly limit the view of an intersection stop sign, creating a public safety issue.

Typically, in municipalities that have a shade tree commission as an advisory committee to a council, the commission can make a recommendation to a council as to whether or not a tree needs condemnation for a variety of reasons. The council has final authority over whose responsibility it is to remove or trim an overgrown tree that compromises public safety.

A council can send the homeowner notification that requires a tree removal or a trimming particularly if the tree’s condition or location is a public safety issue. If the property owner does not comply, legal action can be taken against the property owner to force compliance with the council request.

Council can either remove or trim a tree, if given permission of the property owner, and absorb the costs. Another option is to remove or trim the tree and send the property owner the bill for the work. Should the homeowner refuse to pay the tree removal or trimming, a lien can be placed on the homeowner’s property.

Two employment positions are open and posted on the township website, hanleco.org. The township needs a full-time maintenance/public works equipment operator/mechanic C, as well as a part-time code enforcement officer.

For information, contact the township office.

There is a planning commission meeting set for 6:30 p.m. March 19 at the municipal building, 2202 Grove Road.

The next council meeting is set for 7 p.m. March 20 at the municipal building.