At the May 9 East Allen Township Board of Supervisors meeting, the board voted on an increase in the supervisor salary from $1,875 to $2,500 a year.

Township Manager Brent Green explained that when the population of the township reached 5,000 residents, the board members could increase their salary up to $5,000, according to the township code. Green added that if the board votes to increase the salary, an ordinance would be needed.

He noted the raise would not be in effect until after the next election, so none of the current supervisors would get the raise unless re-elected. The vote to increase the supervisor salary was a 2-2 tie, so the motion was not ratified.

A tie vote on any issue results in a failed motion. Supervisors could have tabled the motion and voted again at a later meeting when all five members were present, avoiding a tie result.

In other business, the board voted to approve general fund checks 2824-2911, totaling $332,756.32.

The board also unanimously approved the increase in the hourly rate of an employee from $15 per hour to $17 per hour and provided retroactive pay to April 7.

The recommendation to approve various township-held certificates of deposit was approved by supervisors.

Supervisors approved a recommendation to an employment separation for another employee, with retroactive payment from May 8.

A resident approached supervisors about her 9-plus-acre tract used to raise strawberries and pumpkins. Her issue is that water accumulates on about 1.2 acres of the field.

She noted those 1.2 acres are essentially useless to her, and the water reportedly accumulates to the point where she has kayaked on the water. She asked supervisors to consider if anything can be done to correct the situation, saying she is open to any suggestions.

A representative of Traditions of America asked about the status of a sewer study that was requested months ago for a 250-acre area for development. He said he expected a response from township but received none.

Green noted the sewer study includes East Allen, Bethlehem and Hanover Township, Northampton County, so East Allen could not complete it.

The Traditions of America representative noted this was a misunderstanding, and Supervisor Chair Roger Unangst asked Green to assist in facilitating a resolution.