A public hearing about strengthening an ordinance that regulates overnight unsanctioned camping was conducted at the Aug. 7 Hanover Township, Lehigh County, Council meeting,

The ordinance includes prohibiting the placing of a sleeping bag or other material for bedding purposes or a stove or fire for maintaining a temporary place to live. The prohibitions apply to all township streets, sidewalks, parks, trails and other township property. It does not affect persons or groups who hold a park reservation permit as provided in Chapter 19 of the statutory code.

Council also passed resolution 2024-42, that grants preliminary/final lot consolidation for the Jill Salim property at 1715 and 1735 (rear) N. Irving St.

Council heard a presentation by Carolyn Yagle, who is the director of planning and policy for the River Central Multimunicipal Comprehensive Plan committee, and environmental planning and design proposal of the multimunicipal planning services. The cost to the township is $8,887.86. Council approved the cost.

The Hanover Township cost is based on its population. All five municipalities of River Central are assessed based on their population. Catasauqua Borough’s cost is $34,299.02, North Catasauqua Borough’s cost is $15,555, Northampton Borough’s cost is $54,700, and East Allen Township’s is $26,558.32.

The plan will include developing official maps of the five members, examining zoning ordinances, creating a committee that has equal representation from the five municipalities and coordinating the zoning ordinances and subdivision and land development ordinances.

In other news, council reviewed and discussed a recent change order in excess of a contractual cost for road development and repair. Township Solicitor Jackson Eaton, Esq., suggested, because of the complexity of the situation, an ad hoc public workshop meeting be held. The goals of the meeting would be specifically to discuss, address and clarify what council desires to avoid a repeat of the additional payment add-on to any future project.

Council agreed to have the meeting at 6 p.m. Sept. 4, before its regular scheduled meeting.