At its workshop meeting Sept. 3, the Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners agreed to recommend a bill appointing J.P. Mascaro and Sons for the collection and disposal of municipal waste and recyclables. J.P. Mascaro had been the collection agency for Whitehall in past years.

The company represents three generations of waste collection. From a one-truck operation in 1964, it currently serves more than 100 communities across Pennsylvania.

Commissioners questioned and discussed protective clauses in the contract as well as penalties that could be imposed for collection errors. The firm’s owners noted they have a regular supervisor on duty who will check with the township daily.

In other business, three pending resolutions — 3335, 3336 and 3367 — referred to the firm of H.A. Berkheimer (Berkheimer Tax Innovations). This company will manage tax collection in conjunction with the township treasurer. Berkheimer is a tax administration collection service that tailors its system and services to fit the needs of its clients.

At the conclusion of the meeting, residents LoriAnn Fehnel and Dawn Saganowich asked to speak. Since the meeting had already been adjourned, board President Thomas Slonaker asked them to bring their concerns to next week’s regular monthly meeting.

The residents said they had previously made several Right To Know requests to the township and the mayor. Their concerns stem from a recent two-day closure of the township tax office due to staffing issues.

A notice, taped to the door of the municipal office as of Sept. 3, reads, “Whitehall Township will not publicly comment on personal matters regarding employees.”

The township, according to the notice, makes it a priority to ensure money paid to the tax office is “handled carefully.”

“Existing rules prevent the township from simply reassigning employees to the tax office or using temporary staff if staff is limited,” the notice reads.

This matter is expected to be discussed at the next public meeting, scheduled for 7 p.m. Sept. 9 at the municipal building, 3219 MacArthur Road.