After much discussion at the Oct. 2 meeting, Hanover Township, Lehigh County, Council voted 3-2 to allow Flock Safety Company to install 12 cameras on local roads.

The installation would be on a 90-day trial basis. Council can vote about one week before the 90 days to remove them or keep the cameras in place.

Pennsylvania State Police Troop M Station Commander Jason Trautman provided a presentation in support of the Flock cameras. Troop M Commander Greg Emery was also on hand to support the camera installation. A representative from Flock Safety answered questions and provided information about reasons to utilize the equipment.

Township Solicitor Jackson Eaton explained the 90-day opt-out clause in the contract with Flock. After the 90 days, there would be a five-year obligation at a cost of about $220,000 spanning the five years.

Councilman Anthony Rossi and Council Vice Chair Robert Heimbecker spoke firmly in support of the cameras. Township Manager Melissa Wehr passionately urged council to agree to the camera installation.

Councilman Michael Woolley spoke out against the camera cost, noting the township is not near the populations of Allentown or Bethlehem, which reportedly utilize the Flock cameras. He noted the cost is too high for the small population in Hanover Township.

Council Chairman Bruce Paulus also spoke out against the camera cost. He noted all five council members understand the cameras are quality and no doubt will be helpful for the state police in providing safety for residents. Paulus said he believes the state or the state police should be sharing the costs of the cameras, which assist the police, help to increase police efficiency and safety and help buttress a smaller number of police officers.

Paulus explained the cost to taxpayers will be about $43,400 a year, $3,616 a month and about $123 a day. Paulus was concerned Hanover residents would be footing the bill for the cameras, which would mostly be placed on state roads.

“To expect Hanover to pay, this is my problem,” Paulus said. “It is too much for Hanleco.”

Paulus asked Trautman and Emery to accompany him to Harrisburg to explain to legislators that the roads the cameras are on are state roads governed by Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. Paulus felt strongly the state has a responsibility to help fund the cameras.

Woolley and Paulus voted against the cameras. Heimbecker, Rossi and Councilman Robert Lawlor voted yes for the camera installation, with a 90-day opt-out clause.

In other business, council voted 4-1 to deny the approval of an amendment for a D&L Trail parking area design study that cost $13,700. Township Engineer Kevin Chimics reported a total cost for a parking lot may be as high as $50,000.

Paulus noted there is ample parking at other D&L trail access sites, so he opposed the potential project.

Council considered authorizing the release of payment three to Stonewood Landshaping Inc. for the stormwater rehabilitation and enhancement projects — Allendale swale repair, Canal Park bioretention and public works swale rehabilitation — in the amount of $53,927.70.

Council planned to consider authorizing the release of the second payment to R-III Construction Inc. for the Marcon Boulevard easement sanitary sewer lining and replacement project in the amount of $90,070.20.

It was announced trick-or-treat night in the township is set for Oct. 25, in keeping with the township’s tradition of holding it the last Friday of October.

The township is also seeking a member for the township’s planning commission due to a recent resignation. Contact the township office to apply.

The next Hanover Township, Lehigh County, Council meeting is set for 7 p.m. Oct. 16 in the municipal building, 2202 Grove Road. It is an in-person-only meeting.