The Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners workshop meeting Nov. 4 opened with a recognition and special tribute to the Whitehall Township Fire Department and the other agencies and departments that responded to a fire Oct. 25 at Independence Square Apartments on Maryland Circle, Fullerton.

The alarm reportedly sounded 2:50 a.m., and it was noted there was smoke pouring out of the second story of one of the buildings. Six residents were reportedly rescued from balconies and more than 400 residents had to be temporarily evacuated.

It was noted there were no injuries or loss of life.

State Sen. Nick Miller, D-14th, and state Rep. Jeanne McNeill, D-133rd, were present to award certificates to department representatives.

In other business, there was a recommendation for the establishment of an open space preservation committee, presented by Karen Poshefko, of the environmental action committee. Poshefko noted a number of local communities have similar committees to advise on potential action points.

The commissioners said they will consider the recommendation.

Commissioner Ken Snyder also asked for the approval of an ad hoc committee to review the existing charter.

According to the agenda, commissioners discussed a number of ordinances and resolutions.

Bill 35-2024 would establish Bridge Street as a one-way road traveling southbound from Reliance Street to Ruchsville Road. Bill 36-2024 would authorize the acceptance of a proposal for phase two of the Mickley-Prydun Farm renovations.

Bill 37-2024 discussed deferring required curbing and sidewalks for 2,626 feet along Mauch Chunk and Rural roads and Schadt Avenue frontages of 1995 Schadt Ave. Bill 39-2024 would authorize the sublease of 5209 Springmill Road to Lehigh County for a communications tower.

The resolutions discussed included a grant request for a paver, a land development plan for a proposed Wawa redevelopment, a land development plan for Fellowship Community Independent Living Apartments and a liquor license transfer.

More information on the ordinances and resolutions can be found on the township website.

The board of commissioners next meets for the regular business meeting 7 p.m. Nov. 11 at the township municipal building, 3219 MacArthur Road.