Hanover Township, Lehigh County, Council introduced bill 2024-07 to establish a 10% penalty for failure to pay inspection and reinspection fees, established under the fats, oils and grease ordinance. The bill also provides for collection of fees and penalties by civil action and makes the permittee liable for costs of collection.

Township Manager Melissa Wehr said there are businesses who either pay late fees only after township prompting or simply disregard paying the inspection or reinspection fees.

In other business, council voted to authorize the release of the first and final payment to H&K Group Inc. for the Catasauqua Road, Marcon Boulevard and Irving Street project in the amount of $1,537,211.20.

Change orders for $21,797.96 and $7,429 were approved for the replacement of 11 storm sewer manhole frames and covers and the reconstruction of an inlet box along Marcon Boulevard.

There was also a required 18-month maintenance bond in the amount of $236,012.14. Recommended final payment is in the amount of $1,560,990.97.

Council voted to authorize final payment to R-III Construction Inc. for the Marcon Boulevard easement sanitary sewer lining and replacement project. The recommended third and final payment is in the amount of $33,655.80. The project has been completed.

Wehr noted the township’s leaf machine broke down. A repair is estimated at about $13,000. She added new leaf machine costs are around $145,000.

Wehr reminded council the Pennsylvania State Association of Townships annual conference is May 4-7. She requested council discuss and decide which council member or members will attend the conference.

There was a discussion prompted by Wehr about detailing the new administration vehicle and truck. She anticipates costs will be about $2,800 for both vehicles. The decision about the vehicles’ markings was postponed until the next council meeting.

The next council meeting is the reorganization meeting, set for 6:45 p.m., followed by the regular meeting 7 p.m., Jan. 13 at the municipal building, 2202 Grove Road.