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Lehigh Township adopts ag‑security, fee and sewage‑enforcement resolutions; approves parcel combination
Summary
The Board adopted four resolutions covering inclusion of a property in the Ag Security Area, sewage enforcement rates, miscellaneous fees (amended to include FEMA rates), and police report fees. The Board also authorized a waiver and letter to combine two parcels for a Collin Perkins single‑family dwelling review.
Lehigh Township supervisors voted unanimously on Jan. 13 to adopt four resolutions affecting agricultural preservation, sewage enforcement rates, miscellaneous fees and police report fees.
Supervisor Cindy Miller moved to adopt Resolution 2026‑2, which adds 522 Blue Mountain Drive to the township’s Ag Security Area; Attorney Backenstoe explained the program’s eligibility rules and that the Township applies locally before county review. The motion passed unanimously.
The Board adopted Resolution 2026‑3 to establish sewage enforcement officer (SEO) fees based on current SEO rates plus a Township administrative fee. Manager Alice Rehrig said a comparative chart showed a roughly 27% increase in the single per‑test charge for 2026 and recommended an RFP to seek competitive bids; the resolution may be updated depending on RFP results.
Supervisor Cindy Miller moved to adopt Resolution 2026‑4 setting miscellaneous fees. During discussion the Board agreed to amend the resolution to add the current FEMA equipment rates for Township equipment charges; the amended motion passed unanimously. The Board also approved Resolution 2026‑5 setting Police Department report fees.
In planning action, the Board granted a waiver of formal land development review and authorized a letter to Northampton County to combine Lots H4 13 11 and H4 13 12 for a Collin Perkins property under review for a single‑family dwelling. Supervisor Mike Muffley said a small, unusable parcel in the middle of the tract was not described in the deed, and combining the parcels will clear the title for building permit processing.
Together, the resolutions and planning motion clarify fee schedules, preserve a parcel under Ag Security, and aim to keep administrative costs for the SEO program borne by users rather than all taxpayers. Rehrig will proceed with the RFP for SEO services and update the Board if competitive rates are obtained.
