Medical Marijuana Dispensary Pitched in Bethlehem Tp

Abbe Kruger wants marijuana dispensary
at Bethlehem Village Shoppes

A medical marijuana dispensary, to be located at Bethlehem Village Shoppes on Route 191, was pitched to Bethlehem Township Commissioners last night during what is known as a "conditional use" hearing. Attorney Stanley Margle, representing Hayden Gateway, elicited testimony from Abbe Kruger, a principal in that firm. Testimony will resume once engineers put the finishing touched on a site plan.

Kruger's firm is one of 300 that sought a permit from the state Department of Health for a medical marijuana dispensary. Her license was approved last year in Edwardsville, located in Luzerne County. Under the terms of her certificate, she can operate two additional dispensaries. In addition to the site in Bethlehem Township, she plans to open a third dispensary in Dickson City, located near Scranton. She added that there have been no issues at the Edwardsville venue.

Should Commissioners approve this application, it will be the fourth medical marijuana dispensary in the Lehigh Valley. Two are located in Allentown, with a third on Stefko Boulevard in Bethlehem.

Federal law still proscribes the possession and distribution of marijuana, although a 2013 memo from the Department of Justice indicates it will defer to the states unless minors are involved or a dispensary is a pretext for dealing in other drugs. Thirty-two states permit the sale of some form of marijuana.

In Pennsylvania, medical marijuana is available to patients who have one of 21 serious medical conditions, from glaucoma to a terminal illness. A qualifying person must visit an approved medical practitioner, of which there are 18 in Northampton County and 40 in Lehigh County. If a physician is convinced that a patient qualifies, he issues a "certification," as opposed to a prescription, which is used to obtain a medical marijuana ID card. That must be presented at the dispensary.

According to the State Department of Health, chronic pain is cited as the reason for about half of the applicants. Those suffering from PTSD account for another 14%.

The marijuana itself comes in various forms, but not as a plant to be smoked. It could be a pill, tincture, cream, liquid, vape cartridge or oil. Prices can be as low as $10 or as high as $150. Kruger said most patients opt for a vape cartridge. State law prohibits dispensing any more than a 30-day supply. It is provided in a sealed container and bagged, along with a warning to use the product at home. The product itself is secured. Employees are provided with silent and audible alarms as well.

Kruger said that the dispensary, which incidentally is located next to a magisterial district judge's chambers, will include an approved pharmacist who has received training. In addition, there will be a minimum of three patient care advocates and a security person. There will also be security cameras trained on the inside and exterior of the dispensary. Tapes must be kept for two years, and must be made available on request to law enforcement personnel.

Based on her experience in Edwardsville, Kruger estimates that around 800 patients will visit the dispensary every week. It will closed Sundays with a 10AM-6PM schedule on weekdays, with the exception of one night a week, when it will close at 7 pm. It will close on Saturdays at 5 PM.

Deliveries will be as often as five or six days a week, from an unmarked van that must call when it is an hour away and five minutes away. The van parks in an enclosed garage.

Commissioner John Gallagher asked what would stop a patient from opening a package in the parking lot. Kruger responded that warnings are given to use the product at home, and likened someone who uses the product in his car to driving with an open container. Attorney Margle added that it's impossible to prevent someone intent on breaking the law from doing so. Board President Michael Hudak suggested that a person who purchases at a dispensary is no different than someone who visits a state store to purchase alcohol for consumption at home.

One person opposed the conditional use. Shirley Frey, who resides across the street from the dispensary on Christian Springs Road, asked Kruger if she lived next to the dispensary in Edwardsville. "I'm expected to live next to this," complained Frey, who went on to say that she's "never heard a good report" about marijuana dispensaries. "Drugs are a major problem," she noted, adding she has been victimized by five attempted break-ins at her home.

Township Solicitor Jim Broughal said the hearing will continue at a date to be determined. In 2017, Commissioners approved a medical marijuana dispensary in an industrial park, but plans fell through.

Bethlehem Tp Homeowners Complain of Running Bamboo Infestation

John Bloshinski (L) and Mark Bogansky (R)

They came bearing bamboo. Mark Bogansky and John Bloshinski, who purchased a home on Driftwood Place two summers ago, vented at the June 3 meeting of Bethlehem Township Commissioners. Their complaint? Bamboo. Their property is being overrun by it, thanks to a neighbor who planted it on his property. Though Commissioners adopted an ordinance placing restrictions on this plant in 2015, this duo contended that township officials failed to take appropriate action when they first complained about this unwanted encroachment last year.   

According to the Pa. Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, running bamboo is one of the fastest growing and most invasive plants in the world. It's hardy, too. A study by the Institute of Invasive Bamboo Research reports that running bamboo, which is actually a grass, survived the Hiroshima bomb.

In 2015, retired Page Six cartoonist Sean DeLonas told Commissioners that running bamboo planted by a neighbor had already broken through his fence "and will break my underground lines, pipes and my home's foundation in less than two years." In response to DeLonas, Commissioners adopted an ordinance holding property owners responsible for the spread of this plant onto other properties. It stops short of an outright ban, but those who plant running bamboo are held responsible if its destructive path takes aim at another person's property.

Throughout Pennsylvania, numerous communities have adopted similar bamboo ordinances in Allentown, Bethlehem, Forks Tp, Hanover Tp, Nazareth and Wilson Borough. Hellertown is pondering an ordinance as well.

A Cumberland County Court has declared running bamboo a "vegetative nuisance" The court reasoned that urban living includes certain responsibilities, including a responsibility to take precautions against invasive plants that encroach upon another person's property.

"I did the right thing," said Bogansky of a complaint he filed with Township officials last August. The neighbor responded by inserting 15' of aluminum siding along a property that extends 135'. The infestation continued.

"What we want is your help with this," asked Bogansky. President Michael Hudak, who was familiar with the situation, said the neighbor has been notified to abate the bamboo infestation within 20 days. 

Solicitor Jim Broughal added that if the neighbor fails to take remedial action, the Township could seek injunctive relief in court  But not until the homeowner is given the opportunity to take action.

Bogansky and Bloshinski will return to Commissioners next month, hopefully with good news.

Dead Trees and Fallen Leaves Dominate Bethlehem Tp Meeting

"Butch" Grube, in his trademark hat,
at a recent meeting. 

Though a tax hike is looming, Bethlehem Tp Comm'r John Gallagher was focused on flora at the December 3 meeting,. Dead trees and leaf removal were the hot topics of a 40-minute meeting that should have lasted 10.

Gallagher actually had Public Works Director Richard "Butch" Grube summoned to explain why it's taking his crew so damn long to pick up fallen leaves. He's getting lots of complaints from neighbors."A lot of people think the public works crews are goofing off," he complained.

Grube explained that Bethlehem Tp has 120 miles of roads and five machines to seep up fallen leaves, two of which are currently out of service. He told Gallagher that leaves came down late this year, and then dropped all at once. To make matters worse, he's been hampered by the weather. His crew was unable to pick up leaves after the recent freak snow storm, which Manager Doug Bruce called "the largest storm in the Lehigh Valley in November." In addition to the snow, rains have slowed leaf collection. Wet leaves are difficult to sweep, Grube noted.

After hearing these explanations, Gallagher suggested that Grube post a schedule on the Township web page so residents have some idea when their area is being swept.

Grube responded that doing so will make residents even more angry if the trucks are delayed. President Mike Hudak agreed with this and began to say something, but Gallagher cut him off.

No Commissioner joined in Gallagher's suggestion that a schedule be posted.

In addition to fallen leaves, Gallagher was the sole No vote on a change order for the removal of two dead trees at  Housenick Park. They are both on slopes leading to the creek. the total cost, as a change order to work already being done by T and M, is $5,000.

This was too much money, according to one resident who claimed he had trees removes from his own property for far less money. "Personally, i thought it was a good price," responded president Mike Hudak. He recently had seven trees removed from his property and it cost $2,000 for one of the larger trees. 

The resident, who has never been to Housenick Park, demanded directions and even wants someone to escort him to the trees in question. He suggested that Commissioners give him $5,000 and let him get rid of the trees.

"Five thousand dollars for a tree and a half seems pretty high," said Commissioner John Gallagher. He was the sole No vote to the change order.

Bethlehem Tp Ponders Fire Tax

"Butch" Grube and his assistant, Rich Kanaskie

Which do you think is more important, police or fire protection? If I could only pick one, it would be police protection. You can always replace a house, but you can never replace a life. The state legislature thinks differently. No state law requires a municipality to provide police protection. But since 2008, "The Municipality shall be responsible for ensuring that fire and emergency medical services are provided for including appropriate financial and administrative assistance.” So local governments are required by law to support their local fire departments. One way to do this, and to plan ahead for major capital purchases, is through a fire tax. This possibility was considered by Bethlehem Township Commissioners at their Oct 15 meeting.

A possible fire tax was raised last year by Tom Nolan. Eight other NorCo communities have a fire tax. Finance Director Andrew Freda spoke with the state about this idea and it was recommended as a "common practice" and as a good way to plan ahead. Hudak said that he'd want the fire tax to include the Township's entire annual obligation to volunteer firefighters.

Nothing happened until the 2019 budget was recently introduced, requesting a half mill tax hike. Now Commissioners are taking a hard look at a fire tax. Commissioner Malissa Davis argued, "It makes no sense to borrow $1 million for a firetruck." Commissioners have asked for 10-year listing of purchases and contributions to the Township's two fire departments, hoping to arrive at a fair tax.

All money raised by a fire tax must by law go to fire department funding. The advantage to this is everyone is assured that the money will be used to support fire departments. The disadvantage, as pointed out by President Michael Hudak, is that the money will be unavailable for other emergencies that might arise.

Commissioner John Gallager wondered why this has to be a tax and not a fee like a stormwater management fee, which can legally be imposed on nonprofits. Solicitor Wendy Nicolosi answered that a Township only that a has the powers it is given by the state. It may impose a fire tax. It has no authority to assess a fee that would apply to nonprofits. A Township's power to impose an individual tax is limited as well.

Commissioners also speculated that a fire tax that includes the annual contribution to fire companies might make reduce or even eliminate the need for a property tax increase for other services.

In 2017, South Whitehall Township adopted a 0.47 mill tax hike so it could generate the revenue needed to replace fire equipment over time without heavy borrowing.

In Hanover Township, there is no debt and there has been no tax increase for 10 years. Part of the reason for this, according to Manager Jay Finnigan, is the fire tax. It enables the Township to plan and pay cash for replacement fire vehicles.

In addition to the fire tax discussion, Commissioners voted unanimously to stop the commercial use of the recycling center for yard waste, starting in January. This was recommended by Public Works Director Richard "Butch" Grube.

Under current policy, the Yard Waste facility is open to all township residents with proof of residency. This includes contractors who can prove that they are either from the township or are providing service to residents of the township. According to Grube, contractors are abusing this policy "Contractors from within the township can use the drop off no matter where they are actually doing work based on their home address," he said. "Also, outside contractors can use information from residents of the township to use the drop off center regardless of where they are working."

In the past, the Township was able to take the mulch to Green Pond Nursery for no charge. But the nursery ran out of room. "We were forced to find a hauler to take the material at a cost of $250.00 for an 80 ton tractor trail load. So far this year, we have needed to haul 7 of these loads out," noted Grube.

Bethlehem Tp Plans Saturday Fireworks, With Friday Rain Date?

Bethlehem Township has received a clean bill of financial health. At their September 4 meeting, Commissioners received a report from Allentown accounting firm Campbell, Rappold and Yurasits, which serves as the Township's independent auditor. Melissa Grube, a CPA with that form, presented a positive outlook for the year ending 2017. There were no material weaknesses or problems with internal controls.

According to the report, the Township finished 2017 with a fund balance of $6.9 million, and $2.3 million was unassigned. Unassigned money is available to be spent for emergencies or unforeseen projects. The Township received $2.5 million more than was budgeted. This is the result of grant reimbursements and state pension aid.

Unfortunately, the Township spent about $1 million more than was expected, due to unforeseen expenses in Public Works and with public safety personnel.

Long-term debt is $13.4 million.

After receiving this positive financial report, Commissioners adopted a policy to allow 20 young girls to practice soccer, twice a week, at a pocket park located at Anthony Court.

They also adopted a resolution honoring Frank Petho in his 100th birthday. President Mike Hudak said that Petho worked for 40 years at Bethlehem steel as a crane operator. He is also a founding member of the Freemansburg - Bethlehem Township Little League, and helped build the baseball diamonds.

As a final matter, Manager Doug Bruce reminded everyone that the Township will be celebrating its first ever community days this weekend, from Friday to Sunday, at the Township park. Fireworks are planned for Saturday night. If it rains on Saturday, Bruce announced Friday is the raindate.

Bruce has apparently mastered time travel.

BT Comm'rs Authorize Replacement For Aging Firetruck

It's seen better days. When Bethlehem Township Volunteer Fire Co. (BTVFC) Engine 1742 was first placed in service in 1995, it was a four-wheel drive behemoth capable of traveling off road to deliver a 500 gallon payload. In addition to extinguishing brush fires, its off road capabilities made it suitable for accidents in which cars are knocked off the highway. But after a 2002 accident that caused significant damage, firefighters can no longer use it as a front line resource. "You can run faster than it goes up a hill," Fire Chief Dave Stapinski told Commissioners at their July 2 meeting. He's also concerned that this truck would be unable to fight fires at some warehouses along Brodhead Road, where forklifts are charged in the back of buildings on uneven surfaces. After hearing these details, Commissioners voted 4-0 to authorize the Fire Company to purchase a new truck.

President Michael Hudak was absent.

This purchase was tabled two weeks ago when Commissioners said they'd like more information. This upset firefighters, who complained that the Board already approved a $10 million line of credit for this and other purchases in 2014.

"These are the guys who are getting out of bed and aren't getting paid and they protect all of us," said resident Barry Roth. "We need to have a better relation with these guys. They are not our enemy."

Commissioners also awarded a carpentry contract for the restoration of the Archibald Johnston Mansion at Housenick Park. Contek Construction,based in Macungie, was the sole bidder of a contract that could be as high as $334,475.

Commissioners also endorsed a $57,000 agreement with the Wildlands Conservancy for the restoration of a Nancy Run tributary at the Municipal Park. Wildlands plans to create a wildflower meadow along both sides of Nancy Run at the entrance of the park. Traveling wast and around the community center, the plan is to restore the stream bed followed by the planting of trees, shrubbery and wildflowers.

According to The Wildlands, erosion and sedimentation are evident in Nancy Run as a result of stormwater runoff and poor management practices. Trees and wildflowers are believed to provide streambank stabilization, erosion control, flood plain storage during storms, wildlife habitat, run off filtration and aesthetic appeal to some people. This lowers the water temperature, making even a small stream more attractive to brook trout.

To be sure, riparian buffers also make it harder to see or access a stream, and for that reason, I'd support a plan that would allow access so people can wade or just dip their feet on a hot summer day.

The Wildlands has applied for grants to fund half the cost of this project, with the rest coming from the Township.

According to Penn State Extension, riparian buffers are the best way to protect the health of waterways, livestock, adjacent property, and all who drink and use water downstream.

Bethlehem Tp to Buy Portable Restrooms For Youth Sports

Years of bickering over a $350,000 bathroom complex for Bethlehem Tp's athletic fields may have finally come to an end. On June 4, Commissioners voted unanimously to seek bids for a mobile restroom that would include four toilets and a big ADA compliant toilet, complete with a wheelchair ramp, for someone who is either disabled or just ate curry. PPIS Director Steve Hunsberger, who is also apparently PooPooIS Director, presented the options to Commissioners. He predicted that they could probably purchase a trailer for about $42,000, and place it on a concrete pad. It will take about 16 weeks once it's ordered.

Hunsberger knows only one company that manufactures this miracle of modern plumbing. It's called UltraLav. It can be connected and disconnected to water and sewer at will, and is planned for public use during athletic contests like softball or football.

The Township has been renting porta-potties. They tend to smell on warmer days. It's a smell that would outlast religion.

"I think it's a great idea," said President Mike Hudak of the mobile restroom. He really liked the idea that it is portable and can be moved to different events, like community days or a Housenick Park chili festival. That way you could "spread the wealth."

"But is it jail grade?" asked John Merhotten. Hunsberger replied that there are simple white sinks. Nothing frilly, like the bidets included on my personal throne.

"But is it jail grade?" asked Merhotten again. He eventually explained he was looking for the cheapest model available, not one that includes Bubba.

That's what the Township plans to get.

Hudak said that he has considerable personal experience with these portable restrooms. He gained this during numerous hunting expeditions. He conceded that they do get dirty, "but you just go in with a hose and in five minutes they are sparkly and clean."

In other business, Commissioners voted unanimously to seek guidance from PennDot for a flashing beacon on Freemansburg Avenue that would go off when the Bethlehem Township Volunteer Fire Company responds to a call. "Anything that would make things safer for our firefighters would be something I'd embrace," said John Gallagher.

They also voted unanimously to purchase three "No Littering" signs along the roadways leading to the bike path along the old canal trail. Malissa Davis suggested a separate sign asking visitors to pick up after their dogs, who are unable to use the portable restroom.

Finally, Commissioners are seeking carpentry bids for the Archibald Johnston Mandion and applying for a hotel tax grant to assist in the renovation of the mansion.

The next scheduled meeting of Bethlehem Township Commissioners is June 18, 7 pm, at the Municipal Building at 4225 Easton Avenue.

Melissa Shafer: BT's Loss is St.Luke's Gain

Melissa Shafer, who has been Bethlehem Township Manager since March 2014, is leaving the public sector for St. Luke's Hospital. She will be taking Jane George's job in government and community relations.

At St. Luke's, Shafer will be responsible for developing and maintaining positive working relationships with elected officials and their staffs. She will also review legislation and advocate policy positions.

During her tenure at Bethlehem Township, Shafer was an advocate of increased transparency. She started the practice of having everything considered by Township Commissioners made available online. She enhanced the Township website and promoted the use of social media that included Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. She also promoted Nixle, which warns residents about traffic changes or emergency situations. It has been activated three times in recent months for police standoffs.

Shafer is a graduate of Millersville University and has a Master's degree in Public Administration from Villanova University.

Before coming to Bethlehem Township, she was Chalfont Borough Manager for over six years.

Edinger Honored for 20 Yrs Service on Beth Tp. Planning Comm'n

Kenn Edinger with Mike Hudak

Last night, Kenn Edinger was honored by Bethlehem Township Commissioners for 20 years of service on the Planning Commission, an unpaid job for volunteers. He's leaving with a plaque. But as fellow Planning Commissioner Don Wright observed, no check.

The resolution honoring Edinger, which passed unanimously, cited his "keen insight and important township historical knowledge." Unlike so many other Planning Commission members, who might be engineers or subcontractors looking for work from a developer, there was never a potential conflicts of interest with Edinger. "You gotta' look out for the people," he could be heard saying before the meeting, still discussing a proposed development.

He pulled no punches. "Lou, you got a lot of problems here," he once said of a Lou Pektor project. He bashed initial plans at a Chrin commercial development because "[e]very job in this development is a minimum wage job." His most famous quote, which came during the Southmont debate, "Only God and the owner can knock down a historic farmhouse."

Edinger knows a lot about Bethlehem Township because that's where he grew up. His father owned and operated Greenview Nursery. Ken worked at Butztown Garage, and claims he was "railroaded" 20 years ago into the planning Commission. It was wither that or the Board of Commissioners.

Howard Kutzler noted that, when he first came to the Township in 1999, it was Edinger who showed him the ropes. "He was the guy to go to," said Kutzler.

Two grass runways at old Beth Tp airport. 

Edinger demonstrated some of his historical knowledge just before the meeting started. He said he remembered when Freemansburg Avenue between Bethlehem and Easton was just a collection of farm fields. Barns along that desolate road, which always looked a lot like airplane hangars, looked that way because that's what they were. At one time, there was a small airport and even a sky diving school at the site.

All that came to an end when a skydiver, in a freak accident, plunged to his death in the vicinity of what now is called the Vineyards at Wagner Farms.

In other business, Commissioners relented and authorized the purchase of a $23,000 leaf collector for public works. They had previously turned down a request for two of them because they were never included in the budget.

Public Works Director Richard "Butch" Grube explained that he had sought approval of two leaf collectors in last year's budget, and his request was approved with the understanding that the Township would first try to get a grant. Unfortunately, no such grants were available

Grube noted he was able to purchase a tractor for $25,000 less than budgeted, and would like to use the saved money to acquire at least one collector. He noted there are over 200 cul de sacs and dead ends at which these small leaf collectors are used.

Commissioners agreed to authorize he purchase.

"I still could use two," said Grube after his request was approved.

"See you next year," answered  President Mike Hudak.

Bethlehem Tp Appoints Howard Kutzler Interim Comm'r

Howard Kutzler was Bethlehem Tp Manager,
but was succeeded by Melissa Shafer

On July 5, Kim Jenkins resigned as a Bethlehem Township Commissioner for the third ward after just 18 months in office. She said her decision was for personal reasons. At a special meeting on July 31, the remaining four Commissioners appointed Howard Kutzler, 52, to succeed her until the end of the year.

In November, voters will decide who represents them in an election in which the county parties name the candidates.

Kutzler is a Republican,while Jenkins is a Democrat. Nothing in the First Class Township Code requires that an appointed Commissioner be a member of he same party as the person who was elected.

Kutzler was selected from among four candidates. The remaining three include business consultant Gene DePalma, Seafarers' union official Joe Sorei and Upper Macungie Tp Administrative Assistant Sheri Eichlin.

Kutzler, who with his wife raised his son and daughter in the Township, should know Bethlehem Township government very well. He worked there 14 years, both as Planning Director and Manager. In 2013, he accepted a position in South Whitehall Township as Director of Administration, and was named Township Manager in 2015.

Earlier this year, he took on a new challenge as a planner for David Jaindl. Noting he spent 27 years in the public sector, he said he'd like to work in the private sector.

But not completely. He still is hooked on local government, an interest he gets from his father, a police officer, and his grandfather, a former Northampton Mayor. His first job was as a basket boy at the Northampton pool.

He said that serving as interim Commissioner is "an opportunity to give back to this community, which has been so generous to me."

Kutzler is the first Township Commissioner to be appointed to the Board since 1985. Tom Nolan pointed out that's when he was appointed, but he was defeated in the election that year.

Kutzler, who graduated from the University of West Virginia with a degree in Planning, said he expects to run as the Republican nominee.

"Howard, God help you!" said President Mike Hudak after the appointment.

Bethlehem Township Adopts Medical Pot Ordinance

Pennsylvania is one of 28 states, along with the District of Columbia, that has legalized medicinal pot. Before the law is implemented next year, municipalities throughout the state are revising their zoning ordinances to designate exactly where marijuana facilities will be permitted. Bethlehem Township adopted its rules at its March 20 Commissioners' meeting, with no discussion from any one. The vote was 4-0.

Under Pennsylvania's medical marijuana law, doctors will be able to prescribe cannabis for 17 different ailments. Northampton and Lehigh County will be limited to one dispensary each, and the pot will be in the form of pills, oil, topical or a liquid that can be vaporized.

Bethlehem Township's ordinance provides for four specific marijuana uses: grower/processor facility (indoor growing and manufacturing building no more than 20,000 sq ft); medical marijuana delivery vehicle office;dispensary (n more than 5,000 sq ft, with indoor garage delivery); and academic clinical research center (must be at an accredited medical school with an acute care hospital). All uses must be secure.

All medical marijuana facilities must be at least 1000' from any school, nursery or day-care center.

Dispensaries are the most heavily regulated use. They can only be open between 8 am and 8 pm. No drive-throughs, outdoor seating or vending machines or deliveries are allowed. The facilities are permitted by conditional use in industrial, general commercial and hospital zones.

Pennsylvania's Department of Health was expecting at least 900 applications to participate in its medical marijuana program by March 20.    

In other business, Commissioners authorized Manager Melissa Shafer to explore the cost of a municipal survey that would poll residents on different topics, including participation in Bethlehem Area Public Library. They authorized four officers to attend training sessions on traffic safety and narcotics  They also approved annual payments to two township youth athletic associations and the Miracle League,which offers a baseball experience to differently-abled children.

Commissioner Pat Breslin was absent.

Bethlehem Tp No-Tax-Hike Budget Official

As expected, Bethlehem Township Commissioners adopted a no-tax-hike budget at their December 19 meeting. Michael Hudak was the sole No vote. But as also expected, they unanimously approved a slight increase in the sewer rate.

What does this mean? If your home is assessed at $100,000, you will continue to pay the same $709 tax bill that you paid this year. And your sewer rate will remain the same $52.50 you pay each quarter unless you are using more than 6,000 gallons. If you do, you will see an increase of 0.00707 per gallon above the 6,000 gallons.

Township Manager Melissa Shafer reminded the audience that the Township has vacancies on several commissions and boards.

Kim Jenkins reported that the Township is spending $10,600 for mobile speed signs along Bethman and Hecktown Roads. Speeding along Bethman Road has been the subject of complaints at several meetings this year.

In her monthly report, Shafer also reports that the Township received a $400,000 grant from the state Department of Community and Economic Development for its $3.9 million Brodhead Road repaving project. She continues to applies for state funding.

Commissioners also decided to put the brakes on an updated comprehensive plan as a result of recommendations made by the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission. A new hearing on this plan is scheduled for April 17.

As the meeting came to an end, President Pat Breslin remarked that he was happy that, once again, we can say "Merry Christmas!" Breslin was obviously referring to President-elect Donald Trump's contention that there has been a "war on Christmas."

Bethlehem Township: No Tax Hike, But Sewer Bills For Some Will Rise

Andrew Freda, BT Director of Finance

It appears likely that there will be no tax hike in Bethlehem Township next year. At their November 21 meeting, Commissioners voted unanimously to advertise a 2017 budget that will keep the same 7.09 millage rate that was imposed for this year. But Commissioners are projected to spend more money than they receive in taxes and other revenue. This will create a structural deficit, which will be made up by taking it from the general fund. That will drop from $2.5 million to $1.8 million at year's end.  

A 7.09 millage rate means that a home assessed at $100,000 will receive a $709 tax bill.

Resident Roy Roth told Commissioners that Hanover Township has been able to go nine years without a tax hike,and said one of the reasons is that Hanover refuses to include grants in their budget because they are always uncertain. Tom Nolan told Roth that the Township is now putting money aside for major capital items like fire trucks.

Though the tax rate will remain the same, some Township residents will see their sewer bills go up next year. This is because Bethlehem, which handles the Township's sewage system, gave notice in October that it was increasing its rate by 6.5%.

Though the Township is passing along this increase, Finance Director Andrew Freda took an innovative approach that will spare most residents.

Currently, ratepayers pay $52.50 per quarter, so long as they use 6,000 gallons or less. If they use more, the rate is 0.0069 per gallon.

Under the new rate structure, customers who use 6,000 gallons or less will continue paying the same $52.50 they pay now. But those who use more will see an increase of 0.00707 per gallon above the 6,000 gallons.

"We have a lot of residents in the township that use far less than 6,000 gallons," said Michael Hudak. "We wanted to make sure there was no increase on their end." Malissa Davis added that the increase only applies to usage above 6,000 gallons.

The rate increase will go into effect in the second quarter in the second quarter of the year.

Freda added that ratepayers will be able to pay their sewer bills online. No registration is required, and customers can ask for email reminders or even enroll in auto-pay or pay-by-text.  

In other business, Commissioners authorized a $109,715 payment to TandM Associates as it attempts to survey its storm water problem."That is our first  foot in the door," said Hudak. They also approved a $5,442.50 to RGC Development for a backflow preventer on athletic fields referred to as the North Forty. Kim Jenkins noted that the Bulldogs, a youth sports association, has volunteered to pay half of that bill.  

PPL Proposes Laydown Yard on Farmersville Road

PPL wants to convert existing farmland on Farmersville Road, located between Lehigh River and Freemansburg Avenue, into what is called a laydown yard. That's where the electric utility would store utility poles, transformers, wires and vehicles from which it could respond promptly when emergency repairs are needed as a result of an accident or major storm. There are no laydown yards in the Bethlehem Township area.

Because utilities are exempt from zoning laws, this matter will go through the Public Utility Commission. Otherwise, the Zoning Hearing Board would have to decide whether to grant a variance to allow a laydown yard use in an area zoned for agriculture.

In his report to Commissioners, Jones notes that this will enhance the reliability of electrical service in the area. But he adds that this comes at the cost of increased truck traffic, will increase the amount of impervious surface and will create an intense use right along the picturesque Lehigh River bike path. This is arguably one of the most beautiful spots in the Lehigh Valley.

Allied Bldg Corp Approved For Bethlehem Tp Community Center

By a 4-0 vote at their November 7 meeting, Betlehem Township Commissioners approved Allied Building Corp. as its construction manager for renovations at the community center. The facility was built ten years ago at a cost of $11 million, but needs $2 million in repairs, including a new roof.

Allied was selected after discussions with and Commissioners Tom Nolan and Michael Hudak.

Pat Breslin was absent from the brief meeting, which was chaired efficiently by Hudak.

Bethlehem Tp Discusses Roof Warranty, Route 191 and Governor Christie

Bethlehem Tp Community Center

As reported yesterday, Bethlehem Township Solicitor Jim Broughal thinks it would be a waste of time and money to sue over $2 million in repairs needed at the ten-year old community center, which was built at a cost of $11 million. Most of the claims are time-barred, he explained at the October 17 Commissioners' meeting. But a possibly defective roof did include a 20-year warranty, he advised, and Commissioners unanimously have decided to make a claim with JohnsManville Roofing.  

In other business, Commissioners directed Township Engineer Brian Dillman to study the Route 191 corridor between its intersections with Route 22 and Brodhead Road. Tom Nolan said that over the past weekend, there were two accidents in this area. There have been 126 accidents just at the Route 191-22 intersection ince 2011, according to a report obtained by the township police.

Tom Nolan

Nolan believes that some of the problem occurs where Route 22 exits north onto Route 191, where there is only a yield sign. He added that 18-wheelers have trouble turning onto Route 22 from Route 191.

Route 191 is a PennDOT road, so the Township is limited in what it can do. It might be able to change the timing of the lights or replace the yield sign with a stop sign.

Resident Barry Roth, who operates a tow truck, said the problem extends south to Perkins."It's a disaster," he claimed. He noted traffic stacks along the entire corridor.

Commissioners also re-visited its termination of K-9 Officer Dan Barsnica, who was terminated in 2015. Barsnica filed a grievance, but proposed a settlement under the terms of which the Township withdrew its termination and allowed him to resign voluntarily. There would be no payout, and Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the settlement.

Jim Broughal

Finally, Manager Melissa Shafer told Commissioners that Governor Chris Christie's proposed termination of a Pa.-NJ tax deal could have an impact on the Township. Bethlehem Township includes many New Jersey transplants who still work in the Garden State.

Under the current system, a township resident who works in New Jersey pays his income taxes in Pennsylvania, which is set at a flat 3.07%. Those taxes, along with the earned income tax, are usually collected by the New Jersey employer and remitted to Pennsylvania and the municipality.

Christie, who is miffed that the New Jersey state legislature has failed to come up with $250 million in cuts to the healthcare costs of public workers, has proposed scrapping a nearly 40-year old reciprocity agreement, to bring in $180 million in taxes annually.

Unlike Pennsylvania's uniform 3.07% tax, New Jersey has a progressivetax rate,depending on income.It can be as low as 1.4% or as high as 8.97%.

One township resident who works in New Jersey stated that, if he is forced to pay his income taxes there, it will cost him $300 per month. He will paying more to commute to his job, too, thanks to a 23-cent per gallon hike in gas taxes.

"It's a double whammy," he said.

Brodhead Road Repairs Might Start Next Year

By a 4-1 vote, Bethlehem Township Commissioners voted at their October 3 meeting to move ahead with the engineering and permits for the costly $3.9 million Brodhead Road re-paving project. Michael Hudak, the sole No vote, gave no explanation for his opposition. But in August, Commissioners voted to table this matter. They never voted to remove the matter from the table

In August, when the Broadhead Road project was tabled,  Commissioners had no idea how it would be financed. A $2.7 million grant request to the Commonwealth Financing Agency was passed over in July, though State Senator Lisa Boscola informed the Township that the state would come up with $200,000,

The design costs alone are projected at $48,000, according to Township Engineer Brian Dillman.

Dillman stated that the best and most cost-effective way to proceed is with a complete reconstruction of the 8,500' road, which extends from Route 191 in a westerly direction to the Hanover Township boundary at Township Line Road. He added that the project could be done all at once or in three phases.

"I am sure it is going to be a budget issue," warned Tom Nolan. But he added it is a township road "that we must address."

Dillman told Commissioners that, at the quickest,the road project would start in 2017. Before that, handicapped ramps would have to be installed. Norfolk-Southern, which has a railroad crossing near Route 191, would also get an opportunity to make improvements.

"I've been after that road for ten years," said Public Works Director Richard Grube. Noting that the ground underneath the pavement is clay, he agrees that a complete replacement is needed.   .

In other business, Commissioners approved some engineering changed to the community center rehab project that Entech Engineer Ryan Kennedy predicted would reduce the cost to the Township by $126,000.

They also voted unanimously to support Kim Jenkins' motion to request the state legislature to correct deficiencies in the state gaming law that have been ruled unconstitutional by the state Supreme Court. The Township relies on the casino for the funding of numerous public safety items, including police cruisers and fire-fighting equipment.

Bethlehem Tp Hires Stormwater Engineer

TandM's Greg Duncan is Bethlehem
Township's stormwater engineer. 

On June 15, 2015, in the middle of a Bethlehem Township Commissioners' meeting, between four and five inches of rain fell over the course of just three hours. Entire sections of roadway were washed out as the Township ran out of barricades to warn passing motorists. The township spent $140,000 in emergency road repairs.

Manager Melissa Shafer fielded complaints from 37 different areas within the township. In addition, there were 15 sinkholes. "Impervious areas, lack of stormwater infrastructure in our older neighborhoods, undersized existing stormwater facilities and the shrinking capacity of Nancy Run Creek all contribute to the flooding issues," she later reported.

For years, raging stormwaters have been mentioned at nearly every meeting.

After last year's sudden downpour, Commissioners decided to make stormwater management their top priority. They teamed up with Freemansburg for a gaming grant to conduct a stormwater study. They visited Lancaster, which has a model stormwater management program. And at their September 6 meeting, they voted 4-0 to hire TandM Associates as their stormwater engineer.

TandM was the unanimous choice of a committee that reviewed proposals from five different engineering firms. As Shafer explained in a memo to Commissioners, T and M "not only brings experience and understanding of the sophisticated modeling necessary for the long term operations and maintenance of our system, but they have an unsurpassed local and regional knowledge and existing data already compiled on our watersheds. The Committee also felt that TandM rate structure and fee proposal was very competitive."

Greg Duncan, who is with TandM, will serve as the project manager. He will analyze the existing system, create a Stormwater Improvement Plan, develop a Stormwater Operation and Maintenance Plan and identify funding mechanisms to pay for the work.

In other business, Commissioners approved an ordinance establishing new boundary lines for its four wards. These changes will have no impact on this year's Presidential race and will only take effect next year. The new boundaries create four wards that range in population from 5800 to 6037.

They also voted to create an abandoned property register. According to Planning Director Nathan Jones, there are currently about 25 abandoned properties in the Township.  

Finally, they enacted an ordinance to regulate cell tower companies that straddle public rights of way with minpoles to augment cell tower coverage. 

Michael Hudak was absent from the meeting.   

Bethlehem Tp Delays Brodhead Rd Project

Though everyone agrees that Bethlehem Township's Brodhead Road is in dire need of repairs, Commissioners, but they have balked at the $3.9 million re-paving pricetag. Township officials had hoped that the state would award a $2.7 million grant for this needed project, but without explanation, the Commonwealth Financing Agency has declined to fund any more than $200,000. Township Engineer Brian Billman advised that design costs would be $48,000.

Township Commissioners were slated to adopt a resolution at their August 15 meeting, giving Dillman a green light to proceed with permitting and design. They also proposed a resolution directing Manager Melissa Shafer to approach businesses along the road, seeking voluntary contributions for the repairs.

But when push came to shove, Commissioners decided to continue doing what they've been doing all along - nothing.  

Both matters were tabled 4-0 (Pat Breslin was absent). Tom Nolan worried that directing Shafer to approach businesses would "put her on the spot." And the resolution authorizing a design was tabled without discussion.

Bethlehem Township Reapportions Its Four Wards

Bethlehem Township Commissioners voted 4-0 (Pat Breslin was absent) at their August 15 meeting to advertise an ordinance to reapportion its four wards as required by state law. This reapportionment will have no impact on November's election.  It will take effect next year.

Township Manager Melissa Shafer said a map of the four wards will be made available online once the changes are made by the county elections office.