Kristine Blake Sworn in as Bethlehem Tp's Newest Comm'r

Kristine Blake and son

Better late than never. Attorney Kristine Blake was a few minutes late for her first meeting as a Bethlehem Tp Commissioner. The audience still applauded when she took the oath of office, administered by Judge Jennifer Sletvold during the November 18 meeting.

She replaces the late Tom Nolan, who died in office after three decades of service.

Aside from Blake, former Commissioners Art Murphy and Tim Brady had applied for the post. Commissioners Mike Hudak and John Merhotten favored Murphy, while Commissioners Malissa Davis and John Gallagher wanted Blake.

It was up to Frank Pologruto, who chairs the Township's Vacancy Board, to break the tie at a meeting on November 5.

Blake, an attorney at Pro Unlimited in East Hanover, N.J., was a Northampton County Assistant District Attorney. Her husband Bill is the Assistant District Attorney in charge of the investigating grand jury.

A Democrat, Blake will serve the remainder of Nolan's term of office. It expires at the end of 2019.

Tom Nolan Remembered

Karen and Bill Berry

At their Oct 1 meeting, Bethlehem Tp Commissioners paid tribute to Tom Nolan. He was a member of the board who died in office Sep 25 after a brief battle with leukemia. The meeting started with a moment of silence for Nolan, followed by tributes from his fellow Commissioners and members of the public. 

President Mike Hudak, who tangled with Nolan for 12 years, explained that Nolan always called him in advance when he knew they would be at odds. But he explained that they agreed more often than they differed. "At the end of the day, you still leave as friends," said Hudak, adding they had "a mutual respect for each other. His presence and voice on this Board will be missed, but I'm positive that what he leaves behind will carry on. God speed, Tom."

Commissioner Malissa Davis, who was probably Nolan's closest ally, called him "a voice we are really going to miss." She broke down. Commissioners John Merhotten and John Gallagher, who only began serving in January, had kind words as well. Merhotten praised Nolan for the "professionalism and respect he gave everybody." Gallagher added that "the Township is certainly going to miss his presence."

Several residents also chimed in. Most notable of this was Karen Berry. Her husband and Bill ran against each other twice. Bill won the first race, while Nolan won the second. She called Nolan "a friend" who "really served the greater community."

Berry also had kind words for the Commissioners. "Being a Commissioner is not easy," she said. "There is a lot of work that you people do."

Bethlehem Tp Schedules May 16 Special Meeting For Housenick Park

Mike Hudak makes a point

Thanks to a 2005 bequest by Janet Housenick, Bethlehem Township became the owners of a sprawling 55-acre estate known today as Housenick Park. It includes the mansion built by Bethlehem's first Mayor, Archibald Johnston. Housenick also set aside $2 million to maintain the site, once described by former Executive John Stoffa as the Lehigh Valley's future Central Park. Commissioners adopted a Master Plan to develop the property in 2011, which converted the grounds into magnificent walking trails along with a parking lot for visitors. But the mansion itself is another story. Township officials are still mulling how it should be used. This problem came up at their May 7 meeting, and is going to necessitate a special meeting on May 16.

On the Friday before this meeting, Commissioners received a gentle nudge from Housenick Trustees Bill Leeson, Stephen Baratta and Tom Brady. Trustees offered to give the Township $1.3 million in $130,000 annual payments over the next four years to restore the exterior of the mansion. The catch is that the Township must be able to open the mansion's first floor to the public within four years. Also, their offer was withdrawn unless the Township agreed that night.

"We can't ask the taxpayers to fund this project when we have no idea what it's going to cost," said Michael Hudak. He noted previous cost estimates indicating it would take $3.5 million to restore the first floor alone. "The beat us up on the streetlights to thus day and we had that project vetted, he said, referring to an $800,000 streetlight contract that ultimately resulted in embezzlement charges and convictions against the vendors.

Commissioners never agreed to the proposal, so the offer is withdrawn. But Leeson said on behalf of the Trustees that he was willing to sit down with Township Solicitor Jim Broughal to hammer out a new agreement giving the Township additional time.

Though development of the grounds into walking trails has been relatively noncontroversial, the Board has to date been unable to decide what to do with the mansion, and is leery of getting involved in a restoration that ultimately could gobble up tax dollars. Malissa Davis called the offer a "hard pill to swallow when we don't know what to do inside."

Leeson asked Commissioners to look at things from his vantage point. "We don't want to commit that money only to see the building torn down," he reasoned. He added that Trustees would agree to pay half the cost of a professional consultant to advise Commissioners on the most desirable use of the mansion's interior.

Member of the public were as divided as the commissioners. Don Wright warned it will be a "money pit" while Barry Roth argued that the money needed could be donated. "The economy is on an upswing and people are looking for a place to dump money," he argued.

Commissioners said that a nonprofit corporation is being formed to accept tax deductible donations, and Tom Nolan reiterated that no township tax dollars would be spent.

At a special meeting on May 16, Solicitor Jim Broughal will report whether he has been able to negotiate a new agreement with the Trustees, giving them five years and half the cost of a consultant to advise on the best use of the mansion. At that time, Commissioners will also vote on a bid package for the exterior restoration of the mansion, with or without the Trustees' money.

"Pappy" Frankenfield Honored For 65 Years as a Firefighter

In a room full of volunteer firefighters, Bethlehem Tp Commissioners paid homage on April 16 to the late Curtis "Pappy" Frankenfield, who passed away on April 2 at age 89. According to the resolution honoring him, he "served with great passion as a volunteer fireman for 65 years." Forty-one of those years was with The Bethlehem Tp Volunteer Fore Co. Station No. 17.  He also served as Chief from 1989-1991.

"[H]is passing leaves a huge void in our hearts and our organization, and he will be missed," said Kevin Kalman, one of his fellow firefighters.

Frankenfield was also posthumously honored with a citation from the Pennsylvania Senate.

Nathan Jones Leaving Bethlehem Tp For Lower Mac

Nathan Jones has been Bethlehem Tp's Planning Director since July 2014. But starting in May, he will be the Ass’t Planning Director in Lower Macungie Township.

"I really enjoyed my time here," he explained, "but I could not miss this professional opportunity."

Jones had been slated to attend the American Planning Association conference in New Orleans for a week's worth of training in April, but has canceled those plans. He said it would be inappropriate for him to travel on the dime of Bethlehem Tp taxpayers when he knows he is leaving.

Jones is a graduate of both The University of Pittsburgh and Suffolk University,where he attained a Master's degree in Public Administration. Before coming to the Lehigh Valley, he was a planner in New England.

Bethlehem Tp Residents: Where's That Budget?

Ben Hedrick

Bethlehem Township Manager Melissa Shafer prides herself on government transparency.  Shehas introduced a host of social media applications to the Township's senescent population, from Facebook to Snapchat. For some time, she has been posting the agenda of public meetings online, along with all supporting documents.

The tool I like best is Nixle. This provides notifications via text or email or both of traffic problems, road closures, snow emergencies and public safety concerns. It was activated during a recent standoff on Oakland Road, which resulted in the apprehension of a heavily armed Bushkill Township man accused of shooting and killing his cousin. Residents were warned to stay away from the area or shelter in place. They were also informed when the suspect was eventually in custody.   

On a lighter note, Shafer also plays the female lead in a Youtube video. Council President Mike Hudak and CPL Shaun Powell toss her into the back of a cruiser to show what can happen to people who drive without a license.

I'm waiting for a taser demonstration on Pat Breslin to see if he is still alive.

As hard as Shafer is trying, even she makes mistakes. And at last night's Commissioners' meeting, resident Ben Hedrick called her out. He was so angry that flames were shooting off the top of his head, as you can see in the photograph.

He wanted to know how on earth the Township can conduct budget hearings, starting on Monday, when the budget itself is still unavailable.

Shafer told Hedrick that the budget is still being prepared and will be online by the end of the week.

Hedrick also wanted to know why the budget hearings are not listed on the township calendar. "That's not right," he complained. "We have to do better than this."

Shafer apologized and said that the budget hearings will be listed on the township calendar today. She indicated they are listed on the Township newsletter, and I have listed them below.

Hedrick and his lovely wife attend lots of meetings, both on the county and township level. He is a good government advocate, and I decided to console him after the meeting.

"You don't have the budget yet?"

"No, and how can people attend budget hearings when they don't know what's in the budget?"

"Gee, Shafer gave me the budget last week."

Flames began shooting from the top of his head again.

In other business, Commissioners approved a series of change orders to renovations oft the community center, adding about $100,000 to the $1.8 million price tag. Assistant Manager Doug Bruce went through each of them in exhaustive detail, explaining that they were the result of unforeseen conditions.

Thanks to State Senator Lisa Boscola, Manager Melissa Shafer has been able to persuade Penn East Pipeline to meet with residents who are going to be be as close as 200' to the latest version of the compressed gas pipeline. That meeting will occur at the Hope Ridge Condominium.

President Mike Hudak apologized for being a little off his game because he had just returned from overseas.

"Oh , were you in Russia?" I asked Hudak. "How is Putin?"

Hudak explained he was in Japan, learning martial arts moves. Fortunately, he chose not to try any of them on me.

Tom Nolan was absent.

Budget Hearing Schedule:

Monday, October 23rd 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Monday, October 30th 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Saturday, November 11th 9:00am - 12:00pm
Monday, November 20th 7:00pm (First Public Reading)
Monday, December 18th 7:00pm (Budget Adoption)

Bethlehem Tp To Survey Public Concerning Library

Judge Jennifer Sletvold administers oath to Kutzler

Back in January, Bethlehem Tp Commissioners were poised to ask the public by way if referendum whether the Township should continue its participation in Bethlehem Area Public Library. President Mike Hudak complained that only a small percentage of residents use it, but the annual fee is $17.25 per capita. But they discovered that the Library Law makes it virtually impossible to ask voters directly whether they want to remain. So they've come up with another way to gauge public opinion - a survey.

At their August 7 meeting, Commissioners voted 4-0 (Malissa Davis was absent) to enter into a $14,265 agreement with National Citizen Survey for a public opinion poll. Manager Melissa Shafer advised that a questionnaire, sent to 1,500 people, will register sentiments concerning the library and other issues.

Bethlehem Area Public Library is financed by Bethlehem, Bethlehem Tp, Hanover Tp and Fountain Hill Borough. Bethlehem Tp has 9,749 cardholders, including 528 new cardholders in 2015. That translates to 41% of the Township's population. In addition to the annual per capita assessment of municipalities, the library benefits from nearly $215,000 in donations and grants each year.

Though the Township failed to budget for this survey, Shafer said she could use unspent money in the Planning Department.

There's no need to survey public opinion about all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). In recent years, there's been a rash of complaints about the noise and dust they cause. So Commissioners voted 4-0 to ban their use between dusk and dawn. They must also stay at least 100' away from the property line of any adjacent owner.

ATVs include snowmobiles, motor driven vehicles having two or more wheels (commonly known as trail bikes), dirt bikes, mini bikes, and all other vehicles (licensed and unlicensed) commonly used for off-road purposes. ATVs used for emergencies, residential gardening, property maintenance, or agricultural purposes are exempt.

According to HG, a legal information site, 135,000 people are injured every year in ATV accidents. Over 700 are killed every year, and a third of them are under 16.

In other business, Commissioners authorized an appeal to the Township's own Code Appeals Board concerning the stringent code requirements for a controversial public restroom near the athletic fields, called the North 40.  The most recent cost estimates for this, according to Mike Hudak, are $460,000-$495,000.

According to the Uniform Construction Code, the Township would be required to install six women's toilets; four men's toilets and a separate, "family assisted use" restroom. Shafer is proposing that four family rest rooms should suffice.

Hudak suggested tabling this appeal because he had just become aware of an opportunity to purchase at a cost of between $30,000-60,000.  Though Tom Nolan agreed that the trailer option should be pursued, he recommended that the Board pursue the appeal as well. The Board voted 3-1 to do so,with Hudak dissenting.    

Howard Kutzler, who was appointed on July 31, was sworn in by Judge Jennifer Sletvold just as the meeting started. The Township's newest Commissioner, its former Planner and Manager, needed and got no time to get used to the job. He began his first meeting by proving he is the fiscal conservative he said he is.

On the agenda were three major purchase orders totaling $95,672. Two of these orders - one for the outdoor pool and another for line painting - were already a part of the budget. But the third - $46,642.90 to purchase two small leaf trucks - was not.  Kutzler forced a separate vote on that item, and it failed.

As a final matter, Commissioners considered a proposal to give volunteer firefighters a tax credit, either from real estate taxes or Earned Income Tax., at the suggestion of  Tom Nolan. This is pursuant to a recent state law authorizing municipalities to provide a tax credit of up to 20% to active volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians.

"Our volunteer firefighters are out daily, said Kutzler. "We're blessed in this community." But Kutzler and Hudak both said they need time to study the proposal.

Bethlehem Tp Snubbed by Commonwealth Financing Agency

On July 1, as I told you earlier this week, the Commonwealth Financing Agency approved $152 million in grants from 17 different programs. One of these are awards from Monroe County gaming. Don't ask me to explain why the state fund grant requests from Monroe County to municipalities in in other counties. Bethlehem Township had applied for a $250,000 grant for a combination restroom and storage center. It also sought funding for several police vehicles.

It appears that the state has rejected the bathroom grant. This is understandable because of the public high cost. A request for $18,000 for a combination bathroom and storage facility was approved in another community.

But why was the grant for police cars rejected? Funding for police vehicles in Clarks Summit, Archbald, Kidder Township and Dalton were all approved. Granting this request in some communities while denying it in Bethlehem Township creates suspicion that politics are at play.

Green Pond Marsh Plans at Planning Commission Tonight

Bethlehem Township's Planning Commission is tonight expected to hear yet another Traditions of America presentation in support of a senior residential development next to Green Pond Marsh. Traditions' principal David Biddison and Green Pond Marsh advocate John Glagola will offer their respective viewpoints.

Glagola waged a write-in campaign for the Democratic nomination to the at-large Commissioner seat currently occupied by Marty Zawarski, and should know this evening whether he has enough votes.Zawarski fended off two challengers and is the Republican nominee.

Zawarski Reaches Out to Bethlehem Township Democrats

Marty Zawarski is running for re-election to Bethlehem Township's Board of Commissioners. He is seeking the at-large seat, but is facing opposition from former Commissioners Bob Birk and Paul Weiss. If he makes it out of that gauntlet alive, he may very well be facing yet another opponent. Green Pond Marsh advocate Jack Glogola is waging a write-in campaign as a Democrat. What's a Republican to do? In Zawarski's case, it's reaching out to Democrats. He has sent this letter, asking them to write him in.

Zawarski Letter to Democrats

I must say I'm very impressed by the handwritten style. More importantly, he reveals his philosophy ("I am a Republican, not a Tea Party Member) and his specific position on several projects that have come up within the past four years.

• He voted NO to the development of land next to Housenick Park, which has since been preserved. 
• He was the sole NO vote to a 48-unit apartment complex next to Farmersville Elementary School.
• He successfully opposed the near elimination of nearly $1.2 million in recreation fees to be generated at Madison Farms, a major development on Freemansburg Avenue. 

Jack Glagola

His "let the courts decide" position on the Traditions of America development being proposed at Green Pond Marsh, however, troubles Malissa Davis, an astute Township resident. I spoke to Zawarski, who reiterated that, whether the plan is ultimately approved or rejected, it will end up in the courts. He added he supported the deferrals granted to Traditions because they allow for a larger  conservation area.

Democrat Jack Glagola strongly disputes Zawarski's assertions, and questions why a Democrat would support a Republican developer. He also makes clear that he's no single-issue candidate. He is also concerned about "smart growth, transparency on the current Board, traffic, congestion, lost of quality of life, parks and natural resources." He told me last nightthat people "moved to Bethlehem Township for those reasons and now see those resources being squandered away by commissioners with ties to developers."

It's likely that this conversation between Glagola and Zawarski will continue after the primary. It's increasingly likely that Zawarski will win the Republican nomination. He has worked harder. But I doubt he can convince Democrats to write him in when one of their own is engaged and passionate about his beliefs.

In other Township races, incumbent Tom Nolan is facing two Republican challengers in Ward 1 - Art Murphy and Wayne Buller. He appears to be safe. Incumbent Phil Barnard is being challenged by Fran Blatz on the Republican side and Democrat Kim Jenkins.

Back Room Meetings Too Frequent in Bethlehem Tp

While the dais is empty, about 25 citizens are waiting.

People who visit Bethlehem Township Commissioners for a meeting can usually set their clocks back 15 minutes or longer. That's because, with increasing frequency, Commissioners are huddled in a back room. When they come out, there will eventually be announcement that they were in Executive Session for "litigation" (the litigation is never described) or personnel matters. They almost never take any formal action on whatever was discussed behind closed doors. This breeds suspicion. As stated expressly in the Sunshine Act, "[S]ecrecy in public affairs undermines the faith of the public in government and the public's effectiveness in fulfilling its role in a democratic society."

In addition to being secretive, this behavior is rude. Other municipal bodies have more respect for the citizenry than to schedule a meeting and then force the public to wait because a chosen few are cowered in some dark corner. These executive sessions should occur, if at all, after the people's business has been concluded.

Bethlehem Tp Comm'rs Want Sidewalks in Business Park

We-Store Warehouse Planned at Emrick Blvd

Is it time to start requiring business owners to start installing sidewalks in Lehigh Valley Industrial Park? That's the recommendation of Bethlehem Township's Planning Commission. That was the question mulled by Commissioners at their September 3 meeting. Manager Howard Kutzler advised them that pedestrians are out there at lunch every day, and the lack of sidewalks at about nine properties.

All had been granted "deferrals", under which the Township temporarily waived sidewalk requirements that would otherwise apply. But now that the industrial park along Emrick Boulevard is filling up, President Paul Weiss feels they are necessary. "I think it's time we get them in", agreed Commissioner Michael Hudak.

Instead of taking immediate action, Commissioners opted to notify the property owners affected and get their input. They also directed Manager Howard Kutzler to determine precisely what is involved, how much it will cost, and what the Township will have to do in the way of crosswalks along intersections.

Commissioners also approved a conditional preliminary plan for a "We-Store" storage facility on Emrick Boulevard, proposed by developer Abe Atiyeh. Two buildings, each 3-stories high, will be dedicated storage. Unlike self-storage, items will be picked up by facility managers.

Atiyeh engineer David Harte had previously stated the storage facility could be operational this year.

He promised there will be no rehab.

Commissioners declined to grant a sidewalk deferral.

Finally, for the sixth time, a Chetwin Terrace resident complained to Commissioners about stormwaters coming from William Penn Highway, across the bike path and flooding onto adjoining properties. Roy Roth, who met with Township officials last month, reported that three more properties flooded after recent rains. He added that at a pocket park next to the bike path, children had trouble walking through storm waters to get to the pavilion.

"We're gonna' have to do something," said Roth. "I know it's gonna' take money. That's a given."

Township officials are working on a plan to address the stormwater runoff, but Roth wants a timetable.