Upper Nazareth Supervisor’s meeting – April 19, 2023
ANNOUNCEMENTS/EVENTS
April 24th – 28th – Spring curbside yard waste collection. The pickup schedule is available on the township website
April 29th – The Yard Waste Facility on Friedenstahl Avenue opens
June 10th – Electronic Recycling Event from 9AM-11AM at the Yard Waste Facility on Friedenstahl Avenue and Tuskes Park. UNT Residents only!
June 16th – Movie Night at Tuskes Park—families are invited to come see the latest “Puss in Boots” movie
June 17th – Paint in the Park (Fundraising event)
August 26th – Paint in the Park (Fundraising event)
August 26th – Movie Night at Tuskes Park
September 7th, 8th & 9th – Community Days at Tuskes Park
October 28th – Movie Night at Tuskes Park
December 1st – Tree Lighting at the Municipal Building
COURTESY OF THE FLOOR
A Bath Pike resident distributed documents to the Supervisors.
A standing room only crowd attended the meeting about a pavilion reservation request for Tuskes Park. Reporters, including one from 69 News, covered the event
PUBLIC WORKS
During the review of the bills, the Public Works Director reported that they recently repaired a sinkhole on Liberty Street
Scott Sylvanius thanked the crew for the great job they did on the Farmview Stormwater Basin
SUPERVISORS
Approval of a policy draft for pavilion rentals. Solicitor Gary Asteak pointed out that municipalities have the right to regulate the use of their public lands. The new policy provides user guidelines for staff about what kinds of events are allowed. Approved applicants include youth organizations, sport programs, private parties and township-affiliated events.
This announcement was followed by a raucous discussion concerning the denial of an application by “Nazareth Together” at Tuskes Park. Supervisors pointed out that vendors and alcohol were not allowed and that was why the application was denied.
An Evening Sun resident inquired if the Board would consider sponsoring an inclusion event. (Many of the attendees referred to this as a “Pride” event). Scott Sylvanius said that such a request should go to the Recreation Board first. Opponents applauded this response. The resident replied that she was over marginalized people being made to feel that they don’t belong.
April Gabriel-Ferritti, who filed the application on behalf of “Nazareth Together,” read a response to the Township’s denial pointing that the intent of the organization is to support communities. She wanted to know why the township objected to her homeowner’s insurance policy being in her husband’s name and that the township secretary had indicated that vendors were permitted. She also wanted to know if the Ordinance, drafted in 2003, allowed dogs because the language is not clear and that a recycling event to be held at the park on the same day had not been an issue when she first applied. The Ordinance had not been included in her application and her husband said it wasn’t easy to find on the Township’s website. April finished, despite catcalls and sneering from the audience, by stating that marginalized people should feel safe here. Attendees became extremely agitated when she pointed out that the word ‘love’ is mentioned in the Bible 714 times.
Scott Sylvanius said the Board’s decision was based on “Nazareth Together” not being township-affiliated.
A resident from Palmer Township said she was pleased by the Board’s decision because she didn’t want a precedent to be set which might cause a “Pride” event to come to Palmer.
A resident from Nazareth Borough expressed fear and disgust about a Drag Queen Story Hour and that she wouldn’t be able to take her five-year old to the park. She also said that her LGBTQ friends would be insulted by the way the event was presented.
ENGINEER
Approval for Keystone Engineering to draft a Stormwater Ordinance with the cost not to exceed $11,000.
MANAGER
Approval to send a Township employee, who is working in Planning & Zoning, to VCO classes
Administration held an initial meeting with Carol Engineering to discuss updates and additions to the Township Building. Grants will cover some of the cost.
PLANNING AND ZONING
Three applicants applied to fill the vacancy on the Planning Commission. Supervisors approved Robert Williams for the post by a vote of 3-to-2.
RECREATION
The Recreation Board is looking for sponsors for upcoming movie nights. “Puss in Boots” will be shown at Tuskes Park on June 16th.
ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Signage has been installed in Newport Park about the recently added meadow/pollinator garden
POLICE
Approval to purchase a Ford F150 to replace a Dodge Charger for $46,300.
Becky Bartlett covers these meetings because citizens have a right to know what their government is doing.
Upper Nazareth Township Meetings 