Upper Nazareth Supervisor’s meeting – October 4, 2023
ANNOUNCEMENTS/EVENTS
Township Secretary, Kim Mutarelli, won an “Outstanding Municipal Employee” award which she will receive at the County Festival on October 14th
October 7th – Nazareth Memorial Library’s Touch-a-Truck event at the Bushkill Recreation Fields
October 14th – Northampton County Festival at Louise Moore Park from 11AM – 5PM
October 28th – 3:00-5:00 PM Trunk-or-Treat event at Tuskes Park
December 1st – Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Municipal Building
PUBLIC COMMENT
A Schoeneck Ave resident reported that a High School student recently his her mailbox and a telephone pole. For the neighbors, it brought back memories of an accident a few years ago when someone crashed into a house. She complimented Officers Danielle Petrucci and Mark Lucas on their response and thanked the township for all the programming they’re providing for youth.
A Tatamy resident asked about the recent sale of a lot on Mt. Vernon Ave, concerned about how a new house would impact stormwater in his area. He wanted to know the requirements for new construction, where water would be concentrated and where it would be directed. The Engineer said that ordinances only apply to buildings over 10,000 ft2
An East Allen resident reported repeat harassment and bullying behavior by a neighbor (loud music, dumping grass clippings in their yard, not trimming their trees, etc). He’s tried to contact the Zoning Officer three times, but none of his calls were returned. Police Chief Cope says there is a Noise Ordinance but it’s dated. Solicitor Gary Asteak said this sounded like a Civil matter, but it could rise to the level of harassment. He recommended the residents file with the magistrate.
ENGINEER
Approval to pay up to $6,200 for hydrological calculations for stormwater drainage in Farmview Estates. The study will focus on four drainage areas. Prior to the vote, Brian Sayago suggested the Township explore other alternatives to resolve the issue. The Engineer said he needed the numbers from the study to determine where to send the water.
MANAGER
Approval for Lisa Klem to look for partners/grants, not to exceed $237K, to install exercise equipment at Libert Field. (The Township has already received a $30K grant for this project).
Approval of closing documents for the Housing Rehab Program
Approval to hold the Employee Appreciation Lunch on December 22nd at the East Lawn Social Club
PLANNING & ZONING
Approval of a developer’s request for an extension for the Keller Subdivision at 3100 Newburg Road
PUBLIC WORKS
The Director thanked the Police Department for their help securing intersections during the recent paintings of double yellow lines.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Chief Cope reported on the history of the 4th Street gate at the Intermediate School. He said it was constructed in 1998 and there’s very little in writing in terms of policy and there was no formal approval by the Township. To add a sensor that would automatically close the gate after a vehicle goes through would be up to the School Board. Brian Sayago suggested the Township try to negotiate a solution with the School District. Other Supervisors pointed out that they’ve been trying to do that for 25 years with no success. A resident said that the original agreement was for a Middle School. That building is now an Intermediate School and numerous sports fields have been added in recent years which could be a reason to renegotiate. Gary Asteak suggested the Township could introduce an ordinance to regulate traffic on 4th Street regarding weight of vehicles, length of trucks and buses, etc. Gary will contact the District’s solicitor.
Becky Bartlett covers these meetings because citizens have a right to know what their government is doing.