Upper Nazareth Supervisor’s Meeting – September 4, 2024
ANNOUNCEMENTS/EVENTS
There is an open position on the Environmental Advisory Committee. Residents who’d like to serve should send a Letter of Interest to the Township Office.
CANCELLED – 2024 COMMUNITY DAYS
September 28th – County Household Hazardous Waste event beginning at 8AM. Registration is required and opens on August 28th
October 1st – National Night Out at the Intermediate School from 6 PM to 8 PM.
October 26th – Trunk or Treat at Tuskes Park from 3:00 – 5:00 PM
November 29th – Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Township Municipal Building
PUBLIC COMMENT
A Tatamy Road resident told supervisors that his and his neighbors’ yards flooded on Aug. 25th. He said he went out during the storm and witnessed a stream running down Mt. Vernon Ave, originating from the detention pond behind the 55-and-older apartments on 5th Street. He expressed frustration for the township for not taking any action on this issue, pointing out that repairs on the Tewksbury basin had been prioritized this year. He wondered if his neighborhood, which is older, is being ignored. Scott Sylvainus said that the Tewksbury basin is owned by the township and it also flooded on Aug. 25th. The basin off Mt. Vernon Ave is privately owned and supervisors weren’t sure if the township has any influence over a private detention pond. Brian Sayago asked who is monitoring the stormwater systems. Shawn Shupe said basins are inspected on the permit cycle to make sure they are adequately maintained. William Bartlett asked if the township could inspect it. Gary Asteak said the township would have to ask the owner for permission for the township to make any changes. Scott said that if Faust Family Partnership, the owner, gains enough land to expand the apartment complex the stormwater system would have to be built to today’s standards. Shawn Shupe said he would inspect the basin.
A 5th Street resident said student parking along her street is problematic with cars blocking mailbox access and students leaving litter all over the road.
SUPERVISOR COMMENTS
Brian Sayago introduced a draft of a Purchasing Policy to the Board which will define who can spend the township’s money, what limit can be spent without Board approval, procedures for an emergency purchase and what equipment can be sold without approval by the Board. Lisa Klem said some authorizations to purchase are included in job descriptions and that the township secretary is appointed as the Purchasing Agent at the annual reorganization meeting. Chief Cope requested the approval of the policy be tabled so the Board could get feedback from the police department and from Public Works. Lisa said she doesn’t want to see a project held up because of this policy. Supervisors voted to bring the issue back up at their October 2nd meeting.
The Board discussed students parking on 4th and 5th streets, reporting that neighbors are annoyed. Requiring permits to park on the streets may be a solution. Gary suggested they look at policies on this issue from other municipalities, including Easton. Police Chief Cope said it may be necessary to permit all of Farmview Estates, not just the western parts of the streets. Brian Sayago suggested the township give the school district a heads up which William Bartlett objected to, saying that the township should just do what’s best for its residents.
ENGINEER
Approval to submit the MS4 Annual Status Report to the state.
SOLICITOR
Approval to adopt Ordinance No. 197 – Non-Uniform Pension Plan
Authorization to distribute the Draft Zoning Ordinance to LVPC, UNTPC and the public once the Table of Contents has been added.
Approval to advertise the Planning Commission to hold a Public Hearing for the Draft Zoning Ordinance at a date to be determined.
TOWNSHIP MANAGER
Approval of the 2025 Police Pension MMO
Approval of the 2025 Non-Uniform Pension MMO
Approval to adopt Resolution No. 24-13, to apply for a $47K Local Share Account Grant for a police vehicle.
Approval to switch phone service from Verizon to Astound.
PUBLIC WORKS
Shawn Shupe thanked the Police and Fire departments for their help with traffic control during recent paving projects.
Becky Bartlett covers these meetings because citizens have a right to know what their government is doing.
Upper Nazareth Township Meetings 