Upper Nazareth Supervisor’s Meeting – November 6, 2024
ANNOUNCEMENTS/EVENTS
A Burn Ban is currently in place for Upper Nazareth
There is an open position on the Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC). Residents who’d like to serve should send a Letter of Interest to the Township Office.
November 23rd – Last day to use the Yard Waste Facility on Friedenstahl Ave. in 2024
November 29th – 7:00PM Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Township Municipal Building
January 6, 2025 – Reorganization meeting
PUBLIC COMMENT
A 5th Street resident complained about High School students parking on 4th and 5th streets, saying that residents’ mailboxes and fire hydrants continue to be blocked. She reminded the supervisors that they promised to address this problem before school started. Scott Sylvainus said the township has been researching existing ordinances on permit parking and he would try to get this issue on the next agenda. The resident also thanked the township for fixing Mt. Vernon Ave earlier this year.
A 2nd Street resident addressed the potential zoning change to the parcel of land next to the Intermediate School, claiming that the land is too unstable for development and showed a PA DCNR map of sinkholes and potential sinkholes in the area.
Mark Eastburn, an attorney, objected to a proposed zoning change for 595 E. Lawn Rd. The owner is in the process of selling the land and wants to keep the Industrial Use zoning classification he’s been paying taxes for over several decades. The new zoning map would change part of the property from TD-10 to TD-5. Scott Sylvainus said that the Planning Commission recommended to the Board of Supervisors that the land be kept as TD-10. Angela Strohl, the Zoning Officer, also recommended the parcel be classified as TD-10.
Bryan Sayago said that he would be uncomfortable with voting on any changes to the zoning map at this meeting and there needs to be more research into concerns brought up by the public. Solicitor Gary Asteak said that tonight was just a chance for supervisors to review comments; the vote would be taken later.
SUPERVISOR COMMENTS
Approval to hold the Employee Appreciation Lunch on December 23rd from 12PM to 3PM at the East Lawn Social Hall at a cost not to exceed $1,000.
TOWNSHP ENGINEER
The bulk of work on the Tweksbury and Sycamore stormwater basins has been completed. Work has begun on the Fieldview basin.
SOLICITOR
Approval to Adopt Ordinance No. 198 Amending Ordinance No. 76 – Animal Ordinance. Residents can be fined up to $1,000 for violations in failing to properly dispose of animal waste.
Approval to advertise a Resolution to appoint a CPA firm to conduct the 2024 audit.
Award to lease the Keller Track for farming to Raub Farms for a fee of $9,224.
TOWNSHIP MANAGER
Approval of $5,494.39 to upgrade CCTV and cameras in the Municipal Building.
Approval to advertise the 2025 General Fund and Liquid Fuels Budget. The 2025 budget is balanced and does not include a tax increase.
Approval of the 2025 Holiday Schedule.
Approval to apply for 3 Statewide Local Share Account Grants
- Renovations for the Police Department
- 91 Portable radios for first responders
- Purchase of a bucket truck
The fire department has received a $500,000 grant to help purchase a pumper tanker truck.
PLANNING AND ZONING
Approval of an Extension Letter for Overlook Estates West (Michaels School Road & Sterner Rd) until December 31, 2024.
The Supervisors tabled reviewing recommendations from the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission (LVPC) and minutes from the Planning Commission concerning the proposed Zoning Ordinance. Lisa Klem said she would have the Zoning Officer put together a list for the next meeting.
William Bartlett said that the township’s coordinated zoning plan involves both Lower Nazareth Township and Chapman and that needs to be stated in the opening. He also addressed the proposed Schoneck Overlook Development next to the Intermediate School, saying that, to protect the safety and health of the public, UNT should avoid the development of environmentally sensitive land. In a report from the Hercules/Buzzi corporation, presented to the Planning Commission on October 10th, there were claims that landowner Chrin did not correctly categorize risks from sinkholes and that the parcel is unsafe for development. Large sinkholes pose a physical risk to anyone working on the site and could post a financial risk to the township if the soil subsidence affects public property.
An engineer for Hercules/Buzzi will present his report on sinkholes in that area at the Planning Commission meeting on November 14th at 7:00 PM.
PUBLIC WORKS
Approval to sell a T5, 2002 F350 and P9 and a 1995 John Deere Tractor on Municibid.
RECREATION
Kristen Mullen recommended the township nominate a resident or a local business to throw the switch at the tree lighting ceremony on November 29th.
EAC
William Bartlett reported that the second and final site treatment of the land on Gun Club and Newburg Roads has been completed. The area needs to be mowed, but that can’t be done until it rains.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Approval to release a full-time officer from his probationary period.
Approval for a Conditional Offer of Employment for 1 part-time officer.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Approval to adopt Resolution No. 24-17 – the LV 2024 Mitigation Plan Update.
Becky Bartlett covers these meetings because citizens have a right to know what their government is doing.
Upper Nazareth Township Meetings 