Geoff Brace

The Commission meeting covered several key discussion topics. The Director of Community and Economic Development was introduced to the group. Updates were provided on the translation of Ordinance 2024-106, the progress of human relations ordinances in neighboring areas, and training assistance provided to other commissions. The group initiated a project for a student-driven logo design competition. The Commission reviewed the status of ongoing discrimination complaints and discussed the memorandum of understanding with the City of Allentown. Additionally, a new decorum policy for virtual and in-person meetings was reviewed and formally adopted.

The meeting included a review of the financial status, including the balance sheet, revenues, and expenditures, and the approval of outstanding bills. Discussions focused on the status of the Iron Works Project, specifically the grant agreement with the state and upcoming infrastructure plans, and the redevelopment of the former Lehigh Valley Dairy property, including pre-development costs and grant applications. The Executive Director provided updates on outreach efforts and website engagement. Additionally, the board discussed the potential for a full-time executive director position and recognized the solicitor for being honored as a top attorney.

The meeting focused on the financial report, including the approval of various invoices and a review of the balance sheet. Key status reports included updates on the Iron Works Project, specifically regarding pending grant funding, infrastructure and engineering plans, zoning amendments, and development phases. Additionally, progress on the Lehigh Valley Dairy property redevelopment was discussed, along with outreach efforts involving the Congress of Government and future project pipelines.

The board meeting focused on the pension fund update, highlighting strong performance in market indices and a review of the total portfolio market value. The board discussed asset allocation, including county contributions and rebalancing strategies, as well as historical cash flow and individual manager performance. Furthermore, the board addressed a memorandum from a county employee regarding transparency and board participation and discussed the upcoming necessity to hold elections for employee and retiree representatives to the board.

The commission discussed the expansion of human relations ordinances in the area, provided an update on investigator training, and reviewed logo design submissions. Progress on pending complaints and potential collaboration with Allentown via an MOU were addressed. Administrative items included handbook clarifications regarding complaint filing procedures. New business involved approving virtual meeting attendance, updating the website minutes removal policy, establishing a process to select a pro tem chair, and authorizing the posting of a Spanish-language version of the county ordinance.