Josh Bingham

The meeting addressed several key areas. The financial report and approval of bills detailed four invoices from the Operating Payable account totaling $4444.15 and two invoices totaling $25,390.02 from the Grants Payable account. A review of the balance sheet ending November 30, 2025, indicated Total Assets of $185,793 and a Fund Balance of $143,948. Under status reports, significant discussion focused on the Iron Works Project, including the approval of $350,000 in Local Share Account funding for a retaining wall construction, and amendments to the agreements of sale between the Authority and Ironworks Development Group for land conveyances (Phase 1 and Lot 2). For the former Lehigh Valley Dairy property, the Authority is considering applying for a $100,000 grant from PA DCED to cover pre-development costs. Outreach efforts included briefings with the Lehigh Valley Development Corporation regarding the Iron Works and Dairy site redevelopments. New business included the approval of an extension for the Executive Director's contract through December 2026, and the approval of amended agreements of sale related to the Ironworks Project conveyances, including specific time periods for Phase 1 approval, due diligence, and financing.

The meeting addressed several key items under Old Business, including the fifth passage of a Human Relations Ordinance using LCHRC language in Delaware County. An update was provided on discussions regarding a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Allentown Human Relations Commission (AHRC), and training for new AHRC commissioners is planned. A new logo submission process was initiated, with several Commissioners offering assistance. Two complaints were reviewed: Complaint 2025-#8 was resolved and deemed non-jurisdictional. Complaint 2025-#6 was discussed in Executive Session and ultimately dismissed as non-jurisdictional regarding marital status discrimination. New Business included the approval of the 2026 meeting schedule. During the Executive Session, a motion to deem Commissioner Armstrong resigned due to absences failed, and a motion was passed instructing the Rules & Procedures Committee to revisit Section 704E of the Ordinance concerning absenteeism to develop a more compassionate policy, to be presented as a resolution to the County Commissioners.

The meeting included a review of website tracking statistics and confirmation of quorum, though no voting was anticipated. Old business covered the passage of Human Relations Ordinances in Delaware County, noting that Lehigh County's 2024 ordinance language has been adopted across several areas, potentially protecting over two million people if Northampton County acts similarly. Training updates included a presentation given at PRISM and a forthcoming two-hour training session for Allentown Human Relations Commissioners on complaint investigation. The commission reviewed three logo suggestions generated via Artificial Intelligence. Regarding complaints, a new prima facie case was identified, prompting volunteers to join the investigation team alongside the Solicitor; 2025 statistics showed 8 complaints filed against private entities and government agencies. Discussions continued regarding a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Allentown Human Relations Commission to handle cross-jurisdictional complaints. The Rules & Procedures Committee reported on productive discussions concerning posting meeting recordings until minutes are finalized, recommending the addition of the Crown Act to the ordinance, and establishing policies regarding decorum, public comment limits, appointing a pro tem chair, complaint intake procedures, and handling commissioner absences due to disability.

This Transition Report for Lehigh County outlines a four-year roadmap focused on transforming the county into 'One Lehigh' by addressing key strategic areas. The plan prioritizes human services, housing, economic development and regional growth, labor and personnel, public safety, and local response and resilience. The overarching vision is to foster a county where all residents have stable housing, access to essential services, meaningful economic opportunity, and confidence in a responsive, coordinated, and accountable government.

The Hazard Mitigation Plan for Lehigh and Northampton Counties, Pennsylvania, outlines strategies to proactively reduce long-term risks to human life, property, and communities from natural and non-natural hazards. Emphasizing risk anticipation and sustained mitigation actions, particularly against flooding, the plan was developed through collaboration between county emergency services, departments, and citizens. It aims to reduce losses and is updated every five years, as required by FEMA.