Ronald J. Donchez

The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and a Moment of Silence. Public comments were heard from representatives of Sights for Hope and Active Learning Centers regarding the need for transportation services for visually impaired residents. Recognition was given to outgoing Council Members and the retiring County Solicitor. The County Executive provided a financial update, noting strong cash availability ($37-$40 million estimated), high bond rating (AA1), and stable funding for OPEB and pensions despite compensation increases for employees. The Registrar of Elections presented final statistics for the 2025 general election, including a 40% turnout and successful completion of required audits. An ordinance amending the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO) to mandate electronic plan submission was introduced, with a public hearing scheduled for January 8, 2026. The Council then approved several transfers from the 2025 Contingency account, including $5,000 to the Center for Animal Health & Welfare, $5,000 for the Grace Packer Memorial Area at the Human Services Building, $10,000 for IronPigs Charities - Banana Ball World Tour 2026, $10,000 for Meals on Wheels, $20,000 for the Memorial Library of Nazareth and Vicinity for door installation, $5,000 for The Miracle League of the Lehigh Valley, $10,000 for the Nazareth Borough Police Department K-9 program startup costs, $5,000 for the Saucon Valley Community Center -- Senior Center, and an amended amount of $15,000 for Sights for Hope.

The Retirement Board meeting addressed several key financial and administrative items. A Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) proposal from Korn Ferry was presented, recommending a maximum 3.4 percent COLA effective January 2025, with a total funding requirement of $10,042,174 to be funded over fifteen years; the board subsequently voted to grant the 3.4 percent COLA. Performance updates for the third quarter of 2024 were reviewed, noting a Q3 gain of 5.52 percent, bringing the total market value to $524,752,969 as of September 30, 2024. Discussions covered the fund's strong funding status (97 percent funded) and investment allocations, particularly concerning fixed income targets and the impact of market conditions. The board also approved the list of pensions for individuals who retired during the third quarter and scheduled the meeting dates for 2025.

The meeting agenda included the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call, followed by a Public Comment period, which included a report from Northampton County. Key financial discussions involved the Treasurer's Report, covering financial statements as of December 31, 2025, invoices/payables as of January 8, 2026, and review of the 2025-2026 Draft Budget. New business centered on establishing the 2026 meeting schedule. Staff reports covered the Activity Report and the 2026 Statement of Financial Interest. The Solicitor's Report was also scheduled.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence. Key agenda items included public comments. Jeff Young presented on the financial necessity for ambulance services, seeking support for a statewide LSA application totaling $260,290 for a new ambulance and related equipment. Mary Wilford Hunt presented a project on behalf of Lafayette College to close gaps in the campus and regional trail network, involving approximately 3,000 linear feet of trail construction, aiming to improve connectivity, accessibility, and economic growth in the Easton area. Trina Johnson Brady provided an update on the Wilson Area Links Coalition for Families and Youth (Lynx), detailing their recent fundraising success and upcoming evidence-based prevention programming. Kurt Landis spoke regarding the hotel tax grant application, advocating for continued support for the Banana Ball event due to its significant tourism and economic impact on both Lehigh and Northampton counties. Following these presentations, the Council entered an executive session to discuss litigation, emerging from which no action was taken. The County Executive presented a certificate of appreciation to Jeffrey Young for his dedicated service to Palmer Township, followed by acknowledgments and thanks to numerous county directors and staff across various departments.

The meeting's primary focus was the St. Luke's Bond issuance, which involves a $225 million new money bond for expansion, primarily at the Anderson Campus, and a refinancing component. Discussions on infrastructure projects included updates on Bridge 124, detailing utility relocation progress involving Verizon, Bethlehem Water, and UGI, with waivers secured for in-stream work. For Bridge 101, coordination with the railroad and PennDOT regarding permits and traffic control plans continues, with construction expected to start in June. Progress on Bridge 41 was noted, specifically the completion of an end wall repair. Updates were also provided on Bridge 54 concerning utility conflict resolution and Bridge 219, where paving work is scheduled for the spring. Financial reports included the Treasurer's report for January 31, 2024, and approval for outstanding invoices, including a corrected invoice from the previous month.