Thomas H. Barndt

The meeting included a reorganization process to nominate and appoint a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary, and Voting Member. Key discussions focused on establishing Goals and Objectives for 2026, with members agreeing to use a prioritized spreadsheet. The committee reviewed and approved revised bylaws for submission to the township council. Subcommittees were established or addressed for Open Space Goals and Stormwater Management. In updates, the committee discussed educational ideas, including a presentation on road salt impact and promoting a survey on single-use plastics, and received a report on the Lehigh Valley EAC.

Key discussions included a review of the LSFR Financial Report, noting a current operating deficit of approximately $17,000 for the year, and an upcoming unplanned expense of $16,000 for engine repair. The Fire Chief reported 865 calls for 2025, including 32 working fires, and detailed progress on testing a new county digital radio system. Significant time was dedicated to future apparatus planning, specifically specifying a new rescue truck estimated to cost between $1.5 to $1.7 million in five years. The committee also extensively discussed the Southeastern station construction project, estimated at $2 million, including financing options such as state loans or municipal bonds, and the need for a feasibility study. Further business involved approving the December minutes as corrected and beginning efforts to obtain and update water flow and pressure data for Bethlehem-owned hydrants within the township. The committee also formally appointed Jay Finnigan as Chair and Laura Ray as Vice Chair.

The agenda for the meeting included welcoming new members, conducting officer nominations for Chair and Vice Chair, and reviewing action items. Key discussion topics involved reviewing and updating the Parks & Recreation Wish List, which included items such as replacing playground mulch, improving signage, and considering boardwalk installations at the Sandra Yerger Preserve. Park updates were provided for several locations, notably addressing parking and traffic concerns at the Easton Road Ballfield and discussing the speed limit for electric bikes on the Saucon Rail Trail. New business focused on 2026 goals, such as Movies in the Park and Earth Day, and reviewing the results of the Movies in the Park survey. The board also discussed the need for additional indoor recreational facilities, specifically basketball space.

The meeting included a review of the LSFR President's Financial Report for December, detailing income, expenses, and clarification on year-end deficit projections due to expected grant money. Significant expenses reviewed included repairs to heating systems, major engine work, and storm damage. The Fire Chief reported 97 calls for January, which were pending quality control checks due to a new software system, First Due. Key business items involved approving the January 2026 minutes. New business focused on a proposal to replace the current rescue truck with a shorter, walk-in style unit featuring CAFS, with estimated costs around $1.8--$2.0 million and long lead times projecting delivery near 2031. Financial viability concerning the fire tax fund supporting both the new rescue and an existing pumper/tanker obligation was discussed, leading to an action item for financial review. The committee also approved a motion to request the DCED update the Township's apparatus replacement study. Separately, it was reported that Lower Saucon Fire Rescue received a $15,000 matching grant for portable radio upgrades. An overview and implementation status update was provided for the new First Due reporting platform and the associated public-facing Community Connect safety profile portal. Finally, concerns were raised regarding emergency response access due to gated roads, specifically the Stover Rd. gate at Arden Lane, leading to a request for the solicitor to review gating authority.

The meeting featured a presentation on road salt testing and chloride pollution impacts, noting increased usage and negative effects on aquatic life. Significant discussion centered on the proposed Data Center Ordinance, with members developing extensive recommendations focusing on environmental protection, noise pollution, water consumption, carbonate site assessments, and prohibiting subsurface injection wells for wastewater disposal. Other actions included the reclassification of one Voting Member to Associate Member status and one Associate Member to Voting Member status. The Council also approved Allison Rahs as a New Associate Member, established September 19, 2026, as the date for the Electronics Recycling Event, and designated Jennifer Helton as the chairperson for that event. Subcommittee updates covered Open Space Goals, including plans to update the written program and focus on outreach, and Stormwater Management, which referenced the road salt presentation.