Lehigh County

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.

The entity held concurrent annual and regular meetings. During the annual session, the existing slate of officers was nominated and unanimously approved for 2026. The current solicitor and accounting firm were also unanimously reappointed for the 2026 term. The regular meeting addressed financial matters, including the approval of four operating invoices totaling $4,009.38 and one invoice of $1,964.50 for the Iron Works project, to be paid from the state grant fund. A review of the December 31, 2025 balance sheet and the 12-month financial report, which showed a net loss of $10,465, was conducted and approved. Under status reports, progress on the Iron Works Project indicated that amended agreements of sale were approved, and the $350,000 Local Share Account (LSA) grant for the retaining wall construction was approved. For the redevelopment of the former Lehigh Valley Dairy property, an application for a $100,000 DCED grant is expected to be filed soon. The Executive Director's 2025 Annual Report was shared, highlighting progress on the Ironworks Project, the Dairy Property, and the establishment of a demolition and rehabilitation fund. New business included the authorization to sign the LSA grant agreement and the approval of the subrecipient agreement with the Borough of Catasauqua for the $350,000 LSA funds. The board convened an executive session to discuss personnel items and a real estate matter before adjourning.

The meeting commenced with the approval of minutes from the November 10, 2025 session. Key new business involved the approval of the 2026 pension fund interest rate calculation, setting it at 5.5%. The Fiscal Director detailed the calculation process, noting the current 20-year average credited interest rate was 6.7%, with the excess over 5.5% remaining in the fund. The Board also noted that future meetings would prefer in-person attendance, but a Zoom option would be available starting February 3, 2026, for Board Members only. Remarks included an announcement regarding the Fiscal Director's upcoming retirement in April 2026 and the subsequent election in February to fill the Employee Representative position.

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.