Northampton County

The County Executive provided comprehensive reports covering various departmental activities. Key administrative updates included hiring a Communications Manager, planning for the 2026 grant application processes, collaborating on an Earth Day celebration, and enhancing deputy crisis intervention training. Other updates involved reviewing seasonal license upticks, approving redistricting plans, appointing an Acting Director of Emergency Management, and addressing fire chief relations concerning the P25 program. Public Works received an NPDES permit and planned for emergency HVAC replacement at the Juvenile Justice Center. Discussions also covered Farmland Preservation streamlining and Gracedale facility matters, including operational reviews, compliance efforts following recent deficiencies, and long-term sustainability strategies such as creating a Cabinet level position for Gracedale. Council introduced an ordinance amending the 2025 budget, specifically regarding Human Services - Gracedale and District Attorney - Opioid Funds. Resolutions were adopted supporting the 2026 priorities of the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania (CCAP), focusing on increasing 911 funding, advocating for mental health base funding increases, and supporting timely property reassessments. Council also authorized the Department of Human Services - Area Agency on Aging to accept ongoing special event donations.

The meeting involved several public comments focusing primarily on two issues. The first was a request for approval of a resolution to seek $391,333 in funding through the Commonwealth Local Share Account Program to support the next phase of restoration work at the 1761 Tannery in Bethlehem, which is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The second major topic concerned potential furloughs of approximately 175 Northampton County Human Services employees due to budget gridlock at the state and federal levels, with speakers urging the Council to advocate for state and federal lawmakers to pass budgets and release due reimbursements, and to explore all options to keep employees on the job. One speaker also advocated for the redevelopment of the Dixie plant, arguing that new developers should pay their fair share like existing residents. Separately, the council was informed about Wilson Area Links Coalition for Families and Youth being selected for a funding competition where public voting determines the $10,000 award recipient.

The Personnel and Finance Committees meeting involved the review and discussion of several appointments and personnel requests. Key discussions included the appointment of a new Northampton County Council solicitor, Matthew Dashler, including vetting potential conflicts of interest arising from his existing municipal legal work. The committee also reviewed appointments for County Executive Cabinet positions, specifically Mark Aren as Director of Administration and Deianne Lawrence as Director of Corrections. Furthermore, personnel requests were reviewed, including the repurposing of a full-time clerical specialist position in Court Services to create a new Program Specialist role within the prison to manage re-entry and workforce development programs, funded through existing court services budget flexibility.

The Personnel and Finance Committee meeting addressed several personnel appointments and reappointments, including members for the Area Agency on Aging Board, the Housing Authority Board, and the Jail Advisory Board. A significant discussion involved personnel changes in the Department of Human Services, specifically eliminating part-time staff development instructor positions and vacant nurse supervisor positions to create one full-time staff development instructor position, citing new CMS training requirements. The Finance Committee discussed and recommended approval for accepting a $930 donation from the Military Order of the Purple Heart for distribution among all personal funds accounts at Gracedale. Furthermore, the committee discussed authorizing the county executive to establish purchasing contracts for an emergency generator for the jail, electing to proceed with a diesel-powered Cummins proposal due to significantly lower upfront cost compared to natural gas, despite concerns regarding long-term fuel price volatility and emissions.

The meeting initiated discussions regarding the spotted lanternfly infestation, noting that the USDA and the State of Pennsylvania are addressing the issue, with Pennsylvania allocating three million dollars. A public meeting was held on November 9th with Penn State Extension Service regarding concerns from local vineyard owners, orchardists, and Christmas tree farms, where an entomologist presented control methods and information regarding potential biological controls. Furthermore, the Northampton County Conservation District secured a $30,000 grant to implement control efforts, including funding for a field position targeting vineyards and orchards, and for educational outreach. Discussions also covered the potential for the spotted lanternfly to be added to the national invasive species list to open up additional funding opportunities. The committee also addressed budgetary concerns regarding an agricultural technician position, the handling of subdivision plan review fees, and the procedural necessity of waiting for the 2019 budget adoption to fund the position. The meeting was temporarily recessed while waiting for the Director of Parks, who was delayed by snow, before proceeding to the next committee meeting.