Township of Upper Mount Bethel

The meeting involved accepting the amended agenda and the minutes from the previous session. Key discussion points included the status of The Preserve Master Plan, noting a positive public response at the July 4th Fireworks celebration. The board also reviewed the fund balance, which stood at $2.4 million, and noted ongoing delays concerning the Property Status update with Northampton County. Under new business, the Simone Collins Proposal, specifically related to construction costs for grants/funding, was discussed extensively, covering costs, the final plan, and future use of the Public Works Area. A suggestion was made to coordinate a meeting between the Township Engineer and Peter Simone for the subsequent board meeting. Additionally, two members plan to meet with Ann Flood's Office to discuss DCED grant funding.

The key discussions during the meeting involved the status of the Preserve Master Plan and the current fund balance, which was reported as $2,639,982.68. Regarding property status, the BOS approved funding for projects through the Heritage Conservancy and the Township OSAB. A new business item resulted in a motion to recommend the BOS adopt a Resolution to accept funding from Northampton County for the feasibility study of the Portland to Lake Minsi Trail. A member of the public raised questions regarding Preservation/Conservation properties in the Township.

Key discussions included the confirmation of 2024 Officers for the Board. Under Old Business, updates were provided on The Preserve Master Plan requiring a wetland delineation, agreement on the Financial Reports regarding the Fund Balance, and an issue concerning the Ziegenfuse Property contract with Heritage Conservancy, prompting a suggestion to seek a six-month extension. A meeting date for the Portland to Lake Minsi Trail was noted. Under New Business, the Board approved new signage for the Ziegenfuse property and held a discussion regarding hunting possibilities at the Preserve, which will require further consideration. The Board also initiated follow-up with the Solicitor regarding the appropriateness of two members serving in their new Township roles while on the Board.

The meeting addressed updates on the Preserve Master Plan, noting delays while awaiting grants from DCNR, and Peter Simone will investigate funding discrepancies compared to other municipalities. The fund balance was reported at $2.86M. Key property statuses included the Haddad property finalization expected in November 2025, a required re-survey for the H. Nordstrom property, and awaiting legal review of draft agreements for the Glen/Sherry and Shady Lane properties. New business included a suggestion to review a property along Jacoby Creek and recognizing that board member terms on the website were incorrect, which Jason Albert will have corrected. The board accepted Janet Pearson's resignation with regret.

Key discussions during the meeting included the status of The Preserve Master Plan, noting that the board is awaiting Grants from DCNR and that one member plans to inquire about the differing Livable Landscape grant amounts received by other municipalities. The fund balance was reported at $2.86M. Updates were provided on several property statuses: the Haddad property is expected to finalize in November 2025, the H. Nordstrom property requires resampling, and the board awaits legal review of draft agreements for the Glen/Sherry and Shady Lane properties. New business included a suggestion to investigate a property along Jacoby Creek, a directive for Jason to notify Cindy to correct incorrect Open Space Advisory Board member terms on the website, and acceptance of Janet Pearson's resignation from the OSAB.