Township of Upper Mount Bethel

The board meeting featured a presentation on a Township Feasibility Study evaluating options for a new municipal building and complex. Public comment addressed the Amtrak project, conflict of interest procedures regarding legal counsel, the status of police force planning, and road crew performance. Financial actions included approving bill payments and managing bank certificate of deposit maturity options, including paying down a fire truck loan. Other key business included the appointment of a Well Enforcement Officer, the authorization for a conservation easement on the Haddad property, the discontinuation of the CodeRed emergency notification service, and discussion regarding the collection of delinquent trash bills. An executive session was held to discuss personnel matters and a legal claim against an IT vendor.

The reorganization meeting involved several procedural and appointment actions. Key actions included the appointment of a Temporary Chairman, followed by the formal appointment of the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer for the Board of Supervisors. Numerous township officials and liaisons were appointed for 2026, including the Township Manager/Assistant Treasurer, 2025 Auditor, Roadmaster/Road Dept. Liaison, Solicitors (Township and Alternate for Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission), Township Engineer (appointment tabled), Zoning/Codes Officer, Building Codes Official, Sewage Enforcement Officer, and liaisons for various committees (EAC, Open Space Advisory Board, Parks/Recreation, Economic Development, Transportation, Emergency Services). Appointments were also made to the Planning Commission and Zoning Hearing Board. The board approved two resolutions (No. 2026-01 Police Pension and No. 2026-02 Deputy Tax Collector), appointed the Police Pension Fund Administrator, and designated depositories. The standard locations and times for monthly meetings and work sessions were established, along with pay rates for part-time/seasonal employees and maintenance staff, and the 2026 IRS mileage reimbursement rate. Finally, key Emergency Management staff positions were appointed.

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.