Upper Saucon Township

During the reorganization meeting, nominations and motions were unanimously approved to elect Samantha Falcone as Chair, Gerry Anthony as Vice Chair, and Trisha Lang as Secretary. A significant discussion item involved Zoning Amendment Ordinance 141-EE, intended to define and establish specific requirements for data centers and their accessory uses. Key feedback from the Commission centered on the necessity of adequate setbacks, landscaping/screening, setting appropriate noise parameters, and establishing decommissioning standards. The Commission voted unanimously to recommend that the Board adopt the amendment and continue to evaluate the impacts of data centers, strengthening provisions as necessary.

The Pollutant Reduction Plan (PRP) for Upper Saucon Township details strategies to reduce pollutant loads, particularly sediment, by a minimum of 10% in local streams and the Lehigh River. Key initiatives include public engagement, comprehensive mapping, calculating pollutant loads, and implementing and maintaining Best Management Practices (BMPs) for stormwater management. The plan outlines a roadmap for actions to be undertaken during an upcoming five-year permit term.

The meeting agenda included discussions on several ongoing items. The Solicitor reported that the Contribution Agreement for Mount Trexler Manor is pending final comments from the Township before bid packages are released in January. Regarding unpaid bills, notices were resent to absentee landlords, and liens were filed on three properties. The Engineer's report noted the issuance of Act 537 and PADEP Part 2 permits for the North Branch project, aiming for a January bid date. Updates were provided on other developments including Coopersburg flow rates, Brinley Court turnover, Traditions of America repairs, and reviews for Old Saucon Subdivision and the Hospital site. The Director reported on an ongoing sewer lateral repair issue at 5767 Bel Air, emphasizing the need for confirmation from the homeowner regarding contractor hiring. The Authority recommended endorsing the PADEP Planning Module for the New Police Department Building. Unfinished business included the Unconnected Sewer Analysis and the ongoing Sewer Tapping Study, with the latter included in next year's budget review. Further discussion occurred regarding the Coopersburg Sewer system purchase evaluation, focusing on financial methodologies.

The regular meeting included reports from the Solicitor, Engineer, and Assistant Director. Key discussion points included updates on Coopersburg line inspections requiring repairs, scheduling a meeting with a WavTex sales representative to understand a process, the requirement to submit a Waste Minimization plan for Bis2 by August 2026, and confirmation that the plant is operating within permit limits, with ongoing Yard Hydrant Repairs and lighting upgrades. The Authority also approved the payment of the Solicitor's invoice and unanimously recommended that the USTMA and USTTA recommend endorsement to the Township for the PADEP Planning Module for the New Police Department Building (1 EDU). Unfinished business involved discussions regarding the acquisition of Borough of Coopersburg sewer lines and the associated study costs.

The primary focus of this meeting was the reorganization of the Board of Supervisors, including consideration for appointing a Temporary Chairperson, electing the regular Chairperson and Vice Chairperson, and appointing various Township officers such as the Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Secretary, and Assistant Treasurer. A significant portion of the agenda involved approving numerous resolutions in a single action, which included establishing Treasurer's and Assistant Treasurer's Bonds, designating bank and investment fund depositories, and reappointing essential professional services such as Township Solicitor, Engineer, Conflict Engineer, Geotechnical Consultant, and sewage enforcement officers. Further matters involved reappointments to various boards and commissions, including the Zoning Hearing Board, Planning Commission, Park and Recreation Commission, and Library Board. The agenda also included the establishment of the 2026 regular meeting schedule, consideration of resolutions for updating fee schedules related to community development and land development review, and motions concerning the lease of Township-owned property and the creation and appointment of a Deputy Chief of Police.