BEGINNING APRIL 1, 2021, COUNTY COUNCIL MEETINGS WILL BE HELD IN PERSON.  All meetings will continue to be live streamed on YouTube.

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In October, Council met to hold a public hearing and voted unanimously to purchase the 112 acre tract at Minsi to the benefit of Northampton County residents, to be preserved for both endangered and threatened species' habitat as well as some passive recreation. Bear Swamp Park and Archery Complex was renamed the Gerald Seyfried Bear Swamp Park and Archery Complex, in recognition of Jerry's years of dedication to open space and outdoor shooting activities. The Monroe County Local Share Account Grant was awarded to two groups, A Clean Slate recovery center and to further develop the outdoor Gracedale recreation area. A donation was accepted to help cover the costs of Christmas gifts for Gracedale residents. Additional round of small business grants was given from the American Rescue Plan, and Council also approved the distribution of American Rescue Plan money to non-profit organizations. Council approved applications to HUD to prepare for the upcoming transition to Northampton County public housing. The yearly Hotel Tax Grant, EMS Grant, and Grow NorCo grants were approved. Appointments were made to the Farmland Preservation Board, the General Purpose Authority, the Jail Advisory Board, and the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Advisory Board. All of the County's Authorities, Boards and Commissions are made up of volunteer citizens of the county who want to make sure Northampton County is a great place to live. If you are interested, check the Community and Economic Development page for a full listing of our ABCs, as they are known, if you want to find out more about participating. An Article XIII Contract was issued to Bean, Inc. for the destruction of the blighted and dangerous Glendon Hotel. Finally, Richard "Bucky" Szulborski was welcomed back to the Controller's office due to the untimely passing of the elected Controller Tony Bassil.

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At the September 2021 meetings, County Council held public hearings on ordinances that contained the leases for MDJs in Easton and Nazareth. An ordinance was introduced for the purchase of 112 acres near the Minsi Lake campus, that will be preserved open space for Northampton County. Council approved funding through the Hotel Tax grant funds to Wilson Borough for their 101st year celebration, as well as to fund Steel Weekend and the Steelworkers' Reunion Party. A great presentation demonstrated the many things planned both by Wilson Borough and on the Steel Stacks campus, as well as a tour of multiple churches who have historical connections to steelworkers. Additional rounds of funding for small businesses through the American Rescue Plan were approved at both meetings. Additionally, as a matter of course, Gracedale's private pay rate was raised in accordance with Medicare rules, a series of bonuses were added to encourage more people to apply to and stay at Gracedale, and a change to the LANTA Articles of Incorporation were taken care of to ensure they remain eligible for different types of funding. A new outside auditor, Maher Duessel, was chosen for a five year contract with Council.

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On August 19, 2021, County Council introduced two ordinances, in order to lease property in both Easton and Nazareth for Magisterial District Judges. Members of the Area Agency on Aging Authority were reappointed to another term. In addition, in response to the state-steered calendar budget for the Department of Human Services, several positions have been reclassified or created, and the Department pay scale has been updated. (Human Services operates on the State fiscal year, rather than the County's which is January - December). Another round of small business grants has been awarded through the American Rescue Plan, bringing the overall total to over 1,000 businesses helped in Northampton County. A donation of small landscape stones was received, which will be painted and placed on County property with messages of hope to recognize September as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self harm, please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-8255. There is always someone to talk to, because every life is important. 

Two advisory Resolutions were passed, the first to encourage the State Department of Health to reconsider the timeline of a proposed mandate to increase patient hours per day minimums in long term care facilities. While everyone agrees that more hours of direct care are better, it would not be feasible for a facility the size of Gracedale to implement a large increase in hours before the end of 2021. The Gracedale Administration is also in talks with the State to propose a more reasonable plan forward, accounting for the difficulty of recruiting and retaining staff in a very difficult job. The second was in response to two proposed State House bills that would allow for larger and heavier trucks to be allowed on PA roadways. PA is already struggling to keep up the quality of the roads with the amount of truck traffic we have, not to mention the serious accidents that happen regularly. Council made a strong statement that they do not support accepting even more damaging and dangerous trucks on our roads.

Finally, Council approved two Administrative Code Article XIII contracts (Council's approval is required for all contracts over $100,000): one with NPC, Inc. for ballot printing services and one with Tyler Technologies for appraisal and tax software. Council meets again on September 2, 2021.

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On August 5, 2021 County Council again met with two new business items. The first was a resolution to adopt the Fiscal Year 2021 Community Development Block Grant Annual Action Plan, which is a normal yearly filing. Next was the disposition of the third round of grants to small businesses sourced by the American Rescue Plan. For this round, the businesses were chosen by a committee working with the Community and Economic Development Department. These businesses had to qualify on several levels and could not have received COVID related money in prior rounds. The next meeting will be on August 19, 2021.

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On July 15, 2021, County Council convened to review two items of new business; the first the approval of the County Executive's recommendations for the Area Agency on Aging Advisory Board and on the Workforce Board Lehigh Valley. Second was a plan to accept small business grant funding, money coming from the federal American Rescue Plan. Additionally, they heard from numerous residents of the Oliver C. Border House and indicated they would further investigate their complaints.

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On July 1, 2021 County Council convened to hold public hearings on ordinances adding qualifying properties to the City of Easton's LERTA; as well as for a correction to a deed that covers Wy-Hit-Tuk Park. Additionally, Council passed a resolution, likely the first of several, regarding money received for the American Rescue Plan; this resolution would provide funding to an additional 124 qualifying small businesses in Northampton County. 

County Council will meet next on Thursday, July 15, 2021 at 6:30 pm.

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On June 17, 2021, County Council met and held a public hearing on an ordinance allowing the County to recieve money through the American Rescue Plan. This ordinance was unanimoulsy passed. Two new ordinances were introduced, the first as a collaboration with the City of Easton and the Easton Area School Board proposes to add additional properties to the City of Easton's Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assitance program. Additionally, and ordinance was introduced that would make a correction to a deed in order to more accurately refer to property in the Wy-Hit-Tuk park.. This is for land previously owned by the County and will not result in any changes to the park land. Five members were reappointed to the Workforce Development Board Lehigh Valley. A resolution was discussed and passed allowing for the extension of hazard pay for certain positions at Gracedale, aimed at the employees dealing directly with the COVID-19 at-risk areas. In line with the ordinance accepting funds from the American Rescue Plan, a number of potential industries such as non-profits and schools would have access to additional funding to ensure they can continue to serve the County as the pandemic is hopefully soon behind us. A resolution was passed creating an addition to the fee schedule of the Prothonotary, that will allow them to offer Passport photos on site rather than sending customers to another location to get their pictures taken. Matching fund awards were granted through the Livable Landscape Grant Program, at Archibald Johnson Conservation Area, Louise W. Moore County Park, and Minsi Lake County Park. A resoution was passed allowing for signage in County playgrounds and similar areas to make clear areas where no tobacco use of any kind were allowed. Using the Young Lungs at Play program, the County will be given free signage to help protect children from the negative effects of tobacco use. A license agreement was passed allowing Twin Rivers Tubing, LLC to operate on Northampton County beach property in order to engage in a river tubing endeavor. Finally, two Article XIII Administrative Code contracts were approved, which set up contracts for outside counsel on general and workers' compensation issues, with local firm King Spry Herman Fruend & Faul.

County Council will next meet on Thursday, July 1, 2021 at 6:30 pm.

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On June 3, 2021, County Council met and held a public hearing on an amendment to Ordinance 141-1988, which was an update on the Rules and Regulations covering Northampton County Parks and Real Estate. An ordinance which covered the County's reciept of federal money from the American Rescue Plan was introduced, positioning our Department of Economic Development to disburse these funds to various entities in the County. Additionally, a resolution was adopted allowing a change to the 2014 and 2016 Fiscal Year Community Development Block Grant Annual Action Plans. Under rules from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, grant recipients like the County have the ability to amend and revise prior year's action plans for specific actions, such as canceling an approved activity or adding a new one. This resolution pertained to the removal of lead paint to make our children more safe at home. A resolution was prepared to discus the impediments to fair housing as required by HUD, as well as to authorize its filing with the department as required from grant recipients. Additionally, a resolution was unanimously passed to recognize Juneteenth National Freedom Day in Northampton County on June 19.

County Council will meet again on June 17, 2021.

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On May 20, 2021, County Council met and held a public hearing on a 2021 Budget Amendment, introduced at the May 6, 2021 meeting. The Ordinance covered changes covering various Human Services divisions, Fiscal Affairs, Emergency Management, and Administration. Next, an Ordinance was introduced to allow for the updating of the rules and regulations of required use of Northampton County properties, including our parks and trails. Public hearing on this Ordinance will be at the June 17, 2021 meeting. Appointments were made to the Drug and Alcohol Advisory Board, LANTA, and the Personnel Commission. A Memorandum of Understanding was approved with the United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union Local 2599. A Resolution was accepted to allow the Area Agency on Aging to accept donations in memory of a Northampton County resident. Another Resolution approved a project development agreement with Johnson Controls, Inc.

Council also approved the following Open Space Initiatives: Dimmic Park in Hellertown; North Catasaqua Park; Housenick Memorial Park in Bethlehem Township; Highlands Preserve in Bushkill Township; West Ward Pocket Parks in Easton; and Hahn's Meadow Park in Lower Nazareth. Also approved were these Livable Landscape Grant Projects: Saucon Creek Greenway in Hellertown; Main Street Greenway in North Catasaqua; Wind Gap Park Trail; Bicentennial Park in East Allen Township; Polk Valley Park in Lower Saucon; and Little Bushkill Stream in Plainfield Township. Phase I of the Gall Farm and Plainfield Trail Master Site was approved. An agreement was discussed of a partnership of some kind with Twin Rivers Tubing, but no action was taken. Finally, Administrative Code Article XIII Contracts were approved with: Abacus Corporation; CCAP; Fairfield Laundry Machinery; Flyway Excavating, Inc.; Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson, Inc.; and Nyleve Bridge Corporation.

Council's next meeting will take place on June 3, 2021 at 6:30pm in the County Council Meeting Room. 

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On May 6, 2021, County Council met and held publlic hearings on two ordinances. These ordinances both dealt with property conveyances that contributed to closing trail gaps in Plainfield Township. These ordinances will allow Northampton County to continue its goals of preserving and supporting open space and passive recreation projects for all County Residents. Additionally, an ordinance was introduced regarding a Budget Amendment, pertaining to the Department of Community and Economic Development, Emergency Management, Human Services, and Fiscal Affairs. Council's next meeting will be on May 20, 2021 at 6:30 pm in the County Council Meeting Room. Of note - fully vaccinated individuals (those who have had the full schedule of 2 shot vaccine or the one-shot vaccine, plus two full weeks) no longer have to mask while on County property. Social distancing is still encouraged, and those who are not fully vaccinated must wear a mask at all times on County property.

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On April 15, 2021, County Council met and held a hearing on the 2021 Budget Amendment that will allow the County to accept additional grant funds that will go toward rent assistance during the still present pandemic. Council introduced two ordinances that will allow the County to close one of the most important trail gaps, at Two Rivers Trail and the National September 11th Trail. The September 11 Trail will, when finished, have starting points in Manhattan, Pittsburgh and at Mount Vernon, Virginia, and will create a large loop consisting of 1300 miles and passes through the poignant sites and memorials, at the Flight 93 National Memorial and crash site near Somerset, PA; the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and the Freedom Tower in Lower Manhattan. Public hearing, discussion and possible vote will be at the next meeting on May 6.  Council also made appointments to the Airport Authority Board and the Gracedale Advisory Board, and changed a job at Gracedale dealing with infection control.

Council's next regular meeting will be on May 6, 2021 at 6:30 pm. Interested in how Council decides how to vote on these items? We're once again open to the public (face coverings are required, social distancing as well).  

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On April 1, 2021, Council introduced another budget amendment, due to additional money offered to small businesses affected by COVID-19. Public hearing, debate and possible vote will take place at the April 15 meeting (6:30 pm). Council approved a Memorandum of Understanding with AFSCME District Council 88 Local 1435, implementing a signing bonus for nurses at Gracedale in order to encourage more applications to work there. Council also voted to support the application of East Allen Township, for their updating riparian, erosion and other issues at Bicentennial Park. Council passed resolutions in support of both the FY-2021 Emergency Medical Services grants, and the FY-2021 Grow NORCO Round 1 Grant Projects. The first of these will have money sourced from the Northampton County Local Share Table Games Revenue, and is aimed at multiple ambulance and fire companies around the County. The second shares the same fund source, but will benefit multiple community non-profit organizations. Finally, Council voted in support of the proposed ballot item that would update the Pennsylvania Constitution to bar discrimination based on race or ethnicity. 

Council will meet again on April 15, 2021 at 6:30 pm for the regular meeting. 

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At the March 18, 2021 County Council meeting, Council approved several appointments to the Children, Youth and Families Advisory Board as well as the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Advisory Board. They also approved a change in the FY-2019 Annual Action Plan and FY-2019-2023 Five Year Consolidated Plan for the inclusion of the CARES Act and HATCH Act funding for the County Community Development Block Grant and Emergency Solutions Grant. This will allow for waivers of some regulations through HUD and would provide funds for food security, rapid rehousing, health and human service needs dealing with COVID-19, and administration support of the plans. Council additionally approved a resolution which would allow the televisions of the current Gracedale residents to be donated to Gracedale staff. The residents all received new, hospital grade televisions, meaning the existing TVs owned by the residents are obsolete. The residents wished to do this donation to thank the staff for their dedication. Council also approved an Article XIII Contract with Nyleve Bridge Corp. for the replacement of bridge 225 on Laurel Hill Road in Upper Mount Bethel Township. Council then moved on to discuss the elections process and an accompanying resolution, that sought to inform our legislative officials that the County Council supports several important topics to preserve the right to vote for all citizens. Ultimately, Council began discussion on supporting one of the three ballot questions on this year's ballot changing the Pennsylvania Constitution; but the resolution was tabled as more research is needed before Council will take up a vote on this issue.

County Council will meet again on April 1, 2021. As of March 22, 2021, Council plans to meet in person on that date, but it remains open to change depending on the current community infection rates, and will be held on Zoom if public safety concerns warrant.

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At the March 4, 2021 Council meeting, County Council again considered action to help our local businesses and hospitality industry survive the COVID-19 pandemic. Council held a public hearing and adopted a budget amendment to allow additional grant money to flow through the County to businesses in desperate need. An additional Resolution was passed to provide Rising Tide with the authority to manage the applications for and distribution of these grant funds. In addition, after hearing from the Conservation District representatives, Council asked the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to schedule a public hearing with regard to the Hercules Cement Co., d/b/a Buzzi Unicem USA. The quarry in Stockertown has in conjunction with karst geology of PA created a problematic situation with the groundwater, dealing with sinkholes as well as dewatering incidents resulting in fish kills on the Bushkill Creek. Hercules Cement has applied for an update to their permit to allow additional depth of the quarry, and Council desires the process to be transparent with input from all affected parties before a revised permit is issued by PA DEP.

County Council's next regular meeting will take place via Zoom on March 18, 2021 at 6:30 p.m.

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At the February 18, 2021 County Council Meeting, a public hearing was held on a budget amendment dealing with Community Development grants. Additional grants called for an introduction of a second budget amendment ordinance, with a public hearing to be held on March 4, 2021 at the next meeting. Council passed an updated version of the CCAP 2021 priorities, informing our state legislature that the Counties of Pennsylvania are prioritizing election security, reliable broadband to all residents; improve emergency medical services, and human services funding with a focus on mental health issues. Seven volunteers were appointed to the Children Youth and Families Advisory Board; two to the Workforce Board Lehigh Valley; and one each to the Housing Authority Board and the Personnel Commission. As always you can learn about the Northampton County Authorities, Boards and Commissions here. There were some position changes in the Department of Administration - Conduct of Elections approved, as well as a contingency transfer to cover the replacement of desktop printers due to their age and inability to repair. Five Administrative Code Article XIII contracts were approved to close out all the remaining construction on the new Forensic Center. Additionally, April of 2021 in Northampton County has been declared "Pennsylvania 811 Safe Digging Month," and residents are reminded to always call 811 at least three days before any digging to keep your family and work crews safe.

County Council's next regular meeting will take place via Zoom on March 4, 2021 at 6:30 p.m.

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At the February 4, 2021, County Council Meeting, an ordinance providing for an amendment to the 2021 Budget was introduced, with public hearing and possible vote to take place on February 18, 2021.  This amendment has to do with Community Development Grants. Council voted to table the resolution on the 2021 Priorites of the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania (CCAP) to allow CCAP to provide additional language for the resolution. Council adopted the yearly Act 106 Compliance resolutions including the provision of a Risk Manager and the Form and Content of risk documents. Council adopted the 2020 Codification of Ordinances, serving as an index for all Ordinances passed by County Council over the years. Council approved the donation of various PPE and safety supplies donated to Northampton County Emergency Management Services from Stockertown Beverage and from Wegman's. Council also adopted a resolution allowing a donation of a memorial bench on the Government Center grounds in honor of Attorney Josh Fulmer. Council approved the purchase of printers for staff offices, and passed a resolution in opposition to PA House Bill 38, regarding the creation of judicial districts for Appellate courts.

Council's next regular meeting will take place on February 18, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. 

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At the January 21, 2021, County Council Meeting, reappointments were made to the Industrial Development Authority, the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, and the Personnel Appeals Board. If you are interested in participating in local government, these are three of our Authorities, Boards and Commissions in Northampton County that are a great way to start. Visit the Authorities, Boards and Commissions page here. A personnel request from Court Administration was approved, and Council approved the FY2020 Annual Action Plan for Community Development Block Grant funds in order to file for financial assistance from the federal government for block grants, HOME and Emergency Solutions Grants to the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development. Council accepted personal fund donations from the Military Order of the Purple Heart Lehigh Valley Chapter 109 for Veteran residents of Gracedale, and multiple electronic donations to all Gracedale residents to facilitate communication between residents and their loved ones. In addition, Council entered into a contract with Mazzitti & Sullivan to cover the Employee Assistance Program for a three year term. Council's next regular meeting will take place on February 4, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. (via Zoom)

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On January 7, 2021, County Council held their first regular meeting of the year. At this meeting another union contract extension was voted into place for the Corrections personnel. Kathleen Wedge, former Deputy Director of Human Resources was appointed as Director of Human Resources, and there was a housekeeping change to Resolution 143-2020.  Council also considered the expansion of hazard pay to the Gracedale employees who are willing to go an extra shift keeping the residents safe from COVID-19. Council will meet next on January 21, 2021 at 6:30 p.m.

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At the County Council reorganization meeting held on January 4, 2020, Ms. Lori Vargo Heffner was elected President and Mr. William B. McGee was elected Vice President. In addition, Mr. Christopher Spadoni was elected to remain as Council Solicitor.

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Council met for the final time in 2020 on December 17. A public hearing was held with regard to a lease of office space for a Magistrate District Justice in Easton on Butler Street. Additionally, an incentive fund was created to encourage Gracedale staff to get the COVID-19 vaccine as quickly as possible to protect both staff and the residents. This incentive would be paid out of CARES funds as a qualifying use.

Council wishes all a safe, happy and healthy holiday season to all.

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On December 10, 2020, County Council held a regular meeting via Zoom. The Minutes of Council Meetings and Budget Hearings were approved, and all approved Minutes can be found on the County website. Additional Appointments were made to the General Purpose Authority, one of our Authorities, Board and Commissions. A resolution was passed to ensure a quick turnaround on a final group of small businesses applying for grant money under the CARES Act. Further, County Council used Contingency funds for donations to the Center for Animal Health and Welfare, Habitat for Humanity Lehigh Valley (to be distributed as a grant through DCED), and the Saucon Valley Community Center. The final meeting of 2020 will occur on December 17 at 4:30pm.

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On December 3, 2020, County Council held a regular meeting via Zoom. Additional appointments were made to the Authorities, Boards and Commissions of Northampton County. The final actions were taken to pass the 2021 Budget and Capital Improvements Plan, which did not require the increase of taxes. The requested position additions, eliminations, and upgrades were approved across many County departments. The 2021 Salary Resolution was adopted, along with a few amendments, none of which significantly impacted the budget proposal. An ordinance for a District Court lease at 1710 Northampton Street in Easton was introduced, with a public hearing to take place at a meeting on December 17, 2020 at 4:30 p.m. A donation of materials and labor was accepted to allow a wall monument to be installed honoring the Veterans Affairs Department and those who have served in the war against terrorism, courtesy of Post 611 of the American Legion and the Pennsylvania Chapter of the State Guard Association of the United States. The 2021 County Council meeting schedule was approved. Reorganization will occur on Monday, January 4, 2021 in the Council meeting room at 4:30 p.m. The first regular meeting will be January 7, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. After that, meetings will regularly take place the first and third Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. The exception is in December, where Council will be meeting on the first and second Thursday of the month, and not on the third Thursday. 

Council will meet again on Thursday, December 10, 2020 at 4:30 p.m. and again on Thursday, December 17, 2020 at 4:30 p.m.

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On November 19, 2020, County Council held their regular meeting. Multiple applicants were appointed and re-appointed to some of the authorities, boards and commissions of Northampton County; you can click here to find out all the various entities you can volunteer for. A Proclamation was issued to the Memorial Library of Nazareth and Vicinity, which was recently awarded the 2020 Library of the Year by the Pennsylvania Library Association. A public hearing was held regarding the regular budget amendment, and the ordinance was passed and signed by the Executive on November 23, 2020. An ordinance regarding the Tax Millage Rate was introduced, with no increase in tax amount from last year. Public hearings were held on the proposed budget, as well as the proposed capital improvements plan for 2021. Personnel requests were approved for Gracedale and the Public Defender's office. Council accepted the terms of the extended contract with AFSCME District Council 88, Local 1265; and a new Memorandum of Understanding has been accepted between the County and the County Conservation District, which was in dire need of an update. Council approved a grant from the Monroe County Local Share Account to purchase a mobile x-ray unit at the new Forensic Center, approved CARES Act grant money to the United Way for their #MASKUPLV campaign for continued mask awareness, approved another round of grants to assist small businesses, and set aside money for the County to purchase a variety of mechanisms including robots that can add additional disinfection to County buildings using Ultra Violet light. Council approved software upgrades for their staff, and approved three Administrative Code Article XIII contracts with APCO International (Protocal Guidecard System for EMS), Next Level Administrators (Workers Compensation Claim Services), and Remedi Senior Care (Pharmacy Services for Gracedale).

Council's next meeting will be a budget hearing on December 1, 2020 at 4:30 p.m. They will meet on Thursday, December 3, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. for the Capital Projects Committee meeting and at 6:30 p.m. for the general County Council meeting.

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On November 5, 2020, County Council was presented with a presentation from the Lehigh Northampton Airport Authority along with regular business. A public hearing was held on the ordinance accepting a land donation from Ned and Linda Heindel, with the tract coming under control of the Parks Department, to be named Hexenkopf Ridge Park. Another public hearing was held with relation to a sale of real property from St. Anthony of Padua Parish, also to be preserved and moved under the care of the Parks Department. Council adopted a Budget Amendment, and accepted an anonymous gift to Gracedale in the amount of $100,000. Council also passed a resolution requesting the County Controller perform an audit on the Sands/Wind Creek Casino to ensure the capture of all appropriate hotel room and rental task. A third round of municipal grants, paid from the COVID-19 Block Grant funds, was approved, and the Community Investment Partnership Program (CIPP) grant with ArtsQuest was modified for an extension.

Council's next budget hearing is on November 10, 2020; the next regular meeting is on November 19, 2020.

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On Friday, October 23, 2020, several Council Members along with other local luminaries were on hand for the dedication and ribbon cutting of the new Forensic Center. Approved in November of 2018, ground breaking was in September of 2019, and the project is now complete at a cost of $11 million (which is under budget). The new Center will allow our Coroner ample facilities rather than have he and his staff travel to local hospitals to conduct their important work. The new facility includes autopsy rooms with viewing areas for law enforcement as well as medical students, a digital forensic lab, and offices for the staff. Significantly, it now includes a private reception room for family members to meet to view their loved ones. The roof is outfitted with solar panels. The project was only delayed a few days during the pandemic, until construction could be reviewed and allowed to continue.

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At the October 15, 2020 meeting, County Council Introduced two ordinances, one regarding a donation of land, the other about a land purchase. In the former, Ned and Linda Heindel generously agreed to donate 76.76 acres of land to be preserved as Hexenkopf Ridge Preserve under the Northampton County Parks and Recreation department. This gift includes land containing the famous "Hexenkopf Hill," known the world around for its mysterious nature and appearance. Embedded with flakes of mica, the rock mirrors the glow of the moon, causing it to appear otherworldly. The rock risesup is on an outcropping of South Mountain, and the surrounding parcels will now be preserved for generations to come. Council additionally agreed to buy over 91 acres to preserve as farmland and open space. Both public hearings will occur at the November 5, 2020 meeting. Additionally, Council voted to allow the land acquisition for the larger parcel to move forward without added appraisals on the land; allowed a request from Williams Township to accept their withdrawal from the Nehoda Conservation Easement; and approved the court-ordered 2021 Court Cost fee schedule. Additionally, the Council approved the consideration of a General Purpose Authority/Lehigh Valley Health Network agreement; accepted donations of cash for Gracedale Christmas presents and apples for Gracedale Employees, as well as riparian buffer trees from the Penn State Extension and Monocacy Creek Watershed Association; and approved Article XIII Administrative Code Contracts from Vision Technologies (new software interface for virtual meetings), Grace Industries (Phase II Nor-Bath Trail), and Reinvestment Fund (employee health benefits).

Council will meet next on November 5, 2020. The next Budget Hearings are on October 21 (Court Systems, Court Administration, Corrections) and October 28 (Human Services and DCED), both of which will start at 4:30 p.m. 

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At the October 1, 2020 meeting, County Council untabled the ordinance related to easements over Louise Moore Park. Council voted to repeal the original ordinance granting that access, in order to control any construction or damage to the park. Council also considered another round of COVID-19 relief grants, this time a second round to municipalities, funding to assist with eviction mediation, to higher education institutions in the County, and to more small businesses. All of the grant recipients had to demonstrate need and a connection to losses from the pandemic to the County and our Department of Community and Economic Development. Additionally, hazard pay has been reintroduced for our front line medical personnel. Council continues to support our local businesses and community groups, and will continue to move to expediently give the assistance that is so desperately needed right now.

Council will meet next on October 15, 2020 for the regular meeting. The first Budget Hearing will be on October 7, 2020 at 4:30 p.m.

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At the September 17, 2020 meeting, County Council held public hearings and adopted two ordinances dealing with property leases for Magisterial Districts in Wind Gap and Bethlehem. Council also approved temporary workers to assist the elections office, who are readying for an unprecedented desire for voting by mail or in person prior to election day. Council also accepted a gift from CONCEPTSAD of three custom logo facemasks per employee in the Department of Corrections. After receiving prior presentations and discussing the use of CARES Act fund to help the community recover from the pandemic, County Council voted unanimously to approve funding to the Small Business Development Center at Lehigh University, the Entrepreneurship Program with Ben Franklin Technology Partners, and a risk management and business recovery awareness training through Northampton Community College. All of these grants will go further to help small businesses in the County make it through these difficult times, and also to plan now for unforseen events, such as a second wave of COVID-19.  Council also voted to utilize grant money from the CARES Act to offset the costs incurred while the County paid Hazard Pay to the employees on the front lines, who worked every day knowing they would be potentially exposed to this deadly virus. It will also help recoup expenses incurred by Information Services, who within a matter of days had set up hundreds of workers in at-home settings to help slow the growth of the pandemic in the spring. Finally, Council heard from BSI Corporate Partners, who broker health care services, and were able to go into deep detail on their bargaining process and how they bring the best possible value to the County in our health care plans.

Council will meet again on October 1, 2020.

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At the September 3, 2020 meeting, Northampton County Council adopted three ordinances and tabled a fourth. The first ordinance was an amendment to Ordinance 648-2018, dealing with the procedures and requirements for contractors and subcontractors in order to ensure the County's contractors and subcontractors are reliable to provide the best service and product. The second was a budget amendment. The third approved the lease with Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, in order to ensure Minsi Lake is freely accessible for residents of Northampton County for decades to come. The ordinance to repeal Ordinance 617-2017 was tabled. Two ordinances were introduced, each dealing with a lease of real property on behalf of District Magistrates, one in Wind Gap and one in Bethlehem. A discussion was held regarding Northampton County Council's desire to make a firm statement that discrimination in any form is not tolerated, and a resolution was passed reflecting the official policy of the County and County Council, that the human rights and equal rights due to all in the County are respected and inviolate. Further Resolutions were passed, both dealing with CARES Act (dealing with negative impact of COVID-19) grant money; one for the distribution of grants to municipalities, and a second round of grants for small businesses in the County. 

Council will meet again on September 17, 2020.

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At the August 20, 2020 meeting, Northampton County Council adopted two ordinances. One would put a question on the May 2021 primary ballot adding language to the Job Discrimination section of the Home Rule Charter to be aligned with recent Supreme Court decisions. The other focused on a land taking in an Agricultural Conservation Easement. Counicl introduced four ordinances for public hearing to be held on September 3, 2020. Those ordinances include a budget amendment, extending the lease with PA Fish and Boat Commission for Minsi Lake, repealing ordinance 617-2017 (dealing with the conveyance of easements for use of Easton Suburban Water Authority), and the amendment of ordinance 648-2018 (procedures related to solicitation and award of public contracts). Additionally, Council passed resolutions regarding additional caseworkers and staff for Children Youth and Families; waived the appraisal for the Minsi Lake lease; updated the Coroner's fee schedule; passed a resoluition aimed at forming an advisory board to study ways to combat the difficulties of living with karst geology, such as sinkholes and creek dewatering; and a resolution paving the way for the Area Agency on Aging to accept donated meals for seniors.

Council will meet again on September 3, 2020 at 6:30pm.

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At the July 16, 2020 meeting, Northampton County Council introduced two ordinances. One would amend the Home Rule Charter to change the title of Council Member to Commissioner; the other covered a Budget Amendment to allow the County to receive and utilize the grant opportunities offered in response to COVID-19. Additionally, grant money was approved to extend broadband and wireless access for students at all County School Districts, as well as to aid seniors and veterans. Council also voted to provide grant money to sustain a continuing COVID-19 testing site for all Northampton County residents with symptoms, as well as to fund aggressive testing to ensure COVID-19 is kept out of Northampton County Prison. Council made another financial decision to accept additional grant money, working with HUD in order to assist with housing needs of the thousands of County residents impacted by COVID-19. Another resolution allowed the County to obtain grant money in order to remediate the Glendon Hotel property. Seven different Livable Landscape projects were given funds that will be matched to conserve land, construct parks, and improve trails and parks throughout Northampton County, including Albert Ponds in Bushkill Township, the Two Rivers Trailway Trail in the City of Easton, Dimmick Park in Hellertown, Surrey Glen Park in Lower Nazareth Township, the D&L Trail in Northampton and North Catasaqua, and Penn Pump Park in Palmer Township.

Council will meet again on Thursday, August 6, 2020 at 6:30 p.m.

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At the July 2, 2020 meeting, Northampton County Council voted to adopt an ordinance to correct a line item in the Amended Budget. Additionally, an ordinance was introduced to edit the Home Rule Charter, Section 807, regarding job discrimination. Additionally, a resolution reaffirming the County's dedication to equality and equal rights was passed. Grants from the COVID-19 County Relief Block Grant were awarded to multiple bi-county organizations, including Discover Lehigh Valley ($500,000), Lehigh and Northampton Airport Authority ($250,000), ArtsQuest ($500,000), Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation ($175,000) and the State Theatre ($100,000). Council will select three members to serve on a committee, to work with the Department of Fiscal Affairs and the Department of Economic Development, among others, to ensure the remainder of CARES Act funding is properly distributed in a timely manner.

Council will meet again on July 16, 2020, to hold a public hearing on the introduced ordinance, as well as any other business pending.

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At the June 18, 2020 meeting, Northampton County Council introduced an ordinance to correct a line item in the Amended Budget. They approved appointments to the Children, Youth and Families Advisory Board, the Farmland Preservation Board, the Industrial Development Authority, the Mental Health, Early Intervention and Developmental Programs Advisory Board, and the Workforce Board Lehigh Valley. Two resolutions were unanimously passed to seek and secure funding in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Resolution 50--2020 to apply for rent relief programs under the CARES Act, and 51-2020, to seek funding through the COVID-19 Relief County Relief Block Grant. Council further approved additions to Article XIII contract applicants working to finish the Forensic Center, and to begin work on the Minsi Lake Corridor Greenway Stewardship Plan.

Council will meet again on July 2, 2020, to hold a public hearing on the introduced ordinance, as well as any other business pending.

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Notice is hereby given that the following Northampton County Council Committees will be meeting in the County Council meeting room, room No. 3116, third floor, Northampton County Government Center, 669 Washington Street, Easton, PA, on the dates and times indicated below:

          ~~  On June 4, 2020, commencing at 3:30 p.m., the Human Services Committee will convene a meeting to receive a report from the Director of Human Services, as well as to consider any other pending business. 

         ~~    On June 4, 2020, commencing at 5:00 p.m., the Governance Committee will convene a meeting to discuss the Declaration of Disaster Emergency, as well as to consider any other pending business. 

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