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NOVEMBER 23-29, 2023
Northampton Borough Council welcomes new Solicitor, votes to restrict Parking on Laubach Avenue By KERI LINDENMUTH During their meeting on November 16, Northampton Borough Council welcomed a new solicitor to their team. Stephanie Steward has been a solicitor with Goudsouzian & Associates for over five years. She will replace Judge-Elect Brian Panella as the borough’s solicitor. “I am happy to be here,” said Steward. “[Panella] is going to serve the county well in his new role.” Steward was warmly welcomed by council, while Panella was wished plenty of luck in his new
role as a judge for the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas. “I hope you have a lot of success,” said Councilman Anthony Lopsonzski, Sr. “I think you will.” “Our association was always very good, very professional, but we always had lots of laughs,” added Borough Manager LeRoy Brobst. “I hope you encounter the same results where you’re headed.” The borough will also soon bid farewell to another member of their team. Mary Ellen Handlon, Continued on page 20
Northampton School Board Hears presentations for Summary bids and Moore Elementary renovations By SAVANNAH BROWN During the Monday, November 13 Northampton School Board meeting, D’Huy Engineering President Arif Fazil and PFM Financial Advisors Managing Director Jamie Doyle provided a presentation to review the summary of bids for the proposed Route 329 elementary school and education center, and then Fazil also provided a presentation on the Moore Elementary School draft study regarding proposed renovations. The bid tabulation for the
Route 329 project was compiled from the bid packages received on October 26 and was broken down by contract. The Pa. Department of Education establishes that districts must award contracts to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder who properly answers the specifications and gives proper assurance that the contract specifics will be fulfilled. For the general contract, Boro Developers Inc. submitted a base bid/proposed alternates cost toContinued on page 18
50 cents
Lehigh Township Supervisors Move to advertise 1.3 mill fire tax ordinance
Judge Todd Heffelfinger swears in new Lehigh Township police officers Christian Surjan (left) and Joseph Dougherty By LAURA KLOTZ During the Lehigh Township Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, November 14, two new police officers were sworn in. Police Chief Scott Fogel introduced officers Joseph Dougherty and Christian Surjan. The oath of duty was administered by Judge Todd Heffelfinger of Whitehall Township. Township Manager Alice Rehrig provided board members with a proposed wording of the fire tax resolution and ordinance, highlighting specific areas to which they must pay attention. Solicitor David Backenstoe said that her drafts of both are very good, but need to have their wording slightly edited so that both are strictly consistent about how the funds generated by the tax will be used. After some discussion, it was agreed that the tax
money will be used for repair and tax exempt. Board members Damaintenance of fire apparatus vid Hess and Gerald Pritchard and equipment. There was some were unwilling to support the debate over whether the money taxation of churches. Miller would be used for smaller items pointed out that those who are or only big ticket items; Fire not exempt would have to make Commissioner Richard Hildeb- up the difference for those who rand said that he hoped the or- are; Hildebrand added that fire dinance would be more inclusive personnel still provide support to than exclusive with regard to the churches and other tax-exempt fire service expenses. Backenstoe organizations. As board member agreed, saying that the ordinance Philip Gogel was absent, Jones should be broad in that sense. expressed concern that the vote Vice-chairman Cynthia Miller would not pass since there was said that the resolution will need no way to break a tie. It was to be voted on every year due to Continued on page 7 the millage. Chairman Michael Jones clarified that the ordinance 82nd Year, Issue No. 47 will be static, but the resolution will be voted on each year to deal www.homenewspa.com with specific purchases. The board discussed whether the fire tax would be applied to all structures in the township, including those which are normally USPS 248-700
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