Northern Lehigh Valley Logic

Synagro's Planned Appearance in Lynn Twp

2012-01-12T13:54:00.005-05:00

30 Day Notice
One heck of a Township meeting is gearing up for tonight at the newly constituted Board of Supervisors in Lynn Township. Lynn has yet to update its website. Yours Truly is not a member, but I'll still try to get the audio.

Responding to the hoopla in December's final meeting, representatives from Synagro, one of the largest sludge transport companies, is slated to appear.

Battle lines are being drawn however. A newly forming citizens group (gosh, I thought those were banned here in Lynn) is said to have lawyered up through Erin Brockovich. Suits of both kinds may soon appear.

Although the Township has little or no redress over the state-issued sludge permit, I'd question Synagro about it's DEP permit application. DEP's 30 day notice fails to list the nearby School Creek, a designated Exceptional Value (EV) stream.

The School Creek runs by the subject parcel yet remains mysteriously missing from DEP's 30 day notice, posted above. The Ontelaunee creek is listed but it's much further away. Hmmm . . .

The following is a repost from this blogs February 2008 entry. Some of the links may be outdated.

NORTHERN LEHIGH VALLEY LOGIC: February 28, 2008.

About this time last year, the Lynn Township Board heard some very vocal concerns about the dumping of municipal sludge. The complaints arose after sludge was distributed over a frozen snow-ice covered farmer’s field outside of New Tripoli. The problem coincided with last years Valentine's Day Snowstorm. Several wells were reportedly contaminated.

As an aside, the foregoing highlights the incompatibility between residential development and agriculture; and perhaps bodes in favor of Lynn’s 10% rule.

I have no problem with a farmer seeking to fertilize their field or augment their income by contracting for the distribution of municipal waste. This should require careful application in conformance with required setbacks and no application upon frozen or snow-covered ground.

Sludge problems are not limited to Lynn Township. Maxatawny officials were recently invited to meet and discuss the subject with their state representative, James Gerlach, officials from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, (PADEP) and representatives from Synagro, a Houston-based sludge supplier to local farms.

So to learn more, Yours Truly asked to attend. However, my solicitation was rebuffed and the meeting, then scheduled for February 6, 2008, was mysteriously cancelled. I can't claim the cancellation had a sinister motive.

Residents of East Brunswick Township, Schuylkill County, took their concerns to a higher level. They held a public rally. They seek to enforce local regulations.

Our State Attorney General, Tom Corbett, says no. "There is no inalienable right to self government" says Corbett.

Similar problems arose in Rush Township. They also arose in Greenwhich, Oley and Hereford Townships, Berks County. Likewise also in Montgomery County. Ditto Lower Towamensing Township, Northampton County. The common denominator is not farmers, its Synagro.

Its true. By state law, local governments can not enact laws regulating sludge which are stricter than state law. However, that’s not the issue.

State law normally requires that any sludge be turned or plowed into the soil within 24 hours after application. And state law does not preclude Townships from enacting laws which are consistent with state law.

As with anything, there is a loophole. That is, PADEP can waive the requirement to turn the yucky mess into the soil. Therein lays the rub. They simply check the appropriate box on the permit application, and viola! The requirement is waived.

Actually, I’ve never seen a sludge dumping permit where the requirement was not waived. I’m guessing its just PADEP boilerplate policy.

Synagro contracts throughout the state whereas PA DEP regulates through regional offices, i.e. the South East Regional Office (Mont. Co) is distinct from the North East Regional Office, again apart from the South Central Office, etc. In other words, PADEP’s left hand may not follow its right hand. The buck, if any, probably should be passed from Tom Corbett to Kathleen McGinty, Secretary of PA-DEP.

Sludge: History repeats

2012-01-12T09:47:00.007-05:00

The sludge controversy is heating up again in New Tripoli as area residents blame a farmer's application of so-called biosolids for well contamination. While citizens squarely target Township officials, perhaps wrongfully, I've written many times on the subject. The following is a repost of my entry in August 2008. I've updated some of the links.

NORTHERN LEHIGH VALLEY LOGIC 8/22/08

The headline at Lancaster Farming highlights A.G. Tom Corbett's mischaracterization over the debate concerning biosolids a/k/a/ sludge, and whether local municipalities can regulate it.

The headline reads, Corbett Responds to ACRE Criticism. He spoke at the Elizabethtown Fair. He's slated to appear at the Allentown Fair on Wednesday, August 27, 2008 2PM until 3:30PM

ARCE, i.e., Pennsylvania's Agricultural, Communities and Rural Environment Act allows the Attorney General to review local ordinances that restrict normal agricultural operations. Fair enough.

At issue however, is not ACRE per se. Thats misdirection. Rather its whether "biosolids" a/k/a/ "sludge" i.e., which is the byproduct of treated wastewater, (sludge which may include toxic metals, pathogens, mortuary and hospital waste), as applied to farmer's fields, is "normal" farming activity.

Synagro, one of the largest sludge transport companies, transported over 13,000 tons of biosolids onto Pennsylvania farms in 2007. My farm was not one of them. Yet, 13,000 tons represents a lot of cash, which propably has more relation to biosolids application than to so-called traditional farming.

Quite frankly, sludge and its subparts are a far cry from traditional farming and manure land application. Even so, a second provision of ACRE boils down to whether the local regulation is in conflict with state law.

A local ordinance designed to enforce that which is aleady contemplated by the State , e.g. a requirement to turn the soil, or test the ground, or avoid property boundaries and preclude sludge runoff is little different that which is already contemplated by the State.

If my faulty septic tank leaks and contaminates my neighbor's groundwater, you're darn right the municipality will step in. Likewise the Township's hands should not be tied in solving the very common problems presented by improper sludge application, especially where the State turns its blind eye.

Talk Like a Native!

2012-01-10T18:24:00.004-05:00

OK, so you live in the Pennsylvania Dutch portions of Lehigh County but talk like an auslander. Your farm, like mine, is known from some generation before you. Mine is the Krick farm, though I lived here 20 years. Willie Krick moved out circa the 1950s.

No problem. Wiki goes Dutch, shamelessly copied below!

Haasedaal
Eile Daal
Allemaengel (old name for the region of Lynn and Albany Twps, Lehigh and Berks Counties)
Haffedeckel Court
Edelweiss Road
Herrnhutter Strass (Road)
Schulbarig (en Barig in Heidelberg Twp., zwischich Germansville un Pleasant Corner)
Bassemdaal (Possum Valley)
Bassemlehn (Possum Lane)
Bausche Daal (Bausch Valley)
Beddlehem (Bethlehem)
Butzegass (along the road leading from Zion Lehigh Church to Mertztown lies "die Butzegass")
Donatskopp (high point on the Blue Mountain, Lehigh)
Drammloch (Dryville, today "Drumhole" - incorrect translation - near Egypt)
Eemaus (Emmaus)
Ellsdaun (Allentown)
Fanasser Grick (Furnace Creek - the Trout Creek, which runs into the Lehigh River at Slatington)
Friedenshidde (Friedenshuetten, near Bethlehem)
Gamannswill (Germansville)
Graesli's Schtadt (a small settlement in Heidelberg near the border of Linn-Lowhill-Heidelberg Townships)
Grufsebarig (near Coopersburg, PA)
Gruppebarig (hill near Coopersburg)
Haffedeckel Weg ("Crock Cover Way", Lynn Twp.)
Handwarickschteddel (exact location?)
Heidelberg Weeg (Heidelberg Road, Upper Macungie Twp.)
Heidelberger Grick (Mill Creek, rising at Heidelberg Church, Heidelberg Twp. and running into the Jordan at Weidasville, Lowhill Twp.)
Hockelbeerebarig (Allentown, cf. BEAM 2006)
Hossesack (Hosensack, Lower Milford Twp.)
Hossesack Daal (Hosensack Valley)
Hossesack Grick (Hosensack Creek)
Iegypden (Egypt)
Inschefeld (the field immediately surrounding the large springs of the Robert K. Moser estate in Trexlertown, where an "arrow point factory" was located at one time, and where many chips, unfinished as well as finished, unfinished and broken points are still found)
Kischtlers Daal (Kostler's Valley, near Lynnville, Lynn Twp.)
Kupersbarig (Coopersburg)
Lechaa Barig (Lehigh Moundtain, Salisbury Twp.)
Lechaa Daal (Lehigh Valley)
Lechaa Wasser Kaft (Lehigh Water Gap, which is located in the northern tip of Washington Twp., northern Lehigh, where the Lehigh River flows south through the Blue Mountain)
Lechaa Kaundi (Lehigh County)
Leddereckposchde (Leather Cornerpost, Lowhill Twp.)
Loewe Grick (Lyon Creek at Lyon Valley, Lowhill Twp.)
Magunschi (Macungie Twp.)
Millerschteddel (Macungie, Lower Macungie Twp)
Naazrett (Nazareth)
Nei Gnaadehidde (New Gnadenhuetten)
Ontalaani (Ontalaunee Creek, Lynn Twp; The Ontalaunee Creek rises in Lynn Twp on the southern slope of the Blue Mountain and flows south through the Onalaunee Park by New Tripoli and on westward through Lynn Twp and southward into Albany Twp in Berks County by Kempton where it flows into the Maiden Creek)
Rosenthal (located in the farthermost corner of Allemaengel, between the Pinnacle and the Blue Mountain, now given the name Eckville. Rosenthal is the name always used in the early reports of both the Reformed and the Lutheran Synods)
Sandschpring (Sand Spring, on the mountain above Emmaus)
Schleetdeel (Slatedale, Borough in Washington Twp.)
Schocheri (name of a foothill in Lynn Twp.)
Schulbarig/Schulhiwwel ("school hill", the hill on Rt. 29 just before coming into Slatingtown)
Weilergass (a small community lying north by northwest from Zion Lutheran Church, Upper Milford Twp)
Ziegel-Karich (Ziegels Union Church, Weisenberg Twp.)

OK, Pa Dutch Wiki needs some help. As everything wiki, schribst wie du wilst.

Viel Spass (zum verkauf)

2011-12-15T17:50:00.008-05:00

The Stony Run Hotel along SR 737 in the village of Stony Run serves authentic German and Austrian food. There you can order anything from Austrian Bauernschmaus to Deutche Sauerbraten.

Of course they have Schnitzel, several to choose from. All served with a grosse helping of homemade Spaetzle. Pour it down with a Beck's Dunkes beer.

Read the full menu here. Ample parking in the back. Make a point to go there! I'm sure you'll like it.

You may like it so much, you can play Victor Kiam. He liked the Remington shaver so much, he bought the company!

The Stony Run Hotel can be yours. Asking price is $350K. Not bad for an authentic piece of local history. Details here. No affiliation.

Tests for Auslanders and Natives Alike

2011-12-14T21:48:00.004-05:00

A community forum is rising on facebook with members submitting photographs of our local area. Readers are asked to identify the location somewhere in New Tripoli.

Photos posted daily. All photos are within the surrounding New Tripoli area, including the Northwestern Lehigh School District, Lynn Township, Heidelberg Township, Weisenberg Township and Lowhill Township.

Check it out here

NLV Logic's 2011 Election Reddys!

2011-11-09T16:07:00.028-05:00

This near biannual post used to be called the NLV Logic Election Freddies, a spoof of the Freddy Awards put forth by the State Theater.

The Theater notes outstanding school district dramas. We highlight campaign gaffs in Northern Lehigh.

In a casual conversation with former blogger-news-reporter, radio show host and sometimes provocateur, Ken Petrini, Ken pointed out the term "Freddy" was a registered mark, but no matter. Parodies are exempt and there no consumer confusion here. I am not affiliated with the State Theater!

Freddy for the State Theater refers to the ghost of J. Fred Osterstock, who is said to haunt the Theater. He died in 1957.

It's is time to dump Fred. We have our own ghost up here and our ghost is better than their ghost!

Ask me. I'm prejudiced! I'm from up here, the Northern Tier!

Near the turn of the previous century, Jake Ruprecht, who lived in the Eile Dahl (Owl Valley) feuded with his neighbor, Will Zimmerman, over a strip of land near Rote Schtross (Red Street). He died pulling out a disputed fence.

With four big horses and a heavy wagon, Jake pulled on his neighbor's fence. The wagon upset and fell on him. The horses spooled. Jake was dragged to his death.

The good people of Albany and Lynn still say, Nau geht der alt Tcheek Ruprecht wider die Rote Schtross naus. (Now their goes that old Jake Ruppert along the Red Street.)

We’re told Jake yet appears to those traveling with horse, wagon and one lantern along the Red Street. But he may appear as a passenger in any slow moving convertible with the top down and one dim headlight.

I traveled Red Street last night with my broken down 8n and a half empty hay wagon. I crept along in first gear with die Licht aus. Tcheek appeared to me. He offered these insights, which I named in honor of him, the Red Street Ghost, the Election Reddys by Northern Lehigh Valley Logic:

Number 10: The resurgent five township supervisor question. This comes up somewhere in every municipal election. We don’t like our three Township supervisors, so let’s add two more. Now defeated in North Whitehall Township.

Number 9: The no growth candidate. Candidate for Lynn Township Supervisor Justin Smith railed against a so-called prevalent NO GROWTH philosophy. Who is that no growth candidate?

In the last 6 years Lynn Township implemented no new zoning rules other than (1) for mixed density in the village center, and (2) to allow residential homes in the I.C.

That is, unless you count that pesky repealed AARC!

Number 8: The winter storm of October 2011 knocked down trees and cut out power to many for days. Halloween’s trick or treaters were forced to stay home.

On the plus side, the plowed snow knocked down all those pesky campaign signs. And with no power, we did not have to hear those bull crap radio adds! '

Its all good!

Number 7: Photoshop! The Gang of Four less one. Good thing I did not stand in the middle! That would have messed up the picture!

Number 6: After thought in the primary that he would not become a working supervisor, North Whitehall Township Supervisor-Elect Steven Pany says, well maybe just part-time.

Take a hint from ethics opinions issued to other Township Supervisors. Two of them were from NWT. We don't need no stinkin working supervisors!

Number 5: Judicial Candidate, long time Lehigh County Commissioner, Allentown Parking Authority Solicitor and counselor for several other Lehigh County municipal authorities Dan McCarthey called State Representative and former prosecutor Doug Reichley a career politician out to live on the public dole.

I’m not a politician. You’re a politician. No you’re a politician. No I’m not, you are a politician. No, you're a politician . . .

Number 4: The Spendthrift Movement. A primary which focused on unnecessary spending had entrenched public officials hitching their wagons to a more frugal message. Reichley chided McCarthy for increaseing taxes by 16%. Even D.A. Jim Martin lauded he saved taxpayers $2,000,000 (but he would have liked a larger courthouse).

Number 3: Heidelberg Township Supervisor Candidate for reelection Steve Bachman, whose sign proclaimed, Keep Heidelberg . . . Heidelberg. What exactly does that mean?

I guess it’s the opposite of hope & change! Yup, That's Heidelberg!

Number 2: Sheriff Trooper Iron-man Ron Rossi. Although old as dirt, Sheriff Ron Rossi, oft seen jogging about Allentown, can outrun my aged butt. Rossi adds to his list of defeated Sheriff-wannabes, an Allentown Police Officer, a Pennsylvania toll collector and now a sitting County Commissioner.

But I can write what I want here. According to his defeated candidate, Rossi doesn't do computers.

And Number 1 goes to . . .

Donald Link and Steven Hadad. Commissioner Tom Creighton made the list in years past for his recycled township supervisor campaign sign written over with magic marker.

Northwestern Lehigh School Board candidates Donald Link and Steven Haddad had Tom one better. Their signs, apparently made by a first grader, used yellow construction paper stapled over a sign for a memorial golf outing and failed to say who paid for them. Perhaps their art teacher forgot about 25 P.S. 3258.

Footnote, Re: the Red Street Ghost, See, Quarterly of the Pennsylvania German Society, Volume 8, No. 3-4 (September-December 1974), p. 30ff. (and you thought I made this stuff up!)

Lehigh County Pension Loopholes

2011-11-07T15:59:00.008-05:00

Grinding my teeth, I’ve been notably silent about the November election. I've said nothing even on the Lynn Township race for my replacement.

But with my broken teeth in hand, I’ll comment on this seemingly overlooked item from Commissioner Glenn Eckhart’s campaign mailer.

In true Bob Dole third party future tense form, Glenn writes,

Glenn will never take a Lehigh County Taxpayer funded pension.

OK, So what?

Under Lehigh County's Home Rule Charter, all members of the County Board of Commissioners are employees of Lehigh County.

By contrast, Township Supervisors throughout Pennsylvania are not employees of their Township, unless they are separately hired!

Lehigh County’s Home Rule Charter is the reverse.

True, a pension based a Commissioner's part time "employment" is only about about $100 a month. But it adds up: nine Commissioners, about 10 grand a year, total.

The sneaky part concerns those who bridge their time as a former Commissioner with a subsequent higher paying County job. Their pension will be recalculated on the higher salary with their part time Commissioner job counting toward longevity, even if he or she was just a bump on a log!

I don't like that.

Former Commissioners: The two Janes, Charlie Kistler, Frances Lichtenalner, Grayson McNair, Rick Klotz and others went on to County jobs, making them able to bump up their County pension, nothing illegal, but Eckhart said he would reject it. That moves Glenn way up in my book.

Glenn's got my vote for helping point that issue out. And, yeah, lets amend that Home Rule Charter too!

PSATS applauds Governor for loosening Township bid requirements

2011-11-04T16:18:00.003-04:00

Governor Tom Corbett signed and approved yesterday House Bill 278, now Act 84 of 2011, which amended the Pennsylvania Second Class Township Code so as to raise the threshold for which a Township must advertise and solicit bids for contracts.

With this change, Townships may award contracts under $18,500 without advertisement. Contracts in the amount of $10,000 to $18,500 require 3 attempted solicitations which may be accomplished by telephone. Contracts under 10K require even less concern.

PSATS, a taxpayer funded organization charged with over billing the State, applauded the move. Citing savings in advertising expenses, PSATS urged . . . common-sense legislation that would save municipalities statewide hundreds of thousands of tax dollars a year - money that could be put to better use in Pennsylvania's communities.

Hmmmm.

Meanwhile the Pennsylvania State Ethic Commissions continues to investigate violations in public contracting and procurement. To wit, five of the twelve 2011 adjudications involving restricted activities dealt with officials circumventing the bidding process so as to award public contracts to themselves or to their immediate family members and family affiliated companies. See, e.g. Orders No. 1580, 1581, 1583, 1584, & 1588.

Lowhill (still) See the Light

2011-11-04T13:43:00.006-04:00

As a followup to this post noting updates to the dangerous intersections of Kernsville-Clausville Rd and State Route 100, Penn DOT announces improvement work to begin there anew.

Some may recall the string of fatal accidents which begat the installation of a near useless yellow blinking light. Yet following completion, this Wal-mark truck underscored the intersections unsolved dangerous propensities.

The project now includes a new signal and a wider intersection with left turn only lanes on all four approaches, new signs and pavement markings, drainage improvements and a realignment of Claussville Road. Read the full release here.

Meanwhile another fatality occurred at the noted dangerous intersection of Holbens Valley Road a/k/a Kistler Valley Road and Schochry Road in Lynn Township. By this blogs unofficial count the death toll along Kistler Valley Road rises to 9.

Bookmark this page. By this time next year the toll in Lynn Township will most assuredly rise to 10. The States ignorance is deafening. Where is the outrage?

Here is hoping . . .

2011-08-11T22:45:00.004-04:00

Sixteen or so wild turkey pullets and their moms on my soon-to-be-preserved farm.

Here is hoping for a good Thanksgiving!

The hills and valleys of farming continues . .

2011-08-11T22:30:00.005-04:00

Last year about this time, my farm was raining calves. Even then, with one disappeared, one sick and one in my freezer, I was just one calf ahead from even.

Farming has it moments.

This year with all cows open, I hoped to do better. Today I'm now down two!

This year's crop of calves were all born within a week of each other, except for one who did not make it. Neither did it's mom.

While I was attending to two birthing mothers, one unsuspecting mother hid in the far parts of my pasture. She died giving birth. That's about one-tenth of my herd, lost.

If only, I knew. I shoulda, coulda woulda saved her. She was so close. I feel bad for her.

Which goes to show you, farming is not all good. Its a way of life . . . and sometimes death.

Northern Lehigh's tornado alley.

2011-06-27T19:38:00.009-04:00

Last year an EF-0 tornado hit New Tripoli. Some residents said "it was the first tornado to hit the rural community," but I recall one earlier.

Back in the early 80's, a tornado ripped the roof off the former New Tripoli Fire Co.'s Lynnville building. That's the barn next to the hotel. We used to vote there. You can still see the roof repair to this day.

After the tornado, voting moved to St. Peter's Church up the road. That's were we vote today in the Lynn-Lynnville district, all four registered voters.

In May, an EF1 tornado hit lower Schuylkill County. 20 homes and 1,000 downed trees were stretched along an 18-mile path near Schuylkill Haven.

This was followed again by powerful storms on June 9. But the recent storms in Lehigh County were said not to be tornados.

Or were they?

Undiscovered then high on a nearby hill top lies a 3/4 mile swath in the forrest where nary a tree stay standing. This goes on for acres and acres.

All photos depict the affected area, near Kempton, Lehigh County.

White Bird of Happiness

2011-05-25T10:31:00.005-04:00

Darting across my soon to be preserved farm in Northwestern Lehigh County is this albino pheasant, a white ring neck female, a sight so odd, even my cows chase it.

Watching my my front porch, I'm glad the primary election is over.

My fleeting 24hrs of fame . . .

2011-05-19T20:39:00.006-04:00

Although reports are that I won the fourth seat in the nomination for Lehigh County Commissioner at Large, it appears Mr. Brad Osborne is the victor. The press release issued by My Lehigh County PAC on my behalf follows.

NEWS RELEASE
NEWS RELEASE

Allentown, Pa – Today, David Najarian, who is a member of the Republican reform team with Scott Ott, Lisa Scheller and Vic Mazziotti, conceded the County Commissioner race to South Whitehall Township Supervisor Brad Osborne. Najarian's concession followed news that Osborne gained a total of 6,006 votes over Najarian's 5,976 .

Najarian, who has a proven conservative record, stated, “In the best interest of our party and the winning candidates, I am conceding the race to Brad Osborne. With his knowledge and experience, I am confident that Brad will represent the constituents of Lehigh County well.”

“I am certain Scott, Lisa, Vic and Brad will each work diligently together to lower taxes and cut spending. I believe all four candidates are people of integrity and I strongly urge the taxpayers of Lehigh County to vote for them in November.”

Najarian continued, “It has been a pleasure to represent the people of Lynn Township over the last six years and to have a chance to represent the taxpayers of Lehigh County. I would like to thank my wife and the rest of the reform team members for supporting me over the last few months. While we did not win all four nominations, our message was more important than me alone. We were successful in educating the taxpayers about the current spending problem.”

“I am very proud of the campaign we ran and look forward to supporting conservative candidates that support lower taxes, reduced spending and greater government transparency,” concluded Najarian.

###

Paid for by My Lehigh County PAC

www.MyLehighCounty.org

Post Script:

I have full confidence and throw my support for the Republican Nominee Brad Osborne for County Commissioner. I do this because I have full confidence in the electoral process and the procedures to count the public vote. Had my team not been in the race, I would have voted for Brad myself. I urge the Republican party to unite behind Brad Osborne, Scott Ott, Vic Mazziotti and Lisa Scheller to bring fiscal responsibility and government transparency to Lehigh County. I'm certain all will serve Lehigh County well.

Welcome to Kistler Valley

2011-04-29T18:01:00.000-04:00

View of our families' farms nestled in the beautiful Kistler Valley, Kempton, Northern Lehigh County, Penna. Photo taken from the Scholl Orchards near the Berks County line.

Health Insurance on the Gov't plan.

2011-04-01T12:01:00.007-04:00

Lehigh County is made up of 14 townships, eight boroughs and two cities. The majority of Lehigh County townships are Townships of the Second Class, the subject of this post.

Under the Second Class Township Code, township supervisors, even township supervisors who are not employed by the township, are eligible to have their health insurance paid by the township for themselves and their family. This comes in addition to any meeting pay which they might receive individually.

Health insurance is not the only benefit however. The supervisors and their dependents are also eligible for group life and accident insurance, also paid by the township. The exact proviso follows.

Supervisors, whether or not they are employed by the township, and their dependents are eligible for inclusion in group life, health, hospitalization, medical service and accident insurance plans paid in whole or in part by the township. Their inclusion in those plans does not require auditor approval, but does require submission of a letter requesting participation at a regularly scheduled meeting of the board of supervisors before commencing participation. The insurance shall be uniformly applicable to those covered and shall not give eligibility preference to or improperly discriminate in favor of supervisors. . .

Once a supervisor reaches the age of 65, he or she becomes eligible for medicare. Thus for those supervisors over age 65 paid health insurance becomes moot.

However, a move is now afoot to provide supervisors with supplemental medicare insurance. The move comes in the form of Pennsylvania Senate Bill 894,

As proposed, supervisors and their dependents who are over 65 years of age will now also be eligible for inclusion in supplemental Medicare insurance, paid again by the township.

None of this is applicable in Lynn Township. None of the supervisors in Lynn Township, myself included, accepted health insurance or any other group benefit.

However the approximate cost of family group health insurance based on that provided to Lynn employees runs in the range of $15,000 to $18,000 per family per year. That excludes group life and accident benefits, where they may be provided.

So in the case of a second class township having five supervisors, the cost of group benefits alone for supervisors could aproach 6 figures. That's just an estimate as proven in Wysox Township, population 1763, Bradford County, PA.

But the tab for one supervisor alone in Wysox Township exceeds $35,000. You can read about that controversy here.

According to the same article, 25% of the 655 townships that provided health insurance for their employees, also provided health insurance for their "non-employee supervisors". What about yours?

New Tripoli's international connection

2011-03-31T11:52:00.006-04:00

When Hosni Mubarak recently stepped down as president of Egypt, I took a ride through Egypt, a town in neighboring Lehigh County.

Now that the populist revolution sweeping the Middle East has shifted to Libya, whose capital city is named Tripoli, I thought it only fair that I visit New Tripoli.

Just over the Berks County border in Lehigh County, New Tripoli is a cluster of houses at the base of Blue Mountain in Lynn Township.

A quaint village marked by old stone inns and tall church steeples, New Tripoli was once the home of Ontelaunee Amusement Park. . .

Source: Reading Eagle Newspaper, published March 7, 2011 (read the full article here)

Leaser Lake births

2011-03-31T11:25:00.003-04:00

I recently came across this undated newspaper article with a report on the condemnation of lands prior to the construction of Leaser Lake. The article reports the Lake's planned completion was in November, 1970. There is no byline. The source is unknown. I reprinted the text below.

Of the 312 acres of land being procured for construction of a dam to impound the waters of Ontelaunee Creek in Lynn Township, the Pennsylvania Fish Commission has officially acquired more than 291 acres.

The dam, which will have a 45-foot-high breast, will be located just west of Jacksonville Union Church.

When completed in November 1970, it will be able to back up Ontelaunee Creek’s waters about three miles to the Blue Mountain.

The deed for the largest tract among 20 needed, filed with George D. Black, Lehigh County recorder of deeds, conveyed ownership of 188 acres from Norman H and Annie M. Dietrich to the fish commission. The price listed was $98,500.

The 12 properties acquired to date by the fish commission have cost the state about $245,945.

The second largest tract acquired was that of Robert A. and Ruth I Hermany for $83,700, containing about 107 acres.

Other tracts acquired, the price, and acreage were: Leonard T. and Agnes M. Patric, $10,000, five acres; Milton D and Ellen I. Leiby, $18,260, 20 acres; James F. Fox, $6,435, one acre; Howard S. and Maude E. Greenawalt, $950, two acres; Benjamin F. and Marie A. Dietrich, $14,000, 11 acres; Willie Williams, $825, one acre.

Erma A. Follweiler, $8250, 13 acres, Jacobs Union Church, Jacksonville, by the trustees, $2000, two acres; William J. and Alice J. Hickey, $2200, four acres, and Rosie Bell Buie, $825, one acre.

Commission representatives report the impoundment will inundate 117 acres of land. The resulting lake is to be used for fishing and boarding and the land around it for other recreational activities.

The total cost of construction – bulldozers are already at work on site – will be $750,000.

The commission also has filed a condemnation proceeding, using the right of eminent domain, to obtain slightly more than 21 acres of land from Paul J. and Anna Lou J. Oswald. A price for the property is not listed on the action.

Representative Gary Day to host Town Hall meetings this week!

2011-03-28T22:23:00.005-04:00

Pennsylvania State Representative Gary Day is scheduled to host two town hall meetings in March. The first will be held on Wednesday March 30, 2011, 6:30pm to 8:00pm, at the Topton FIre Company, 600 State Street, Mertztown, PA. That's along the Topton-Lyons-Fleetwood highyway or old old 222 to the uninitiated. The second will be held at the same bat-time, but different bat-channel, or Thursday March 31, 2011, 6:30pm to 8:00pm, at the Trinity Wesleyan Church on 6734 Cetronia Road, Allentown. That's behind Air Products in Trexlertown.

Debate on my friends!

2011-03-28T13:55:00.006-04:00

In a comment to this blog, Republican candidate for Lynn Township Supervisor, Justin Smith, unveiled his website, www.votejustinsmith.com

There, Justin Smith shared detail per his views. You can read his take on things Lynn here.

Justin weighed in on traffic impact studies, comprehensive planning, the sewer authority, development, mixed use zoning, recreation fees, Lynn's 10% rule, and even the AARC.

Whether I agree or disagree with Justin is of no importance. I will no longer be a Lynn Supervisor. Those issues will not be my call. A new Supervisor will take my reins. So I will not debate Justin.

I give Justin a star for putting his view out to public scrutiny, and a second star for going online. That's all good.

Bend Justin's ear here.

NWSD: Darned if they do, darned if they don't

2011-03-28T12:56:00.009-04:00

With the special budget meeting of the Northwestern Lehigh School District ahead of the 2011 municipal election, some are asking,

Will the Northwestern School Board prior to budget adoption release copies of it's proposed 2011-2012 budget to the public?

Past practice had the school superintendent instructing the Board not to release pre-decisional documents until after the School Board's final vote. This came as some sought to obtain a copy of a transportation study (the TAS report) prior to a vote on whether the transportation department might be outsourced.

In the Superintendent's words, pre-decisional documents can not be released until after you [the Board] use it to make a decision.

Strikingly, the Board never voted publicly on whether to release the study. They appeared to simply accept the Superintendent's directive. I questioned it.

True, the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law expressly exempts records that reflect . . . pre-decisional deliberations relating to budget recommendations . . . [and] the strategy used to develop or achieve the successful adoption of a budget

Because the District's policy merely adopts the requirements of the Act, expect the School's proposed budget to be shielded from view.

Yet some are under the mistaken guise that draft documents must be withheld. That's a different issue. The Right to Know law does not preclude a government's release of exempt documents.

Lynn Township directly addressed the issue. The specific provision, written by Yours Truly, was approved unanimously by the Board. It provides that . .

A draft resolution, regulation, statement of policy, ordinance or amendment shall become accessible under this [Open Records Policy] Resolution when first presented for public discussion in a meeting of the Board of Supervisors or any board, committee or commission of the Township which has been advertised in accordance with the Sunshine Act [except that] Management directives, i.e. directives pertaining to the internal operation of Township matters of personnel, shall only be accessible under this Resolution upon adoption. Resolution 2008-25 at 6.11

So as to Lynn Township, draft documents become public when properly presented to the Board for deliberation. There is no ambiguity, no waffle or wiggle room. The Northwestern Lehigh School Board should vote and follow suit

LCA: We can save New Tripoli sewer customers millions

2011-03-23T11:57:00.005-04:00

LCA proposed project financingOn February 8, 2011, the Lynn Township Sewer Authority, LTSA ,and Lynn Township Board of Supervisors BOS, held a special joint meeting to hear a presentation from the Lehigh County Authority, LCA. The meeting came as LTSA considered its options for dealing with sewer plant upgrades and redesign. One proposal contemplates completing a first phase of the upgrade at a projected cost of $750,000. The second proposal contemplates a complete upgrade in excess of 3 million. LTSA is rightly evaluating its alternatives.

This comes while the plant operates in overload with peak flows oft near three times the plant's rated capacity. The plant is rated at 80,000 gallons per day. The less costly proposal addresses many of the immediate issues dealing with flow and is the first phase of overall planned expansion.

In either case, financing costs are prohibitive. A 30 year note issued by LTSA in the amount of $750,000 at expected 6.89% will cost rate payers $1,075,600 in total interest or $62,190 annually. Similarly a $3,000,000 note would cost rate payers $4,282,405 in total interest or $242,747 annually.

LCA's proposal contemplates overall savings of $890,000 for phase one or $1,697,549 for the full project. Respectively the annual savings are $29,700 and $56,585. These are not small numbers!

The plant provides a total of 542 EDUs with 114 coming from the Northwestern School, 407 from residential and apartment users and 25 commercial accounts. That makes for approximately 450 customers at present.

The crux is likely loss of local control, which means the Authority might vote to cede it's authority. To wit, the Authority will consider the matter at its April meeting and make it's recommendation.

No word yet from the Supervisor candidates, Justin Smith or Scott Feinour, each have yet to weigh in on the issue.

You can listen to the meeting here.

Speaking of Government Budgets

2011-03-23T11:02:00.005-04:00

The Northwestern Lehigh School District will hold a special public budget forum at 7:00pm April 5, 2011 in the high school auditorium.

Given the municipal primary is just 50 or so days away, with and eleven candidates running for the five open seats on the school board, the forum has potential for some lively debate. And you thought the County Commissioner race might be lively. The school's announcement follows.

Good Evening Parents & Guardians,

Tonight's message is about an upcoming community budget forum scheduled for Tuesday April 5 beginning at 7:00 pm in our high school auditorium. It is very important for community members to attend to learn about our budget, school funding, and the challenges we will face during the next 3-5 years .

As you may have heard, the new Governor presented his budget several weeks ago. If the Governor's budget is approved as it was presented, Northwestern Lehigh's state funding will be reduced by $1,009,318 which means we will receive $1,009,318 less money from the state than we are budgeted to receive in the current 2010-11 school district budget.

The Board and administrators did a a very good job planning the last few District budgets, helping to set us up to handle some potential funding decreases. Ms. Frisbie our business administrator has been keeping abreast of projected changes from Harrisburg, and helped us anticipated a decrease in state funding. With all of the state funding cuts and the increases in some of our costs like health care and retirement, we are now faced with a budget to budget deficit of a little more than $2 million and the ability to raise taxes about $375,000.

We believe it is important for our community members to understand how our budget is developed and funded. 65% of our budget is comprised of salary and benefits. We have reduced staffing and associated costs over the last two years by $1,343,492 and continue to look for ways to do more with less. We may get to the point where we can no longer protect programs that are good for our children. That is where your input and valuing of programs will be critical.

During the April 5th meeting, we will give you a brief update on the 2011-12 budget development as it stands to date. Additionally, we will be asking for you to value important but non mandated programs for our future planning. Such programs include but are not limited to kindergarten, athletics and activities, guidance, and class size just to name a few.

Please help me advertise this meeting by sharing the date, time, and reason for the meeting with neighbors, friends, community members who don't have children in the schools, and any residents who have an interest in education as well as in their taxes. We are in survival mode so that we can continue to provide an appropriate education for our children.

Have a good night and I hope to see you on April 5th at 7:00 p.m. in our high school auditorium.

Mary Anne Wright
Superintendent of Schools

Online Hate Speech goes local!

2011-02-09T22:12:00.005-05:00

While purposely ignoring the white elephant in the room, only days after this post which explored the Internet's new nexus between the first amendment and online hate speech, a Grand Jury recently indicted a local 27 year old man for posting threatening comments on Facebook

In an all too familiar account, the accused, Anthony Douglas Elonis, using the name Tone Dougie was said to have written . . .

That's it, I've had about enough. I'm checking out and making a name for myself. Enough elementary schools in a 10-mile radius to initiate the most heinous school shooting ever imagined. And hell hath no fury like a crazy man in a Kindergarten class. The only question is ... which one?

Read the full article here.

The question for the public is where to report these wing nuts before they go postal? The postal part otherwise seems inevitable.

State Rep Gary Day seeks Legislative Aid

2011-02-09T21:50:00.006-05:00

From the February 9th 2011 Northwestern Press classifieds . . .

Part time Legislative Aide for a State Representative's District Office. This position performs general clerical and administrative duties minimum typing proficiency 55 WPM and ability to construct correspondence from basic outline. Exhibits excellent communication skills with the public including, telephone, email and face to face office communication. Must be proficient in Word, Excel, data entry and Internet research. Must be flexible to attend evening and weekend events. Similar to case management work. School or youth sports community volunteer experience is helpful. Fax resume to 610-760-7085 or email to gday@pahousegop.gov

You can also apply here. Ignore the spelling errors. Seems careerbuilder.com needs good help too!

No affiliation, and I probably wouldn't suggest this blog as a reference, but I may stop by to say Hello!

OH NO! They're ripping the heads of Mummys!

2011-02-09T21:43:00.005-05:00

Vandals ripped the heads off two mummies and tossed relics onto the ground in Cairo's Egyptian Museum, the country's antiquities chief said Sunday .. .

Read the full article here

Former Supervisor Lenhart headlines Channel 69 News

2011-02-09T17:10:00.006-05:00

Former Lynn Township Supervisor Charles Lenhart appeared last Wednesday on WFMZ news. Lenhart spoke to reporter Jackie Farris about the weather.

I didn't see any wrecks, nobody sliding around, said Lenhart. Everybody was driving decent for a change.

You can get a glimpse of Mr. Lenhart here. I must concede, he looks pretty chipper.

No documents to be released until final decisions are made

2011-01-18T21:58:00.006-05:00

A comment on my prior post led me to this video, which depicts a portion of the January 12 meeting of the Northwestern Lehigh School Board. Credit Northwestern Cares for the video.

I'm sure there are passionate arguments on either side. For better or worse, I'm sure also it will be an interesting election year.

The full text of Pennsylvania's Open Records Law can be found here.

Reorgs and Goodbyes, the Prequel.

2011-01-18T21:40:00.004-05:00

While on the subject of speeches, the following is the text of my speech from last year's reorganizational dinner. The press was not present, although invited

Given the headlines from our sister township in Lowhill, (the roadmaster resigned, their Township secretary quit) this speech was foretelling.

Four years ago as the newly elected Supervisor, I was asked to speak at this dinner. I followed Richard Snyder who said, "Change is coming. You may not like it. You may not want it, but its coming."

Richard was right. Change came. The change was not always pretty, but it was transparent. You always knew why the Board did what it did even if you didn't agree. The change wasn't always easy, but we've got a great staff. We worked through it. I give my thanks and applause.

Today I read the newspaper. (January 2010).

Heidelberg Township has staff issues, budget concerns and an embattled Township Administrator.

Lowhill Township has issues surrounding its working supervisors.

North Whitehall Township has audit issues and problems surrounding supervisor pay.

Certain board members in Weisenberg have concerns about their engineer.

The regional Act 537 Plan Amendment for Northern Lehigh: Lowhill, North Whitehall, Washington and Heidelberg was rejected.

Sound familiar?

We've been there. Done that. Got through it. It came and went. Its over. We don't make news anymore. We don't have budget issues. We no longer employ working supervisors. We don't have problems with out staff. Our Act 537 plan is approved. Its all good. Our future is bright.

Today, our Board is the best qualified in Township history. Never before have we had three engaged supervisors not panning for a Township job, another career or office. Each offers his insight and opinion. There is no Board with just two.

All three have shown their desire to work, put in the required time, and not for themselves, but for the betterment of the Township. While other Townships are facing controversy, we overcame.

Last December (2009), Lynn Township held the 1st meeting of its kind. The Board meet with the candidate-elect to set forth the next year's agenda. This was not a closed door offsite meeting, but an advertised meeting of the Board. The Board settled on issues voting 3 - 0, to work on what unites us, not what divides us. This makes our future bright.

Thank you.

Reorgs and Goodbyes.

2011-01-18T20:24:00.004-05:00

Each year Lynn Township hosts an annual "Reorganization Dinner" aimed at thanking the persons who volunteer their time in the service of the Township. This year was no different.

As a member of the elected Board, I was asked to address the audience. My speech follows.

Four years ago, before this very dinner, in this very building, at an unheard of weekend evening special meeting of the Board, we terminated the employment of the 3rd Township Secretary in 12 months.

Then, change was afoot. Sometimes the change wasn't pretty. People were talking. People were critical.

At that same meeting, Kermit Delong then spoke up. He too, was very critical. Two years later, Kermit was elected Supervisor.

Kermit did what I believe.

I believe you can't criticize Government if you're also not willing to use your time and effort to make Government better. Community service, that's what Government should be about. That's why I ran for Supervisor! That was the backdrop for our change.

But I believe something more.

I believe we make our mark in Government, then move one. Ours is not a broken repeating record. We must step down and let new people take us in new directions. We shan't dwell on the ideas of the past. There is a time to move on, look ahead.

This is that time in Lynn Township.

Next month, February 15th, nomination petitions of the municipal election may be circulated. Following what I believe, allow me to make it official. I will not seek another term as your Township Supervisor. My hope is that a new person will unify us and bring us together with new ideas, not rehash old ideas. For this reason, today is my last time speaking in any official capacity at this reorganization dinner.

I may find new ways to make our community better, our Government more accountable, more open and serve the public, but I've left my mark on Lynn Township. I believe we've made it better, but now its time for a new person to be allowed to leave his or her mark. I will not be that person.

I'd like to thank my staff, for putting up with me when sometimes that's hard to do. I thank all here who helped the Township get where it stands today. We've made much progress, and I thank my critics, for forcing me to sometimes think out of the box. That too, makes us stronger.

Thank you and good night.

nlvllama, er nlvlogic, whatever!

2011-01-09T18:38:00.008-05:00

For years now, I've posted various videos, links and public documents online. Of all the controversies posted, one video remains steadfastly the most viewed!

What was it, Wal-Mart in Schnecksville? No, that video had only 185 views.

Maybe it was this video responding to criticism against then pending Lynn Township's Act 537 plan.

Nope!

Was it this video about last year's election for Lynn Township Supervisor? Hey, that brought this anonymous flyer!

Nope!

Ok, maybe it was Crazy Elmer. We all like Crazy Elmer! I certainly do!

Nope! Elmer came in second with 1103 views.

The most popular of my loathesome videos was this video helping Hoyt Emmons shear our llamas. 1346 views, and don't ask me why! I don't know!

Maybe llamas know something we don't!

State Rep. to Sunshine Law violators: Go Directly To Jail! Do not Pass Go!

2011-01-09T15:59:00.006-05:00

State Representative Michael Vereb, (R, 150th, Mont. Co) leader of the self-described bi-partisan Public Integrity Commission calls out those public officials accused of holding secret public meetings.

I frankly think that when crooks steal, they go to jail, said Vereb. If politicians violate the Sunshine law and knowingly deceive the public with some type of a vote based on an illegal meeting, then I think they should be incarcerated. Guess what? The people keep fighting for it, and you better start listening and not just get a $100 fine.

Others ask, can a bipartisan group of government officials have public integrity?

As of yet, no word from our local legislators. Read the full article here.

Lynn's 2010 year end

2011-01-09T14:54:00.004-05:00

**The above numbers no not reflect account balances.
***The included reports are not audited.

Full and itemized year end numbers can be found here.

Internet's Dodge City

2011-01-09T12:48:00.005-05:00

Gifford Suspect Posts Rambling Manifesto on Web

Health Club Killer George Sodini's videos on You Tube

Museum Shooter's radical website with list of lawmakers.

The George Stack Manifesto

Some years ago, I published this piece which examined the boundaries between free speech and trademark infringement in the context of an internet domain name. For better or worse, that matter is addressed here.

Today a new nexus is evolving: online hate speech.

The anti-defamation league's Christopher Wolf examines the issue. He writes:

We seek voluntary cooperation of the Internet community – ISPs and others – to join in the campaign against hate speech. That may mean enforcement of Terms of Service to drop offensive conduct; if more ISPs in the U.S. especially block content, it will at least be more difficult for haters to gain access through respectable hosts.. . .

I am convinced that if much of the time and energy spent in purported law enforcement against hate speech was used in collaborating and uniting with the online industry to fight the scourge of online hate, we would be making more gains in the fight.

Read the full article here and here.

Broken Record, skip, Broken Record, skip, Broken Record, skip

2011-01-07T19:42:00.016-05:00

Local rhetoric is heating up. Petition time for the municipal election is just round the corner.

Chalk one up for anonymous flyers. They'll come again, I'm sure!

This is especially true for the Northwestern Lehigh School Board. Two of it's members (Paul Fisher & William Towne) resigned. Four others face reelection (Greg Snyder, Sally Schoffstall, Williard Dellicker and Donald Link). Greg Snyder announced that he will not seek reelection.

Upon leaving the Township Supervisor's reorganization meeting, my Supervisor colleague exclaimed, the AARC would have saved the school! Yeah right my friend, and saved the Township's broken sewer plant too!

Consider Ashley Development's Trio Farms, a 440 unit development in Lower Nazareth. After the national builder bailed, the bank foreclosed.

Trio Farms was an age 55 and older community. Did you know that? After it failed, the builder sought to lift the age restriction, which negated the whole purpose for approving the project in the first place!

Excuse me for interjecting. Let's head off the election bull__ before it continues. The record is worn out. It's time to move on.

Please!

Lynn Township Sewer Authority to invite Lehigh County Authority

2011-01-07T19:10:00.004-05:00

Whilst faced with a near impossibility of borrowing for its proposed sewer plant expansion and projected violations from the Department of Environmental Protection, the Lynn Township Sewer Authority invited the Lehigh County Authority to their next meeting. The planned presentation will occur at LTSA's meeting on Tuesday February 8, 2011 at 6:00pm.

Although it fell largely on deaf ears, this is not the first time that LCA addressed officials in Lynn Township. Appearing in May 2009, the LCA's Aural Arndt cited local control, economies of scale, it's AA credit rating and in-house expertise as advantages over the self operation of our local sewer plant. You can listen to the preview from Aural's last time around.

Perhaps the reception will be better this time around. Time will tell.

Lowhill Township joins the fray!

2011-01-07T18:14:00.004-05:00

With its new website reaching 1510 visitors, that's two visits for each resident, Lowhill rockets far past it's township neighbors with this announcement.

The Township will begin video and audio recording Township Meetings Monday January 3rd 2011

No word on whether the video recordings will be available on Lowhill's website!

That leaves Washington Township as the only remaining township in the northern tier of Lehigh County without a website. But they do have a way-cool spiffy new building!

Old [bloggers, lawyers, reporters] never die, they just get crankier!

2011-01-07T17:21:00.005-05:00

Following what amounted to nary a tweat . . .

Brian, Kermit, Keystone returns with me saying no. Greg snyder to the SA

Former blogger inactive attorney and retiring reporter responded with what might be his last article for the Northwestern Press. Funny how 16 words can become a full newspaper article.

Via email, Petrini since informed me that he has retired from the print media in favor his new venture, WPAZ 1370 in Pottstown. While helping to get "the business side running" he'll be hosting his daily show, 1-3.

The Pottstown Mercury reports on the station's progress here.

Pa Dept of Ag: Stray dogs must be taken to kill shelter!

2011-01-07T13:38:00.010-05:00

DeptofAgDogLawLizJones

Following this article in the Morning Call, Special Secretary Jessie L. Smith of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Dog Law Enforcement Division wrote Lynn Township. A copy of the letter is above. Similar letters were sent to other municipalities in Lehigh County.

At issue, the Sanctuary at Haafsville, which is attempting to provide an alternative to the Lehigh County Humane Society, an animal kill shelter.

Smith wrote:

Ms. Jones in her new venture is not a licensed kennel, nor does it appear that she meets the other criteria for approval to take stray doges. For this reason, assuming you [the municipality] have a contract with her to take stray dogs from your municipality, this contract violates the Dog Law . . .

In deciding for the first time whether a non-profit kennel that does not currently meet these criteria [relative to normal business hours, legal process and the ability to humanely kill dogs when appropriate] the Department is understandably cautious. This is especially so because there is a humane society in your county that takes strays dogs from the Department and meets this criteria.

Ironically, the Department is seemingly at odds with the State Open Records Office, which opined that the Humane Society is not a local agency because it was not established by the State and does not provide an essential government function.

The Department now argues that we must allow our dogs to be taken to the local kill shelter, the same kill shelter that will not account as to the number of dogs it kills each year.

Lynn Township stopped doing business with the Humane Society because the Society would not provide that information. As a Supervisor, I strongly believe the residents have a right to know whether and under what circumstances their lost pet may have been put down, or worse, killed in the course of capture.

LCHS bucked at providing even basic data. When asked to confirm information about the number and location of dogs captured in the Township, Lovette Krueger replied, If you would like to do this for 2009 the contract would need to be revised to also include a 15% administrative charge for the extra paperwork involved.

I know of no service provider that will not provide an itemized account for the services provided, must less charge a service fee for a detailed bill. The omission is particularly egregious because the flat fee was set based on the number of dogs picked up in the Township! And yes, I want to know whether the dog survived! By hey, that's just me!

Absent evidence that the Sanctuary is not placing dogs in licensed kennels, it is perplexing that the Department could conclude otherwise. I suspect politics is involved. Maybe, as it was last time, it's Charlie Dent's great grandmother! Who knows! Yet, this audio confirms that the Sanctuary is following Pennsylvania's the Dog Law.

I'd hope the Department spent its efforts investigating actual animal killings rather than cite the Sanctuary's very public effort to save animals.

Upon the direction of the State Police, I reported this killing last year to the local dog warden. My many calls were not returned. That speaks volumes to me. The Department would rather go after the Sanctuary!

It can be done! Lynn's projected fiscal surplus!

2010-12-02T09:15:00.010-05:00

My previous post explored Lynn Township's efforts at managing expenses in a declining economy. Then, November results came out.

No trick there. With one month to go, Lynn presently shows a 2010 surplus of 124K. I've posted the results here in three files.

The first file BosBalanceSheet201011.xls shows all account balances as of November 2010.

The second file BosProfitLoss201011.xls shows Income vs. expenses for November 2010.

Finally the third file LynnTownship2010YearToEndOfNovemberFinancialStatements_Files.xls shows year to date revenues vs. expenditures. Note: Park expenses show a negative of 17K for 2010 because of spending last years Nestle donation which does not show as an income this year. The report also shows a total of 219K in the black for 2009 ending the month of November, but that changed for December 2009 to 169K for the 50K unbudgeted contribution for Fire Cos.' Rescue Truck.

The direct link to download the above files is here.

November also offers better year over year analysis for Lynn's other expenses. See below.

Solicitorcomparison09-09-19 shows legal expenses paid from the General Fund. 2008 is included because it was a full year with Steckel & Stopp. 2008 was also the year in which special counsel for the AARC was retained.

Engineercomparison09010 shows expenses paid from the General Fund for engineering services. The total for 2009 is higher because in 2009 we had the engineer expenses for drawing up the whole tennis & basketball issue; (see, entry in 2009 for $2,492.43). Taking that into consideration the engineer fees for the most part are equal for 2009 & 2010.

GeneralFundParkcomparison09-10 compares expenses for the park from the General Fund. Less has been spent in 2010 mainly due to the fact that in 2009 that the Township was paying a full time employees and the travel expenses. Taking that into consideration the expenses out of the General Fund for the Park are for the most part equal again even after putting up the new maintenance building in 2010 (cost: $7,599.00).

ParkFundcomparioisn09-10 compares expenses paid in Ontelaunee Park from the dedicated park fund. More has been spent in 2010 mainly due to the fact that we spent previous year's donation from Nestle (10K) for the Picnic pavilion and multi purpose field in 2010. That project was held up after unfounded anonymous complaints were made to Pa DEP. The cost of the concrete floor ($1,537.92) were also paid out of the park fund.

I'll follow with staffing details in a later post.

Gov't services can be provided without raising taxes. Reject politicos who say otherwise. As I explained in my previous post, cost containment requires more than just looking at the numbers.

%@!&* Raise taxes how much!

2010-11-28T17:31:00.018-05:00

Allentown, other local municipalities and school districts will soon join Lehigh County raising taxes, but not Lynn Township. Pundits are spinning. The show is mostly bull.

Here is my take. It’s all politics. One can’t simply read a budget by the numbers. That’s too simple. One must ask, Are we getting what we paid for? Can we get the same service for less?

Take 2009, a recession year, Lynn Township ended 2009 with a $134,297 surplus. This included a one-time $50,000 unbudgeted expense to assist the local fire co. with the purchase of a new rescue truck. Cool!

2010 is about 8K in the black (October numbers). We project no deficit this year. Taxes next year will be unchanged, this after two previous tax cuts! Well three, if you count killing the amusement tax.

Wha?

We took action after revenues fell off a cliff in 2008. That's when the recession started. We cut staff. We laid off good people for no cause. We froze salaries. We fired our friends.

We might have acted sooner! But those Municipalities who are just now thinking about freezing salaries and cutting staff, they are way too late!

Cost containment in Lynn really began in 2006. We got rid of working supervisors. One can’t have employees responsible for setting their own overtime. Our savings in overtime alone allowed us to add one new full-time member to the road crew. That means more work gets done on less time, and yes, for less money.

We scrutinized our accounts. We found uncollected accounts going back 10 years. We recovered more than 100K.

But that’s all old news. Yes it is! Very old indeed! Lets move on.

Caulk in $83,000 recovered from DEP for our approved Act 537 plan. Approval was stalled 14 years after two, count-em, rejections. No approval means no reimbursement. So, yes, cutting costs is about getting work done. 83K! Imagine that!

Ending the “free dumping privileges for life” at the Township transfer station saved 6-9K per year. We also ended overtime there. Lets not pay time and a half to help empty garbage cans. The transfer station now pays for itself, even with the new bathroom!

A previous administration approved a new garage. Part of that plan was to covert the existing garage into offices. We nixed that and choose instead to buy more efficient office furniture. What, you don't like the furniture?

Early on we joined the Pennsylvania Municipal Health Insurance Cooperative. Some our our costs are refunded each year. Last year we got back over $61K, up over $10K from the previous year. That's not small potatoes!

In the Park, we created part-time and seasonal employment. We don’t need full time salaries for mowing grass. We nixed tennis courts after estimates came in two to three times the original estimate.

Park expenses fell to 16K for 2010 from over 31K for 2009, which is despite the construction of a second multi-purpose field and a new storage building!

After replacing our engineering firm, engineering costs were halved, $13,7000 for 2009 versus $6,400 for the first 10 months of 2010. Final numbers are not out yet.

Legal fees were cut to less than one-third. 2009 costs were: $37,994 versus $10,540 for 2010. These are budget year numbers, September through September.

Last year, the Township bought a new truck. Well, we bought a used one. It had less than 20K on the odometer. We saved over half our budgeted butts.

Now let's get to the creative stuff. This gets harder as you go along.

Our scrap metal recycling program at the transfer station brings in about $1500 per year. In the past, we simply gave the scrap metal away. Separating the aluminum from the scrap metal brings in hundreds more so we’re creating a program to separate aluminum cans too.

We changed propane suppliers with an average cost of $1.14 per gallon versus $3.44 per gallon. We realized a savings of 3-5K per year.

Our Township newsletter used to cost about $2400 each year not counting staff time. We now outsource the job using corporate sponsors. Our newsletter now costs nothing but postage.

All of this causes me to question the budget pundits. Line item numbers tell little. Do the work. Show the trends. Fiscal responsibility is a continuous effort, not once and done. It can't been done with a spoonful of tainted medicine. Lehigh County tried that with the last tax increase. Now they want us to drink another spoonful.

Next up, wasted money. I’ll throw a few stones.

Going passé

2010-11-26T18:32:00.006-05:00

I wrote this tongue and check piece on local anonymous blogger, Eckville Press, who had caused one to write of him:
You're a flat out piece of trash that gives this world a bad name! Get over yourself.

Funny, that's what some said about me, but no matter. Eckville Press (and I know not who he is) has always been cryptic. I'll leave it at that.

Judging from his latest post Good Bye Cruel World (circa last month) I'm guessing he's signed off.

For you conspiracy theorists, hmm, bout the same time the school board controversy heated up, but I don't believe in conspiracies. Elections just won't be the same.

Conspire on my friends.

Thanksgiving Turkeys

2010-11-25T11:38:00.006-05:00

David Jaindl, president and CEO of Jaindl Farms, Jaindl Land Development et. al, again made the front page of a local newspaper, but this its time not for his quarry development plan in Lower Macungie. That we call in the business, an FU plan. Can't build what I want? Then . . . well, you know the rest.

Jaindl says, there was land where we had turkey farms and development grew out around us. So we discontinued these farms and developed them. High-density ag and high-density residential use do not mix.

But its Thanksgiving. Let bygones be gone and talk turkey. I'm OK with that.

Read the full article here.

History of Lehigh County goes digital

2010-11-10T10:23:00.003-05:00

To the left is a photo of a three volume set, the History of Lehigh County, which celebrated the County's 100 year anniversary back in 1912.

The history was published in 1914 by resolution of the Allentown Chamber of Commerce adopted January 9, 1911, which resolved that the Lehigh County Historical having appointed a Historical Committee to compile the history of the county for 1912; the Chamber of Commerce of Allentown hereby endorses the publication of such a history and approves the plan of publishing such history by the Historical Society.

Occasionally copies of the set come up for auction locally, but I found my set in Amish store in Iowa. Books travel. So do the Amish.

You can read it for free at the Lehigh County Historical Society, but now you can also read it online.

Volume 2 was digitized as part of the project Beyond Steel: An Archive of Lehigh Valley Industry and Culture hosted by Lehigh University and others. Volume 3 is there too.

Danger Signs?

2010-10-02T23:08:00.012-04:00

Some controversy over Heidelberg Township's sign permit & appeal fees stirred recently. The ordinance was said to be unfriendly to businesses and puppies. (warning, files from Heidelberg Township's website are filetype .doc. Download will be attempted)

Whether Heidelberg's requirement that all signs be professionally made survives 1st Amendment scrutiny is unanswered. Until then, best hold back your paint brush.

At the same time, the Northwestern Lehigh School District unveiled its programmable high resolution animated sign. Hold your horses, I'm told the project was funded entirely through private donations. No tax dollars were used.

Though perfectly legal in Heidelberg, the school's sign would be illegal if located 100 yards west. So too, the signs at First Star's New Tripoli branch would be illegal had they been located one mile west.

That's because Lynn Township bans all signs of which all or any part is in motion by any means, including fluttering and rotating.

Do you find yourself fixing upon the school's animated message as you drive by or does the danger, if any, rank up there with that of signs having hand painted letters?

Unpleasant Scenes from Ontelaunee Park

2010-10-02T22:11:00.005-04:00

I debated whether to post these photos of an old dump which recently became active again in Ontelaunee Park. I would not have found it but for the new trash. And no, this is not township trash, its uncaring cretins who dump their private trash freely on public land.

Illegal dumps are not uncommon even on public lands. Several old sites exist on County lands above Leaser Lake. Lets hope they don't become active.

Pennsylvania Cleanways is a privately funded cooperative venture to clean up illegal dumps, both old and new. It starts with a countywide survey of dumps.

Berks and Schuylkill Counties have joined the program but for some reason, Lehigh has not. That bothers me. The County COG seems like the perfect survey facilitator.

Let these photos be our Alamo cry!

You know you're a redneck when?

2010-10-02T21:45:00.003-04:00

This photo, taken on Tilghman Street, Fogelsville, PA October 1, 2010 is just begging for a better caption. You could fit a small child in those stacks. I just don't get it.

I got a bridge to sell you!

2010-10-02T15:52:00.003-04:00

No, really! I really do have a bridge to sell you.

School Board blogs

2010-09-27T18:41:00.011-04:00

I was going to write a post about a certain government official in Lynn Township who maintained a blog at time when some thought the practice was slimey. One critic went so far as to then say "a blog should not be done by a public official and that any information included in a blog should be totally factual and done tactfully." But times do change.

Today you can read Northwestern school board member Paul Fisher's blog here.

Paul writes . . .

I will only publish information available within the public domain, in compliance with Pennsylvania’s Right to Know Law and our district’s policies and procedures.

Funny, that's what I said!

Paul even tweets. Boy is he in big trouble!

The Northwestern School District and it's Board has its share of controversy right now. It now draws the attention of a newly formed focus group, Northwestern Community Advocates for Redefining Excellence in our Schools a/k/a Northwestern Cares. I know not who they are. The website shares little about the group, but that matters little.

NWCARE's blog comes complete with video of all school board and committee meetings. Therein lies the meat. You can watch the school board's meetings in their entirety here. Yes, that's School Board President Greg Snyder and Superintendent Mary Ellen Wright on the front and center stage!

The center of todays controversy is a proposal to outsource school bus drivers and maintenance workers. The idea is to cut costs but I fear the public's ire is much deeper.

At the same time, Paul Fisher is resigning from the Board. So a vacancy exists.

Letters of interest and resumes from citizens of the District wishing to be considered as a Board member to fill Paul's vacancy with a term through November 2011 should be submitted to Gregory Snyder, Board President, c/o Northwestern Lehigh School District, 6493 Rte 309, New Tripoli PA 18066.

Meetings, meetings, meetings . . . and budgets

2010-09-27T16:20:00.009-04:00

Budget Summary 2011 1st Draft

The first draft of the 2011 proposed budget for Lynn Township is above. It shows roughly an 9K proposed surplus (i.e. total revenue less total expenditures).

Budget special meeting is tomorrow (Wednesday) at 6:00pm at the Township building. Detailed items will be available there.

And for those of you who still have trouble sleeping, tonight's other selections include:

Audio of the Lynn Township Board Supervisors Meeting of May 13, 2010

Audio of the regular meeting of the Lynn Township Board of Supervisors held June 10, 2010

Audio of the Lynn Township Board Supervisors Meeting of July 8 2010

Audio of the August 12 2010 meeting of the Lynn Township Board of Supervisors

I'll post the audio for September as I am able.

Do dogs have souls?

2010-09-27T16:03:00.008-04:00

Although unrelated to the above video, comes this story in the Philadelphia Inquirer . . .

Labrador lovers in several states are scrambling to care for and identify 101 dogs left stranded when the operator of the Pennsylvania kennel where they were housed was thrown in jail.

Patricia Gadaleta, of Lehighton, a breeder of champion Labrador Retrievers, was jailed Thursday after she was unable to post a $30,000 bond on several charges, including theft by deception and writing bad checks.

Gadaleta pleaded guilty to forgery, theft by deception and receiving stolen property on 2008. In 2003 she was found not guilty of animal cruelty.

Now Gadaleta may face new animal cruelty charges connected to the 101 dogs and 9 purebred cats she left behind last week, authorities said Read the full story here

Locally officials and rescue groups have been contacted for possible placement into temporary homes. Sources say the dogs are from a show kennel so are well bred but will need baths and some will have minor issues such as ear infections. However they are kennel dogs and are not housebroken.

Placement is expected over the next couple of days.

And now for something completely different . . .

2010-09-27T15:31:00.005-04:00

The most recent copy Lynn Township's now annual newsletter can be found here.

Prominently displayed on the front cover was a special thank you to the local advertisers and sponsors with a disclaimer that the newsletter was produced at no cost to the taxpayers.

That much is true. Normal cost of total production was close to $2500 per year. The Township expended about $400 for the cost of mailing only.

So visit our sponsors. They saved us some money. I thank them

This year's newsletter contained no message from the Chairman, no message from the Board and no glowing references from elected officials seeking political office here or elsewhere.

You need no spin, grandstanding, sewer stories, instructions about how or what to vote for, or congratulations to offices gained and aspired. I purposely offered no message. Politics need not be spun on taxpayer money, at least not in our newsletter!

Werley's Corner & Holben's Valley Rd.

2010-09-05T23:12:00.012-04:00

I previously wrote much about the dangerous intersections of Kistler Valley and Schochary Roads in Lynnville. The above photos depict its sister intersection of Holbens Valley and Werley's Corner Roads in Weisenberg Township.

The first photo portrays the scene into the village of Werley's Corner as headed east along Holbens Valley Rd. The road previously had no speed limit but now has a limit of 50mph.

Can you spot the van stopped at the stop sign headed north and about to cross Holben's Valley Road? Do you think the driver of the van could see you approaching from the west? Ditto those crossing from the north?

I think not. This is exactly how my accident occurred at this very spot in 2003. How many more accidents have occurred since then? I count many!

The second photo portrays the view looking west. Try to make eye contact with the driver of the school bus! Think he sees you? What if you were approaching on a motorcycle? What if there was, god forbid, a pedestrian ready to cross the street? Do you think you could see him or her?

Dare I not mention the crest of the hill east and just short of this intersection, or the trees and signs in the line of view.

Four way stops signs would be nice. But like its sister intersection in Lynnville, these are State Roads. You must petition your State Rep. Jurisdiction lies with Penn DOT.

In the meantime, drive safely.

Wrestling with Working Supervisors

2010-09-05T20:05:00.009-04:00

A report in the Morning Call indicates Forks Township moved forward with plans to bar its elected supervisors from also holding township jobs. You can read the full account here.

All know, I am an advocate against working elected supervisors. I was the first truly non-working supervisor in the history of Lynn Township. Even my then colleague Thomas Creighton, now a Lehigh County Commissioner, was once a part time Lynn township employee.

Still with Creighton on board, Lynn Township led the reform movement. In January 2007, my second year, we dumped the practice. We should have done it sooner!

Other Townships soon followed. Some were forced to make the change. Now the ball falls to Forks Township, but Forks seeks to ban the practice by ordinance!

Lynn's ban is by annual motion or resolution. Lynn annually precludes supervisors from performing unelected duties for compensation, which is sufficient to bar employment. I generally make the motion.

In Lynn, the issue is revisited each year just like any other re-appointment. We decline to appoint working supervisors. Thats within the board's full discretion.

Forks proposes a perpetual ban. I'm not certain that's legal.

The Second Class Township Code provides that the Board . . . may appoint a supervisor to be employed as roadmaster, laborer, secretary, treasurer, assistant secretary, assistant treasurer or in any employee capacity not otherwise prohibited by this or any other act.

Therein lies the rub! To the extent that Fork's proposed ordinance is at odds with the State statute, the statute will control.

A Township Board may decline to appoint working supervisors as laborer or employee. I clearly have no problem with that.

More problematic is whether a present Board has the ability to prevent a future Board from exercising the power given to the future Board by the State. Unfortunately, I think not. Better to keep it simple.

Shades of things to come in Lowhill?

2010-09-05T17:54:00.013-04:00

Lynn Township revamped its website some years ago. Weisenberg's website is here. North Whitehall has it's website here. Heidelberg is online here. Slatington Borough is here.

Lowhill Township's domain was just registered this past February. It now advertises the services of Frank Caruso, a computer consultant from Orefield. Caruso is also the IT Director for the Borough of Kutzown.

Cached pages may show Lowhill's more things to come. Minutes of Lowhill's February's meeting are cached here. March minutes are cached here.

Now about Washington Township . . .

History: Controversial Figures in Lynn Township.

2010-08-30T20:16:00.005-04:00

Dr. Fredric Wertham resided during semi-retirement along Hernhutter Strauss Road, Lynn Township, Kempton, Pa.

Ask the old-timers what Hernhutter means. It goes way back.

I did not know Dr. Wertham personally but only as the then proprietor of the Blue Mountain Animal Sanctuary, which was an area cordoned off for no hunting.

Imagine that, no hunting in parts of Lynn Township! Some the old border fence remains.

I only knew of him as a local shrink. I was not a patient, but I also did not know he was famous. He was just a regular but quiet neighbor.

Apparently, he was villain for his crusade against violent comic books but also for his stance against segregation.

His research about the detrimental effects of segregation was used in the landmark case Brown v. Board of Education. And you dare call out folks here as Auslanders!

The Library of Congress acquired his papers in 1987 through the estate of his wife. In May of this year, all 222 containers were opened to public research access. Previously, the containers were sealed except to people approved by the estate.

Read the account here.

And you think the (the Charles, Kermit Delong, me . . . insert name here ) are outspoken! Its the diversity of our ideas which makes our (any) community great.

Debate on my friends!

False Signs in Kempton

2010-08-22T14:44:00.014-04:00

The above sign, courtesy of Penn DOT, purports to acknowledge the "Kissler Creek". The sign is located along State Route 737, south bound, nearing the village of Kempton.

The words on the sign were painted over by an angry resident apparently upset at the misspelling of Kistler. Same too with it's sister sign in the other direction. I know not the culprit.

Kistler is spelled "K-I-S-T-L-E-R". Just check wiki.

Actually, its not even the Kistler Creek there. The Kistler Creek flows into the Ontelanuee Creek just west of Creek Rd, at a point west of the old Plymouth dealer in Kempton. The confluence forms the Maiden Creek, which is not to be confused with the town of Maiden Creek, PA.

The Maiden Creek even has its own watershed association. The Association was formed as part of the CSU Keystone Project.

Unbeknownst to most, the Reading Water Authority receives water from this very watershed. Lynn Township has the only sewage treatment plant in the Lehigh County portion of the watershed. Four others lay in Berks.

For the final watershed report go here, (warning, large .pdf file).

So how do you spell Stony Run?

2010-08-21T16:45:00.010-04:00

The above two signs are located within view of each other. Apparently, Penn DOT is not sure how to spell Stony Run.

Guess those Penn DOT workers never ate dinner here.

Their loss! Alles schmeck gut!

Three Minus Two Equals Three

2010-08-21T10:15:00.005-04:00

After months of deliberation over the rezoning land owned by the Schnecksville Fire Company to commercial so that the Company can then swap it's commercial land for other land owned by a developer, two supervisors in North Whitehall Township finally acknowledged they had conflicts of interest.

As I understand it, one is the fire chief while another is a trustee of the affected fire company. The tale was explained here.

It was all for naught however because where two out of three members are conflicted, there can be no quorum. Absent a quorum, the conflicted members are allowed to vote.

However, a footnote belongs here because the Act requires the conflicted members to fully abstain. Voting is only one part. Conflicted members also must not actively take part in the discussion. I know not if they did.

So in this case, two officers of one fire company may have legally used their municipal office to rezone the land owned by their fire company, thereby allowing their fire company to swap it's land with the developer. No other lands were rezoned and I'll purposely not allege any connection to the proposed Wal-mart. Its not germane to my point anyway.

Without a doubt, volunteer Fire Companies need municipal support. I have no quarrel with that. I am an officer of a volunteer fire company. Yet, the situation begs the following question.

Do constituents want conflicted members acting upon acknowledged conflicts?

Consider Lynn Township. What if I were to invest heavily in Kermit's bottling company? Can the Township still contract with that company?

The situation could be solved by Section 402 of the Second Class Township Code, which states:

Upon petition of at least five percent of the electors of the township or under a resolution of the board of supervisors and upon approval by a majority of those electors voting at the next municipal or general election, there shall be elected two additional supervisors. The referendum petition or resolution of the board of supervisors certified by the township secretary shall be filed with the county board of elections not later than the thirteenth Tuesday before the next municipal or general election. The county board of elections shall place the question before the electors as provided under the act of June 3, 1937 (P.L. 1333, No. 320), known as the "Pennsylvania Election Code." The form of the question shall be as follows:

Should two additional supervisors be elected to serve in this township?
Yes
No

The existing supervisors of North Whitehall could place a referendum on the ballot as to whether the township should have five supervisors, which goes some way to eliminate board members from acting upon their acknowledged conflicts. The same could be accomplished by a petition signed by 5% of North Whitehall's registered voters.

Will it happen? Probably not says I.

A Not So Broken Man

2010-08-18T22:29:00.005-04:00

Two months or more ago, some said I broke my back.

I didn't really. I suffered a extruded sequestered disc, which meant, a free fragment, a piece of a spinal disc, broke away from the main disc structure and escaped through a tear in the annulus.

The fragment pressing against my sciatic nerve, I could not walk, not without a cane, and even then barely walk with pain.

This occurred only days before an angry Angus cow nearly stomped me to pieces, my cane and all. The cow's injustice, clearing fly puss from the eyes of its newborn calf.

Then there was my hay crop. I got it in. I don't know how.

Two years before, I completed my forth marathon. My time was minutes over five hours. My goal, 4:15. I was on my way. Not bad for mid-life. Two year's earlier, I'd not run one mile.

Last year, I attended running camp in Gettysburg. Rerunning Picket's Charge was one exercise. I ran everywhere the 19 year-old somethings did, albeit slower, but I did it all!

I'm somewhere in this video. Just look for the old guy! I will go again some day, Lord willing.

After my injury, my first doctor said I would never run again. I must quit farming.

I fired that doctor!

I'm fine now, very fine indeed, and many thanks to the doctors at VSAS Orthopaedic. A near immediate surgery corrected me. My new doctor cited my active life as preventative. I'm very glad for that, but I know there was something or someone more !

And I am again beginning to train. On August 29, 2010, the Lehigh Valley Zoo will run its Second Annual Run Wild 5K and 1 Mile Family Walk. Count me in!

After having trained for running 26.2 miles, a one mile walk is disappointing, but Yours Truly will start again. 26.2 starts with that first mile!

Why do I write this?

Hey folks, get off the couch! Do something!

Credit: Photo above from ironman.com, Rudy Garcia-Tolson, a double amputee from the mid-thigh down, crossed the finish line of Ironman Arizona with over fifty minutes left on the cutoff clock! And you think your life's got problems! Thank you Rudy!

Deja Vu in Lynnville

2010-08-12T16:51:00.006-04:00

Barely a few months after a fatal accident which killed Shelby Brown, and a second serious accident at a sister intersection in Werley's Corner, history repeated itself. See also, here, here, here and here, just to name a few!

This month's incarnation had a Jeep Wrangler headed west on Holbens Valley Road (also known as Kistler Valley Road) in Lynn Township and approaching the intersection of Schochary Road. A Chrysler mini-van head north on Schochary Rd reportedly failed to yield at the stop sign. The accident ensued.

Unconfirmed reports say, at least one couple was from New Tripoli and speed was not likely a factor.

Reports also say the crossing driver's view was partially obscured by a large tree, a point noted in this post only months ago. Rain likely also subtracted visibility. Cross KVR at your own risk!

Yet with a recently posted 50-mph speed limit, State Police are now seen patrolling the road, something which was not done in years past. That's good!

Although we'll likely not see four way stop signs, other suggestions include lowering the speed limit through the villages of Lynnville and Werley's Corner, removing the signs and trees within the lines of sight, painting white lines across the road at existing 'STOP' signs, adding rumble strips ahead of the STOP signs, and for Pete's sake, cut down the brush and shrubbery, especially at the State's guard rail around the intersections.

Its Raining Calves

2010-08-12T16:47:00.003-04:00

This newborn calf is only minutes old. I'm now, two ahead from even. That's nine head total.

The Hills and Valleys of Farming

2010-07-22T17:08:00.013-04:00

Out of my seven cows last year, one disappeared, one got sick and we ate one.

The disappearing one escaped. It hung around a few days, then disappeared forever. She was probably shot by a neighbor.

I sold the sick one at auction. I got a whopping $11.75. I owed the auctioneer $1.75.

The one in my freezer tasted good, but for $11.75, I should have eaten the sick one.

The farmer I hired last year to bale hay never did. When he finally got around to it, my field was too wet. So I mowed it under and had to buy hay.

Last winter, grass hay was $120 per ton. With four cows and one bull, a ton of hay lasted just over week. You do the math.

Three new calves were born this spring. Another is on its way.

My brother likes to say, I'm just one calf ahead from even. That is, if you don't count money.

This calf was born on Monday. As it looked at me for the first time, I snapped a picture.

Farming sucks, but every once in a while, it seems worth it! This was one of those times.

Is Giuseppe's calling you?

2010-07-13T11:54:00.005-04:00

New Tripoli is blessed with not less than two pizza shops, which is about one more than its number of traffic lights. Today, one of the two pizza shops can be yours.

According to this craigslist add, Giuseppe's Restaurant & Pizzeria 7432 Route 309, New Tripoli, PA, 18066 is available. The price $125,000 or best offer.

Jesse from Allentown, says Giuseppe's is the best pizza shop in the Lehigh Valley. I drive from Allentown to get pizza here. I wish they would move closer to me.

The Morning Call writes Pig farmers, horse owners and an equestrian with a Tasty Cake business are regulars at this business in a former daycare center in New Tripoli owned by the appropriately named Tripolis, Anthony and his son, Joe. Pizzas come with pineapple and chicken & bacon; Joe recommends the margarita with basil, fresh olive oil and fresh wet mozzarella. Also on the menu are deep-dish Chicago-style pies and, in the winter, lobster bisque, pretty unusual for a pizzeria.

Maybe soon we'll see it on Ebay, with a big side dish of Pizza, mandatory!

Cries with fishes, and ducks, whales, pelicans, etc.

2010-06-18T12:58:00.001-04:00

WKRG.com News

Cries with Coyotes

2010-06-14T10:11:00.003-04:00

In the epic movie Dances with Wolves, Sioux warriors cry as they approach a field strewn with buffalo carcasses, slaughtered for sport by the white man.

In Lynn Township, irresponsible hunters shoot coyotes for sport. The carcasses are left to rot in the field.

Who cries for the coyotes?

A puppy's silent cry for justice.

2010-06-12T13:49:00.006-04:00

Deep in the woods near the border between Lynn Township, Lehigh County and Albany Township, Berks County at the foot of this tree stand lies the corpse of a young dog, reported to be between the age of 6 to 9 months old. Hastily buried under an old pallet, this dog was apparently shot by an eager but irresponsible hunter, perhaps thinking the dog was a coyote.

Upon finding this "coyote" had a collar, the unremorseful "hunter" quickly shoved the still warm corpse under a few boards of old pallet wood. Then he simply walked away. He never reported the shooting. For months thereafter, the dog's owner looked for his missing pet.

Over in Lower Saucon Township, David Hough shot a 6 year old border collie after he allegedly mistook the collie for a coyote. After hiding the dog's body under a log, the man denied that he knew anything about the missing animal. He later confessed.

Northampton County Judge Paula Roscioli sentenced Hough to five years of probation, 25 hours of community service, banned him from hunting and ordered him to pay $2,300 in restitution. Roscioli said she spared him jail time only because dog's owner indicated she did not expect it.''Everything you did was just so callous and disgraceful'' Judge Roscioli told Hough.

Over in Lynn Township, this dog's corpse still cries out for justice.

Lynn Township not included

2010-06-07T17:43:00.003-04:00

Announced above:

Central Lehigh County Wastewater Capacity Planning Community Forum 7pm June 10, 2010 * Lehigh County Government Center

The public is invited to spend an evening learning about wastewater capacity plans for Central Lehigh County. This is an important topic for our region because. . .
. . . current facilities will not be adequate to serve our community's future needs
. . . project costs will be significant, surpassing any public utility project in our area's history
. . . more than 100,000 people are connected to the sewer system under discussion.

Who is running the forum? Key project partners include the County of Lehigh, the City of Allentown, Lehigh County Authority, and all municipalities (townships, boroughs, etc) that connect to the regional sewer system. In addition, Chiristopher Borick, Professer of Political Science at Muhlenberg College, has agreed to facilitate the steering committee to help all project partners and other stakeholders discuss this important and costly issue in an organized and productive matter

The Lehigh County Authority manages water and sewer for most municipalities in the Northern Tier including Lowhill, Washington, Heidelburg and North Whitehall Township. The Authority also manages sewer in most of the regional mainland, the City of Allentown, Upper and Lower Macungie Townships to name a few.

Despite these economies of scale, Lynn Township Sewer Authority goes it alone.

Lynn's plant expansion costs at one point estimated near 3.5 million dollars, and far exceeded that which had been proposed in the approved Act 537 plan. Throw in the Lynn Authority's operating loss and maybe its time to consider joining LCA's club. 450 sewer customers can't bear the escalating cost of Lynn's plant expansion and Lynn's Taxpayers are stretched enough. Just ask them.

Leaser Lake moves forward

2010-05-14T13:35:00.003-04:00

Stealing a line from George White, Chairman of the Leaser Lake Heritage Foundation,

good things come to those who wait . . . and wait, . . . and wait!

That should bode well with those idling for Lynn Township's sewer plant expansion, because today it appears the repair Leaser Lake will be completed first.

Advertisement for bids for the repair of the Leaser Lake went out Yesterday. The sum and substance are set forth below.

PROJECT TITLE: Rehabilitate & Reconstruct Dam & Spillway. BRIEF DESCRIPTION: Rehabilitate of Leaser Lake Dam including a cast-in-place concrete replacement spillway and modifications to the downstream slope of the dam. ESTIMATED RANGE: $2,000,000 to $5,000,000. General Construction PLANS DEPOSIT: $115.00 per set payable to: SCHNABEL ENGINEERING, LLC. Refundable upon return of plans and specifications in reusable condition (no marks allowed) as construction documents within 15 days after the bid opening. The bidder is responsible for the cost of delivery of the plans and specifications. Contact the office listed below to arrange the delivery of documents. Mail request to: Schnabel Engineering, LLC, 510 East Gay Street, West Chester, PA 19380, Tel: (610) 696-6066 FAX: (610) 696-7771, Contact: Jeremy Young. BID DATE: WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16, 2010 AT 2:00 PM. A PRE-BID CONFERENCE HAS BEEN SCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY, MAY 20, 2010 AT 9:00 AM AT THE LYNN TOWNSHIP MUNICIPAL BUILDING, 7911 KINGS HIGHWAY, NEW TRIPOLI, PA 18066. A SITE VISIT TO THE DAM WILL FOLLOW THE MEETING. CONTACT: JEREMY YOUNG (610) 696-6066. ALL CONTRACTORS WHO HAVE SECURED CONTRACT DOCUMENTS ARE INVITED AND URGED TO ATTEND THIS PRE-BID CONFERENCE. Vendor Number Registration is MANDATORY.........................All Bidders must be registered to secure Plans and Specifications and must have a Current, Active Vendor Number. Register at www.pasupplierportal.state.pa.us

Still more ugly photos

2010-05-07T18:46:00.005-04:00

Barely a week after a tragic death on Kistler Valley Road, another horrific crash occurred at a sister intersection. Reports say a vehicle failed to yield to oncoming traffic at the intersection of Kistler Valley Rd and Werley's Corner Road. His car was struck by a truck with a trailer full of pipe. The impact knocked him unconscious. Fireman worked to cut him from the car.

In the days which followed, State investigators came. They studied the intersection. They marked the four crossways, even outside the impact zone. Results are unreported. Also unknown is whether the crash victim survived. Newspapers failed to report the incident.

Penn DOT spokesman, Sean Brown says speed limits are ineffective. Morning Call traffic commenter Dan Hartzel agrees. Both are missing the point.

A road with no posted limit invites people to drive as fast as they want. Set the darn limit. Post the darn signs. Only then can you complain that the signs are not followed.

I say, reduce the speed limit through the villages of Lynnville and Werley's Corner. Just maybe then, the crashes might not be as horrific.

Whats Wrong with These Pictures

2010-04-12T09:01:00.012-04:00

Above are photographs of the intersection of Holbens Valley Rd, a/k/a Kistler Valley Road at its intersection with Schochary Rd, the site of another tragic fatality. This first photograph was taken looking east into Lynnville. The second was taken looking west.

Fatal accidents along this section of highway are not unusual. In fact, this very same intersection was the subject of a newspapar article as far back as 2004.

By 2008, the death toll along the road unofficially stood at 7. By my count it now rises to 8, or 4 in the last 18 months per the Morning Call,

Although unrelated to this particular accident, we learn now that Kistler Valley Road had no speed limit. So too, stop signs were not marked with stop sign ahead signs until recently.

Some discount these failures because folks ignore the law. Why post speed limits? Why mark stop signs? Folks will still drive too fast. Folks will blow off stop signs.

Yet these photographs fortell, signage is only part of the problem. Poor visibility makes the problem worse. Speed and visibility are integrally connected.

Click on the above photos. How many obstacles block the line of sight? I count many including signs, trees and poles.

Those attempting to cross Kistler Valley Road have a task before them. Approaching traffic may plainly not see. Speed makes that problem worse.

The limitations of sludge

2010-03-24T21:06:00.004-04:00

Some say the wheels of justice turn slowly. To wit, I first reported on this Schuykill County sludge controversy two years ago. The controversy pitted East Brunswick Township against Pennsylvania Attorney General (and Gubernatorial candidate) Tom Corbett.

At issue was the Township's ordinance placing limitations on the application of sludge. Corbett asked the Commonwealth Court to invalidate the Ordinance under ACRE.

The Court threw both sides a bone. The Court refused to accept the application of sludge as a normal agricultural activity. The threshold question, i.e., whether the application of sewage sludge to land was a "normal agricultural operation" under ACRE was not clear. The Court denied summary relief, but the case was not over.

The matter was recently settled. As part of the settlement, East Brunswick may impose some limitations on the application of sludge, which include:

• Requiring notice of all information submitted to the state Department of Environmental Protection and the times, dates and places of all applications.
• Allowing land inspections before and during application of sludge.
• Collecting and testing samples of soil, sludge and well water.
• Banning application of sludge on major holidays.
• Requiring the posting of signs where sludge is applied to land abutting public roads.
• Allowing the township to seek enforcement of DEP regulations and the ordinance.

Until recently, sludge was a minor controversy in Lynn Township, this after one resident complained of sludge dumping during the Valentine's Day Snowstorm of 2008. Thankfully, that hasn't happened since, but if it should, the Township now has some, albeit limited, authority to act.

Thank you East Brunswick Township.

Its that Convention time of year again!

2010-03-24T19:35:00.004-04:00

The annual PSATS convention is nearing. For those of you who don't know, PSATS is the shortened nomenclature for the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors, which hosts an annual convention at the Hershey Lodge, in Hershey, PA. Membership and attendance are mandated by the Pennsylvania Second Class Township Code. Some townships offices go so far as to close for the event.

To be fair, the convention is not all about golf, parties and solicitations. A full slate of educational seminars are also provided.

Yet PSATS also functions politically. It aims at influencing legislation for projects deemed worthy. Take the following:

10-1 RESOLVED, That PSATS seek legislation to require additional state grant funding to build the infrastructure necessary to address existing water quality and sewage problems to protect the community and encourage economic development;

10-2 RESOLVED, That PSATS seek legislation to fully fund the state Department of Environmental Projections Sewage Facility Enforcement Grant Program;

10-3 RESOLVED, That PSATS seek legislation to create and fully fund state programs to construct and maintain essential flood protection infrastructure, including dikes for the protection of businesses and residents; [and]

10-16 RESOLVED, That PSATS seek legislation to amend the Second Class Township Code to authorize township supervisor-employees to appeal their rate of employee compensation to the State Labor Relations Board if the compensation established by the [elected] board of auditors is unreasonable.

You can read the full list of supported resolutions here. Which might you support?

The Down Low Nightclub stays down!

2010-03-24T14:21:00.005-04:00

Two years ago, I said the Down Low Night Club was an inviting place for teenagers to learn the practice of crime.

Though I shan't take credit, Allentown's Mayor Pawlowksi apparently agreed. He moved to shut down the club. The Court granted the Mayor's request for an injunction and the owner appealed.

Last week, the Commonwealth Court upheld the injunction. The Appellate Court recognized the causal connection between the criminal acts and the operation of The Down Low. You can read the opinion here.

The mayor specifically testified that he authorized and approved the recommendation to file the equity action. So on this one, I give kudos to the Mayor.

Maybe other clubs will soon follow.

Rural Bandits Apprehended

2010-03-24T10:17:00.003-04:00

News Release According to the Pennsylvania State Police, two suspects, one from New Tripoli, admitted to their role in 14 burglaries in the area.

PSP had obtained information from neighborhood residents used to help identify the suspect’s vehicle, the suspects themselves and used to connect the suspects to some of our area burglaries. It pays to be vigilant.

The sign of Spring is SALE

2010-03-19T16:45:00.003-04:00

This Saturday marks the billizionth annual Kempton Spring Sale, an all day affair for most.

Auction of small items begin at 9:30am; farm equipment & tractors at 10:00am; clapped out truck auction begins at 11:30am with lawn and garden equipment auctions running at 11:30am. I'm told there may be upwards of 15 auctioneers participating, though hopefully not all at once.

Unlike past events, tomorrow's weather should be splentacular! With a history of mud, snow and rain at nearly every former sale event, even this week's weather was all sunny and dry.

Which should mean that no truck will get stuck in the mud until after 3:00pm Saturday!

Wal-mart pleadings for your readings

2010-03-19T14:59:00.004-04:00

According to North Whitehall Township’s own traffic engineers, the proposed Wal-mart in Schnecksville is expected to draw 8350 new vehicle trips daily.

Expected traffic came up when the Wal-mart subdivision was first unveiled. While excusing the literal words in their ordinance, the Board found that traffic need not be considered at the phase, notwithstanding new roads, intersections and a signalized light.

The matter is now before the Commonwealth Court. Argument was held Tuesday. You can read the legal arguments online. Click here for intervenor Wal-mart. Click here for the appellants in opposition. The Court's decision should take a couple months.

In approving Wal-mart’s conditional use application, the Board found that Wal-mart’s "use will not result in or substantially add to a significant traffic hazard or significant traffic congestion."

That matter, too, is pending.

Lehigh County Humane Society invokes their Holy Blessed St. Great Grandmother

2010-03-19T13:56:00.009-04:00

Back in January I argued that the Lehigh County Humane Society should be held accountable under Pennsylvania’s Right to Know Law, at least to the same extent that wholly volunteer fire companies are held to the same law.

To wit, I submitted a request upon the Lehigh County Humane Society for documents which indicate the final disposition of animals taken pursuant to their contract with Lynn Township. I wanted to know how many of the dogs and cats found or surrendered in Lynn Township were ultimately put down?

In voicing its opposition to my request, the Society invoked the Holy Blessed Saint Great Grandmother of Charlie Dent, wherein they wrote:

The Lehigh County Humane Soceity is a Section 501(c)3 entity that was founded in 1906 to provide a haven for homeless animals and for the prevention of cruelty to both animals and children. During the following year, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania officially incorporated the Humane Society as a nonprofit organization. A member of that founding board was Jessie Dent, the great-grandmother of our present day Congressman Charlie Dent.

While I can not fathom any haven for homeless animals includes killing them, the invocation worked. The Pennsylvania Office of Open Records ruled that the Humane Society is not subject to the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law.

The Office noted that the Society is not controlled by any government body and was not created by any political subdivision, Charlie Dent's grandmother notwithstanding.

There is insufficient evidence to establish that the Humane Society is controlled by any government agency or entity. The Humane Society’s Board is not appointed by a government entity or official and is not controlled by any municipality or local government. The Humane Society is an independent entity and there is no evidence that the Commonwealth, or any local government entity has control over the Humane Society’s assets or its day to day operations.

Funny, the same can be said about most volunteer fire companies, but they are subject to the Right to Know Law. Yet, I won’t argue further. The fire company case is under appeal.

Noteworthy, the OOR wrote that their determination does not prejudice the Requester [i.e. me] from seeking the same records pursuant to 65 P.S. § 67.506(d), which states:

A public record that is not in the possession of an agency but is in the possession of a party with whom the agency has contracted to perform a governmental function on behalf of the agency, and which directly relates to the governmental function and is not exempt under this act, shall be considered a public record of the agency for purposes of this act.

This means that I may request the records from Lynn Township where I am Chairman of the Board. But Lynn Township does not have the records because the Humane Society refused to give them to the Township, which was the reason for my R2K request in the first place!

If your head doesn’t hurt, bang your head on this dot '.'

Meetings, Meetings and More Meetings

2010-03-19T10:25:00.007-04:00

Today's Mystic Meeting Simulator brings a plethora of audio:

Lynn Township's regular meeting of March 11, 2010. The Board hears plan for this year's Native American pow-wow for May 14-16. Jason Rice pitches for the NYAA in Ontelaunee Park. Spring Cleanup may include hot-dogs at Fort Everett. A traffic committee starts as residential uses are explored in the commercial district.

Regular meeting of February 19, 2010 includes a discussion on zoning and the escalating costs of the Authority's planned sewer plant expansion.

Regular meeting of January 14, 2010. The new Board set down to start work.

The annual reorganization meeting names its new chairman, vice-chairman and appoints a new engineer, albeit all without past fanfare and that's good.

Lynn Township's closeout meeting of December 28, 2009 wherein the Board meets with then candidate elect Brian Dietrich to discuss the 2010 agenda.

WSJ: Dairy Farmer, the near worst job in the USA

2010-02-01T20:14:00.010-05:00

The Wall Street Journal reported recently the 100 best and worst jobs in the US. You can read the full article here.

The near worst job, ranking 197 out of 200, is not held by Yours Truly. No, the near worst job according to the WSJ is dairy farming, a job held by Lynn Township's newest elected Supervisor, Brian Dietrich.

Dairy Farming, described as the raising of cattle for milk, actually fell from 199 to 197 over last year. So, in other words, the newly elected Supervisor got a promotion. His job sucks less this year!

The man in the video, who knows? But those of you against farm subsidies may want to rethink your own job. Count your own blessings cause farming can really suck!

UPDATE: In his comment, RS points out Brian's job actually got two spots worse. Seems I read the list backwards. Guess its not a good year for dairy farmers!

Is Unrest Brewing outside the Northern Tier?

2010-01-07T14:52:00.007-05:00

A advertisment in this week's East Penn Valley Merchandiser caught my eye. A group called the Berks County Patriots announced their inagural meeting for January 16, 2010 at the Leesport Market Hall. Their guest speaker is retired Col. Frank Ryan, USMCR, an accountant from Lebanon.

Pictured in the add is a Mel Gibson like portrayal of a milita man armed with a musket. Adjacent to the add is an article noting the federalization of health care and the National 12 trillon dollar debt, but their are other inuendos as well. You can see the full add here or just click on the photo icon above.

The add says:

Your Constitutional Rights Are Being Trampled Upon. Tyranny Has Replaced the Rule of Law. . . Will You Join Us And Begin to Fight Back?

So um, what exactly do they mean by the term fight?

LCHS may Label me a Zealot, Stand in Line!

2010-01-05T20:22:00.009-05:00

Some may question my earlier post which recognized this decision of the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records, so as to advise the applicability of Pennsylvania Right to Know Law as pertaining to volunteer fire companies. To the surprise of some, no volunteer fire company was targeted. That was not my point!

Rather, given the decision which held that a "non governmental" entity which is intended "to perform a governmental function" (so as to include non governmental volunteer fire companies) is subject to the R2K Law, I wondered who else might be subject to the R2K Law?

Case in point, (surprise!) is not any fire company but rather the Leigh County Humane Society.

Might the Leigh County Humane Society that provides animal control services under contract with the government, (a service which by their own admission is a required governmental service) fall under the State R2K Law? I wondered.

So I propounded a request to LCHS on December 18, 2009. I requested records which indicate the number, breed, color, gender, origin, date of any dog or cat retrieved, obtained, surrendered from Lynn Township in the year 2008, and any record which indicates the deposition of said dog or cat, whether euthanized or placed in adopted homes . . . personal information [may be redacted].

Although untimely (in the event the R2K Law does apply, but perhaps timely if it does not) the LCHS responded on December 31, 2009.

Through their solicitor the LCHS wrote, the Society is a non profit corporation and is not a governmental entity as defined by the RTK Law. As such the provisions of the RTK Law do not apply to the Society. Your request pursuant to the RTK Law has therefore been denied.

Although possibly late, I'm happy that their response correctly frames the issue, which is now subject to an appeal at the Office of Open Records. The Pa Office may now opine. The ball is in the Office's court, where it should be.

But I'm otherwise frustrated that as a member of the Board of Supervisors of Lynn Township, and which contracted with the LCHS, the requested information was not forthcoming. I requested much of the same upon the Society's request for contract renewal in 2009 and in year's prior. Alas, I was pulling hen's teeth.

The Township requested an itemized accounting for all animals sourced from Lynn Township and LCHS largely punted. As a Supervisor who approved their contract, their lack of a meaningful response under our former contract bothers me. How much will it bother those from Lynn Township whose lost or surrendered animals, or those who sought to adopt animals, had the subject animals euthanized?

How many animals? Who knows, and thats the whole point!

Pa Open Records Office: No Right to Know in Wal-Mart Plans

2010-01-03T10:13:00.012-05:00

Najarian v. North Whitehall Township, R2K OOR decision

Celebrating its near one year anniversary since the opening of its Office, the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records, OOR, issued this decision against Yours Truly. The decision was released Wednesday. I expect the Office to post a copy on their own website shortly.

Quite simply, the OOR decision holds that Wal-mart's land development plans filed of record in North Whitehall Township are exempt from disclosure under the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law.

By way of background, Yours Truly requested a copy of a plan filed in connection with Wal-Mart's pending North Whitehall Township Zoning Hearing, which itself concerns the safety of Wal-Mart's pedestrian walkways. North Whitehall Township balked by asserting the plans were subject to copyright, hence their duplication was precluded.

The matter came up previously in an appeal by North Whitehall for Sustainable Development but a ruling on the merits was never reached. The matter quickly sank into a procedural quagmire. Although the plans were released, the ultimate issue over copyright was never settled.

The OOR now holds the development plans are exempt from release. Technically, this means that a municipality may refuse to let one simply view the subject plan. In the words of the decision, a document "is either public or exempt." In this case, zoning plans are exempt.

While failing to decide the issue over sovereign immunity, the OOR additionally refused to find fair use in the fulfillment of legislative intent, i.e. fair use in the purpose of the R2KL, so as to permit criticism and review of government.

While attempting to limit its determination to the specific facts of this case, the "OOR notes the significant public policy concerns this [decision] raises with the Right to Know Law."

The decision, now the second of two, may eviscerate the Right to Know Law because Copyright vests in original works. Registration is not a prerequisite to ownership. Any document not authorized by the Township could be exempt from release. Time will tell.

A Firestorm at the Volunteer Fire Department

2009-12-17T16:08:00.021-05:00

While commenting on the newly enacted Pennsylvania Open Records Law, I wrote, privately incorporated organizations which provide traditional governmental services may likely find themselves subject to the Open Records Act.

I cited volunteer EMS and fire companies, non-profit libraries, private foundations, economic development corps and the then proposed private PA turnpike operator. Naysayers scoffed.

The Pennsylvania Office of Open Records has since confirmed . . .

Volunteer fire companies are subject to the requirements of the Open Records Law.

The Office wrote "the issue of whether a fire department is subject to the RTKL has been . . . [decided]. In Wood v. Delta-Cardiff Fire Company, AP 2009-0812, the OOR determined that fire departments are subject to the RTKL." See Also, Brown v. Frystown Community Fire Co. AP 2009-0199. Wood v. Delta-Cardiff Volunteer Fire Co. AP 2009-812.

The OOR observed, an "Agency" is not limited to named governmental units or branches, nor providers of essential governmental services, but includes "any similar governmental entity." 65 P.S. §67.102. The seminal case is Pierce v. Morris Township, Morris Township Fire Co., AP 2009-0116, (Oct. 2009) wherein the OOR opined:

Non-profit entities like the Fire Co. may qualify as local agencies if they are sufficiently governmental in nature. Volunteer fire companies have consistently been held to be governmental entities, and been deemed local agencies under other statutes that do not specifically include them in their definition, e.g., Political Subdivision Tort Claims Act, 42 Pa.C.S. §§8501-8564 (“PSTCA”). See Zern v. Muldoon, 516 A.2d 799 (Pa. Commw. 1986); Wilson v. Dravosburg Volunteer Fire Dept., 516 A.2d 100 (Pa. Commw. 1986). Case law also holds that a volunteer fire company is an entity created to perform a governmental function. See id.; Guinn v. Albertis Fire Co., 614 A.2d 218 (Pa. 1992); Weaver v. Union City Vol. Fire Dept., 518 A.2d 7 (Pa. Commw. 1986); Flood v. Silkies, Meckes & Klecknersville Fire Co., 933 A.2d 1072 (Pa. Commw. 2007)(non-profit volunteer fire company founded by volunteers and separate from municipality constitutes a local agency). Notably, fire-fighting may only be performed as a non-profit enterprise, and thus is not proprietary.

In both Zern and Wilson, the Commonwealth Court reasoned that volunteer fire companies were sufficiently governmental in nature to qualify as “local agencies” entitled to immunity under the PSTCA. Specifically, in Zern Judge Crumlish found that the unique “history, structure, organization and public duty of volunteer fire companies distinguish them from any other organization in existence in this Commonwealth today.” 516 A.2d at 804. Volunteer fire companies, including the Fire Co., exist to perform a governmental function on behalf of local governmental units. Wilson, supra; Harmony Volunteer Fire Co. & Relief Ass’n v. PHRC, 459 A.2d 439 (Pa. Commw. 1983)(holding fire-fighting is governmental in nature).

Fire companies and other private entities might take notice. Although the OOR now considers the matter as well settled, the issue will be decided on this appeal to the Commonwealth Court.

Unlike political subdivisions and wholly governmental agencies, quasi-governmental agencies, such as fire companies, regularly do not have appointed or retained legal counsel. Yet as a general rule, corporations may not represent themselves but through a licened attorney, which begs the question: Can a fire company represent itself before the OOR?

Taking the logic of Pierce still further, might the officers of a volunteer fire company find themselves subject to the Pennsylvania Ethics Act?

Well, not if they behave anyway, but?

Full disclosure: I am a member of a volunteer fire company.

Thankfully, I am not the center of (all) evil!

2009-12-01T21:20:00.007-05:00

There are few times where yours truly is not the cause of controversy in Lynn Township, which is why I'm pleased to present you this email from a parent of a student at Northwestern Lehigh School District. Its been widely circulated.

To be quite frank, I have no knowledge in the intricacies of this debate. So its one of the few times where I have nothing to add. Apperantly, there is some issue with teacher's contract negotiations. Thats not good! As to the folks on the board regardless of which side of the issue, I know all of them personally to be folks of good character, which is why I, for once, can't yet add much to this debate.

I'll let the author speak for himself, largely because he invited me to share his email. I'm not sure why I was on his mailing list, but the verbiage is quite articulate. The author is passionate and respectful. The substance, I leave to you.

Dear Friends,

As you may know, teachers of the Northwestern Lehigh School District are currently in contract negotiations with the School Board. The negotiations have been ongoing for quite some time. The School Board recently asked for a neutral party to come in to look at both side’s contract proposals and find what he thought was a reasonable middle ground. The teachers agreed to the Board’s request and a Fact Finder was brought in to review the issues.

The Fact Finder’s Report was released to the Teachers and the School Board last week. The teachers found the finding of this report to be reasonable and voted to ACCEPT the Fact Finder’s Report. However, on Wednesday night, the School Board voted 6 to 3 to REJECT the Fact Finder’s Report (which the Board had requested).

Although we are currently in economic hard times, there is no reason why our children’s education should be compromised. The Northwestern Lehigh School District is a wonderful place for our children to learn and grow. The school system and its’ teachers are an asset to the entire community. The Fact Finder’s Report makes recommendations which are fair to both the community and the teachers. By not approving this unbiased report, which the board itself requested, the School Board could upset labor stability in the district.

As required by law, the Board must vote again on this issue within the next 10 days. We need to encourage School Board members to do the right thing for public education and for the students of the NWLSD by accepting the fair report of the neutral Fact Finder. This approval will ensure labor stability in the district for the next 3 years and shows support for quality education in the NWLSD.

Please take a minute to thank members that voted in favor of the Fact Finder’s Report and ask the members that voted to reject the report to reconsider their position. I have attached copies of the E-Mails which I sent to Board Members.

Sometime after I received the above email, the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board released the subject Fact Finders Report. Hence, the foregoing is somewhat moot. So I snipped the email to various board members, you don't need to email them. Yet, you might inquire as to your school board members for more information.

To read the Fact Finder Report, come up to speed beyond myself, and see what the controversy is about, go here. You can read the Fact Finder Report for yourself.

I may have more on this later, but as of today, I am not qualified. Imagine that!

Here Kitty Kitty, Puppy Puppy . . .

2009-12-01T20:42:00.003-05:00

With my recent rash of critical posts, I'm very pleased to present correspondence from Peaceable Kingdom, a no kill animal rescue organization, from which Lynn Township sought animal control services over the controversial Leigh County Humane Society.

Never before has our animal control provider offered unsolicited assistance for the humane treatment of stray animals other than an invoice for so-called humane services, which, at the time, included euthanasia of unwanted animals, that point not foretold by former provider. No more do we contract with the kill shelter.

Time will tell whether Peaceable Kingdom can live up to its expectations, but it least those expectations are clearly spelled out in the correspondence below. To wit, Peaceable Kingdom shall:

Trap, neuter and return free roaming cats at no additional cost to the Township and offer humane control for animals turned in as "strays", i.e. those having no identifiable owners. Owners who wish to freely relinquish their dogs may do so, but naturally, our taxpayers shall not bear the burden for your unwanted pets. But you can be pleased to know that your unwanted pets won't be killed before finding their new home.

Peaceable Kingdom will attempt to place dogs that are picked up running at large in Lynn Township and attempt to locate their owners, so much as to take a digital photograph of the captured dog so that it may be posted on the Township website. They'll even place a found add in the Morning Call, and post photos at Peaceable Kingdoms. Captured dogs will be vaccinated, treated for fleas, wormed and scheduled to be neutered if not returned to their homes. Owners relinquishing their animals will be asked for a photograph to be posted on petfinder.com. While some of these services may have been provided by former providers.

Animal Control Guidelines 2010

I can't say that I've ever seen similar correspondence from the former provider. I'm jazzed. We'll have to stay on top of this story to see how it works out! I'm hoping well!

Now if they could only round up stray steers!

A Call for a Return to Honor

2009-12-01T16:33:00.009-05:00

The Lynn Township offices were closed on Black Friday. The road crew was off. The Transfer Station/Recycling Center was also closed.

The day after Thanksgiving is a Township holiday, and has been for quite some time. Yours Truly and others enjoyed the day off from our private jobs. Why not our Township employees?

For a list of other Township holidays, go here. Scroll near the end.

Signs were posted on the shed door at the Station and by the log book. The Transfer Station will be closed on November 27, 2009. Yet, outraged residents still called the Township from the gates of the Transfer Station on Black Friday to complain.

The Transfer Station is supposed to open at 9:00am Friday. . . It is Friday and its 9:10am. Several of us are standing at the gate . . . Do you pay someone to open the Transfer Station at 9:00 and where they at?

The anonymous caller, one of several, then complained about taxes.

It’s a free country. They have a right to complain, especially about Government. That’s all good. I’ve no quarrel with that!

Others were not good. They left their garbage at the closed gates. Some threw their bags over the fence. More debris appeared mysteriously inside. How it all got there is not fully known. It was quite a mess. No one has yet raised their hand to accept responsibility. Yet, the service is not free.

The sign at the gate says, No unauthorized dumping. Violators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent under the law.

I worded the sign that way special, just for these cases, which are tiring. There are too many instances of persons leaving trash at the gate. Frankly, I would never think of leaving my trash at the gate, even during normal hours when the Center should be open, which sometimes its not.

Do you leave a resturant without paying your bill? Do you steal gas after hours from the gas station? Same thing here!

Dmping garbage at the gate of the transfer station without paying is more than littering, it's theft! 18 Pa. C.S.A. 3926 states:

A person is guilty of theft is he intentionally obtains services for himself or for another which he knows are available only for compensation . . . by false token other trick or artifice to avoid payment for the service . . . .

Where compensation for the service is ordinarily paid immediately upon the rendering of such service . . . absconding without paying or offer to pay gives rise to a presumption that the service was obtained by deception as to intention to pay.

In the past, an employee often worked the holiday to avoid the above situation. You sometimes paid him time and ½ to prevent the dishonest from leaving their trash at the closed gate. However, time has come for the dishonest to answer for themselves.

They should come in to pay their bill, which is preferable to any other course of action, which may yet someday happen.

Doeth the sun set in Heidelberg Township?

2009-11-26T17:58:00.006-05:00

Heidelberg Township Supervisors held a special unadvertised budget meeting on November 18, 2009, at their Municipal Building.

The meeting followed last year's hoopla over releasing draft budgets. That hoopla did not reoccur. The draft 2010 budget can be found here.

The meeting was on the same date as Aurel Arndt's Act 537 presentation in North Whitehall. Although unadvertised, announcements were posted on the door of Heidelberg's municipal building.

I managed to catch a portion of Heidelberg's meeting. Newspapers were not present, just mostly curious rebel-rabble from Lynn Township, i.e. people like me. Video is below.

The unadvertised meeting begged the question. Did the meeting violate the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act, which states:

Official action and deliberations by a quorum of the members of an agency shall take place at a meeting open to the public unless closed under section 707 (relating to exceptions to open meetings), 708 (relating to executive sessions) or 712 (relating to General Assembly meetings covered) . . .

An agency shall give public notice of its first regular meeting of each calendar or fiscal year not less than three days in advance of the meeting and shall give public notice of the schedule of its remaining regular meetings. An agency shall give public notice of each special meeting or each rescheduled regular or special meeting at least 24 hours in advance of the time of the convening of the meeting specified in the notice.

This particular meeting was deemed a continuation of an earlier regular meeting. Heidelberg officials confirmed an announcement for the continuation meeting was made during the regular meeting. According to them, the meeting thus complied with the Sunshine Act.

In Jewell et. al. & Faverio v. Zoning Board of Chester, 52 Del.Co. 256 (1964), the court determined that where an original hearing is advertised, a continued hearing need not be advertised. See Also, Kline v. ZHB of Upper St. Clair. The date of the continued hearing in Jewell was announced at the time of the first hearing and therefore it was not necessary to give additional notice.

Jewel stands to reason that where a published advertised meeting is continued, and the date, time and place of the continued meeting is announced at the advertised meeting, no additional advertisement is necessary.

Jewel and Kline both concerned hearings before the Zoning Hearing Board, the subject of which are fixed by advertisement. Heidelberg's situation is somewhat different. Heidelberg's meeting included "any other business which may become before the Board." Heidelberg's meeting had an open agenda.

Heidelberg's meeting was legal under Jewel. So let me be clear with no fault to Heidelberg. But the logic of Jewel is flawed when applied to a meeting with an open agenda. Otherwise a municipality could advertise just one meeting, and continue the meeting repeatedly month after month, year after year. No one could know when any meeting was, or what might be discussed in any meeting, unless they attended the former meeting.

That'd be such a mess. I'd stay off that slope.

Presenting the Northern Lehigh Act 537 Sewage Facilities Plan (Lynn Township not included)

2009-11-26T14:10:00.015-05:00

On November 18, Aurel Arndt, General Manager of the Lehigh County Authority, presented the regional Act 537 Plan Amendment for Northern Lehigh. The plan covers public sewage facilities in four townships: Lowhill, North Whitehall, Washington and Heidelberg.

This will be the Plan's second submission. The first submission was in 2007. LCA sought to consolidate its smaller plants. DEP suggested that be project be undertaken in phases, hence this revision.

The new overview can be seen in below. A question and answer session follows here.

A public comment period begins now, but I have not located an online version of the Plan. Those in the various townships can read the Plan at their respective municipal buildings. You might convince your Township to post the executive summary on the Internet.

LCA's total planning effort cost $90K to date. The cost includes the SMP and administrative components for four Townships. Considering the State reimbursable portion, the plan may eventually cost LCA's ratepayers about $50K.

By contract, Lynn's plan took three submissions, 2001, 2005 & 2007. The first two were rejected by DEP. Lynn spent approximately $180K over 8 years but finally received Plan approval last January.

Despite DEP's approval, Lynn's Sewer Authority embarked on a new study. Planning costs may now be closer to $220K, but lets say 200K, which after subtracting the reimbursable portion, leaves $137K absorbed by rate and tax payers.

$137K versus $50K, or $200K versus $90K, no matter how one slices it, Lynn overpaid for its Plan. A 100K differential equates to about $300 per sewer customer based on 330 customers; or just maybe close to 1 year of service at the old sewer rate.

See, there is an advantage in economies of scale. Rate payers should not discount operation by LCA.

Federal and State regulation over sewage plant operation is complicated. LCA operates the sewage pretreatment plant in Fogelsville, the Western Lehigh Interceptor, the Little Lehigh Interceptor, the Arcadia West treatment plant in Weisenburg, the Heidelberg Hieghts treatment plant, Sand Spring and Wynnwood Terrace sewage treatment plants in North Whitehall, as well as a number of collection systems.

Some say we can do better ourselves. I'm not so certain.

No Bond in Place!

2009-11-25T14:47:00.008-05:00

And now from That Can't Happen in our Township comes this report in the Times News, about our Carbon County neighbor to the North:

Former secretary charged with stealing $81,000 from Lower Towamensing Township.

Dorothy Achey, 61, of RD2, box 336-2 Kunkletown, was arraigned on Monday before District Judge Bruce Appleton of Palmerton on 102 counts each of theft by unlawful taking or disposition, theft by failure to make required disposition of funds received, and misapplication of entrusted property and property of government or financial institutions.

. . .

On May 4, township solicitor Jim Nanovic was contacted by township Supervisor Glen Hahn and advised that Achey had apparently stole $19,229.21 in April, 2009, according to the affidavit.

On June 5, Nanovic contacted Pennsylvania State Police at Lehighton to advise they wanted Achey arrested for the theft. Nanovic advised that he believed the amount to be in excess of $50,000, the affidavit says. He advised that Achey had written herself an unknown amount of checks to defraud the township of money. He advised that most of the checks were for the amount of her weekly or bi-weekly gross salary, however, she had dispersed several checks per month over the amount that her salary had allotted. Achey was "writing wages" on several of the checks. The wage amount was different on several different checks. The checks were all written by Achey from the township's checking account held with the First National Bank of Palmerton.

On June 17, an accountant report was prepared by accounting firm Kirk, Summa & Co. The report indicated that the total amount taken by Achey was $81,067.35. Achey did write in cash 102 checks ranging from Jan. 02, 2008 to April 29, 2009. The check's numbers ranged from 29190 to 30205.

Official Township Minutes give this account:

"On May 4, 2009 the Supervisors discovered some irregularities regarding checks written to Dorothy Achey, an investigation was commenced immediately. On that same day Supervisors Hahn & Walbert and the Attorney for the Township (Nanovic) met with Buckno & Lisicky the Auditors of the Township. We also had telephone conversations with our insurance and bonding companies and with the proper authorities. On May 11th the Supervisors met with Dorothy Achey, at the end of that meeting Dorothy Achey submitted her resignation to the Township. This resignation was accepted at the meeting of the Board of Supervisors on May 12. Because of the resignation of the Secretary/Treasurer we engaged an auditor to review the books of the Treasurer. At our June 9, 2009 meeting we hired Kirk, Summa & Company who immediately began its review of those books, that review has now been completed.
We have received from Kirk, Summa & Co. an independent Accountant’s report, that report shows that the total excess disbursements on behalf of Dorothy Achey are $81,067.35 this consist primarily of checks disbursed to Dorothy Achey in excess of her approved salary for the years 2008 and 2009, this also consists of some office supplies, petty cash and mileage reimbursements which were not properly accounted for. Because of these activities the Supervisors have implemented new procedures to prevent this from happening again. As you know from our last meeting the Township has
hired AD computers to handle the writing of payroll checks, we have also adopted a new policy regarding the execution of the checks by the Treasurer and the Supervisors which is requiring two Supervisors to sign. As to the excess monies that have been paid to Dorothy Achey, the Township is pursuing all avenues to collect those monies from Dorothy Achey. We promise to the Township that we will pursue all
avenues to collect these monies, because this involves potential litigation we do not believe it would be in the best interest of the Township to publicly disclose the avenues we are pursuing; however, we do have reason to believe that we should be successful in recouping all excess disbursements from the former Treasurer."

Mr. Abraham questioned if we knew how long this was going on for.

Mr. Nanovic explained that the review we have from Kirk, Summa was for all of 2008 and 2009 (up until May 4th). Mr. Nanovic stated that Buckno & Lisicky stated that although it is possible it was happening prior it became significant in 2008 and 2009. Kirk, Summa & Co. reported that the bulk of it was in 2009, with a little bit at the end of 2008.

Mr. Abraham asked if Mrs. Achey was bonded at which Mr. Nanovic stated that "there was no bond in place".

Dorothy Achey was actually the secretary and treasurer for Lower Towamensing, an important point because the Second Class Township Code requires that the township treasurer be bonded!

The amount of the bond shall equal the highest amount of township funds estimated by the board of supervisors to be available to the township treasurer at any time during the current year. The bond shall be filed with the board of auditors of the township.

The Bond would have required at least two signatures on any check. Alas . . .

There was no bond in place.

Sound likes more than one person was asleep in Lower Tow! How about your township?

Pa Unemployment Office to Lynn Township: Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-24T16:06:00.008-05:00

Here's wishing the taxpayers of Lynn Township a Happy Thanksgiving, from your friendly Pennsylvania Office of Unemployment Compensation! And you want our Government to run health care? 23076459 Unemployment Amount Due PS: See amount due box!

Be safe out there . . .

2009-11-23T17:07:00.002-05:00

As a Township Supervisor, we sometimes get press releases from the Pennsylvania State Police. This one is a little too close to home.

Via email, the PSP reports . . .

From: Troutman, Jason R [mailto:jtroutman@state.pa.us]
Sent: Saturday, November 21, 2009 3:06 PM
To: Municipal Contacts
Subject: Residential Daytime Burglaries

Greetings,
Over the past few weeks, we have been experiencing a number of forced entry daytime burglaries of residences in Northern Lehigh County, specifically Weisenberg, Lowhill and Lynn Twp.’s. The Actor(s) are using a blunt object to force open a door and once inside are removing items of value such as jewelry, cash, coins, etc. The burglaries are occurring during the daytime hours on weekdays. New/updated information will follow as leads are developed. In the meantime, ANYONE WITH INFORMATION IS ASKED TO CALL THE STATE POLICE AT FOGELSVILLE, 610-395-1438.
ANYONE WITH INFORMATION CAN REMAIN ANONYMOUS BY CALLING LEHIGH VALLEY CRIME STOPPERS 1-800-426-TIPS AND RECEIVE A REWARD OF UP TO $2000.00.

Thank you for your time and assistance!

Tpr. Jason R. TROUTMAN
PSP Fogelsville
8320 Schantz Rd.
Breinigsville, PA 18031
(610)395-1438

2009 General Municipal Election Freddies

2009-11-18T15:50:00.015-05:00

Better late then never come the 2009 general Election Freddies, highlighting brilliance, miscues and gaffes during the last election. The Nominations are:

Number 10: Sleazy campaigns and politics as usual.
From candidates bought by kingmakers, collateral attacks upon the church, to unfounded links with Pennsylvania’s gambling.

When the candidate's qualifications suck, there is nothing left but sleaze.

Number 9: Thomas Creighton’s recycled signs.
I didn’t vote for Mr. Creighton this year but I supported him in two past elections. Shades rose again when Mr. Creighton brought out his old Supervisor election signs.

Newly written across each sign in magic marker, Lehigh County Comm’r with a sticker on the bottom, paid for by the candidate.

In case the County Board needs an assignment, I nominate Creighton to the County recycling committee!

Number 8: Kermit Delong
Mr. Delong almost prevailed with his Manchurian candidate last election. Mike Dietrich lost by 13 votes to his older uncle from across town.

So this election Delong took his secret weapon and unveiled the largest sign in Township election history, 4 by 5 feet or so. "Kermit Delong Supports Mike Dietrich, Write In Candidate for Supervisor." Alas, Mike lost. 540 to 308 votes.

It is not the size of the sign, it’s what is in the the print!

Number 7: The Split Ticket
Proving that nearly no one votes straight party even in the Northern Tier, Linda Tyson, a Democrat for Tax Collector easily won over her Republican challenger, 64% to 34%. This was in a Township which supported Republican Tom Creighton over his Democrat rival, 604 votes to 295.

Number 6: Victory Valley Camp
Upon learning that County Executive candidate Scot Ott resided rent free following his severance with his employer, Victory Valley Camp, the Cunningham campaign questioned the Church’s non-profit status.

They copied, of course, the I.R.S. and voters defected. The clear front runner nearly lost the election. Which goes to show you. The I.R.S. is not the ultimate authority!

I'll see you in church on Sunday!

Number 5: Glenn Smith and the AQC.
After spearheading Delong’s election for the AARC's return, Glenn Smith again handled the strings with his upstart, but stay at home candidate, Michael Dietrich. Glenn largely funded Mike's primary campaign. Mike lost but Glenn returned for another round.

As this anonymous flyer stated, Mike was "willing to look at future planning that is in the best interest in the Township . . . such as the Active Adult Community, . . .which is exactly the type of community he [Mike] could support."

It’s time to get out from behind the curtain. Glenn, if you think the best interests of the Township are not being served, then run for Supervisor yourself.

Number 4: Dick Edwards of Catasauqua
All that talk about watering the urinals nearly got Edwards elected to Borough Council, albeit til Vince Smith’s write in votes were counted.

Excuse me, I have to go drain my snake.

Number 3: Charles Perich
In yet another close one, perennial challenger Charles Perich, forced to run as a Democrat, nearly upended three term Heidelberg Supervisor, David Fink. Fink won by 36 votes.

In the week following the election Heidelberg Township, cited cash flow issues and announced a line of credit to cover operating expenses.

So if the election was held today . . . ?

Number 2: Carson Baer
In a first appearance for Carson, a fellow Baer, won the nod for Lynn Township Auditor. He garnered a total of 79 write-in votes, almost as many a Mel Charles got on her balloted position for Supervisor.

Carson has an uncanny ability to unite people. Carson hates everybody, which makes him uniquely qualified for auditor! He got my vote.

And the Freddie goes to:

Number 1: Tony Phillips
Tossed Salad, a slang term for butt licking, I learned that on Oprah. For more information, go to Freddy No. 10.

In a landslide Tony lost, 74% to 26%.

Butt kicking, butt licking, hey, it is only one letter place on the alphabet.

Lehigh County Humane Society continues war with "Zealots"

2009-11-18T13:59:00.014-05:00

Months after the Lehigh County Humane Society called proponents of no-kill shelters “radical animal rights zealots” and accused them of physical attack on their premises, animal cruelty and conspiracy, the Lehigh County Humane Society formally declared war on its no-kill competitors.

Opening salvos occurred in May as reflected in these minutes of the Lehigh County Board of Commissioners, wherein the Board discussed a County $22,500 annual payment to the Humane Society.

Certain Commissioners, former Society employees and volunteers expressed concern over the Society’s practice in euthanizing unwanted animals. A preference toward no-kill emerged. The payment was canned.

According to this tax filing, the Humane Society obtained 1.8 million in gross receipts with expenses of $841,000 for 2007, the last year available from Guidestar. Current assets included 1.7 million in stock and treasuries.

In May the Lehigh County Humane Society wrote:

The loss of this revenue to the shelter, which has been used in the past to supplement the varying fees paid by each of the 23 municipalities for our animal control services, means that the municipalities must now bear the compensating burden of significantly increased fees when their individual contracts come up for renewal. We believe that the 23 municipalities, however, like all citizens, business and other local governmental entities, are presently struggling with the burden imposed by the recession, and that the municipalities might not be able to accept any such substantial increases . . .

In fact, the LCHS will be relieved by no longer having to incur the cost of subsidizing the county and its municipalities. Those extra funds will help us appreciably to absorb the continuing increases in animal admissions and shelter cost that we are experiencing due to the impact of the recession on job losses and foreclosures that force many pet owners to relinquish their pets. . . .

In April, well before the quandary erupted before the Board of Commissioners, Lynn Township received a proposal for services wherein the Humane Society sought to triple its fees.

The Township balked largely because we awaited an itemized accounting for the animals obtained from Lynn Township in 2008. Our past review found charges for animals recovered from other Townships.

The LCHS blamed their 300% proposed increase on the Commissioner’s subsequent decision to discontinue support. Funny, that hadn't happened yet! The increase was announced in April.

Further, LCHS sought to impose a 15% surcharge for an itemized account. I know of no business which charges a fee for an itemized invoice. We said no. So we’re still waiting on that accounting of animals.

In July LCHS wrote:

Financially, we cannot continue to perform animal control without proper funding. As far we can determine, the position expressed by the county commissioners is that the county is not financially responsible for animal control. You will have to ask them for their reasoning – it appears to contradict and conflict with Title 3, Chapter 9, Article III of the current Pennsylvania Dog Law. In 2008, our Humane Society expended more than $204,000 over its budget because of the rising costs of implementing animal control services in Lehigh County.

Over the past 2.5 years, a group of radical animal rights activists and zealots have been disseminating false information about the LCHS shelter, attacking not only or policies, but our physical facility as well. Some of this group’s members have managed animal rescue facilities within Lehigh County and have been cited over the years by the Lehigh County Humane Society’s cruelty investigator. . .

Today the Society turns against its competitors. In a recent letter to the Township, they wrote: since it appears that we will not be providing this service for your township in 2010, it is imperative that we have the name and phone number of your new animal control service provider so that these calls can be forwarded to that number and not to the municipal officials or the county commissioners. (emphasis in the original).

How caring! Thanks!

Unofficial Write In Results

2009-11-04T14:50:00.005-05:00

Lehigh County's posted election results do not include write candidates and the Morning Call's local coverage is spotty. The Call shows Lynn's write-in candidate for Supervisor, Mike Dietrich, received 60 votes, which would be correct if one only counted the poll at Lynnport.

For Lynn Township, my unofficial tally (all three polls) for Supervisor shows:

540 votes for Republican Brian Dietrich;
308 write in votes for Mike Dietrich (give or take 2); and
94 votes for Democrat Mel Charles.

Write in candidate Carson Baer won handily as write in for the uncontested seat as Lynn Township Auditor. My maternal great grandmother was a Baer. Maybe I'll finally have an in . . . well, maybe not.

For North Whitehall Supervisor, my unofficial tally has:

1569 for Jerry Joseph; and
318 for write in candidate Brian Brinker.

Attorney Jeff Dimmich apparently received at least 24 write in votes at the Schnecksville poll for Auditor. I don't know about the other polls in North Whitehall. I was too tired to look, but quite possibly Attorney Dimmich filled North Whitehall Township's uncontested seat for auditor.

Train Wreck on the Highway

2009-11-02T20:32:00.010-05:00

I was forwarded a copy of the last minute mailer in support of Jeanne McNeill's run for Commissioner and I wrote to fellow bloggers,

I dont know what to say. Its like watching a train wreck, I'm just able to stare, watch and gasp.

You can read the mailer for yourself here and and here.

The mailer is inaccurate in that it accuses candidate Tom Creighton for accepting a campaign contribution from a "contractor with Keystone Consulting Engineers the very same day that the firm made an official pitch for business at a Lynn Township Supervisors Meeting."

While it is true that Creighton accepted a contribution from a contractor whose employer does business with the Township, the myth that the contribution was made as a quid pro quo on the same day that the employer lobbied for business was debunked here.

One need only listen to the audio of the meeting in question to uncover the truth, which is why I take great pains to post the audio of our Board Meetings here.

Lest we not hold the politicians accountable for reading this blog, a simple task was to check the Township's official minutes.

All of the above portends why I repeatedly state, inquire for yourself. Don't believe the hype.

That said, there's still a controversy in any candidate that accepts money from one who does or seeks business with the Government, be they Tom Creighton or Don Cunningham. Which is why I said, politics suck!

In considering questionable loyalties there is little difference in accepting money from pay to play contractors from accepting money from ranking politicians. I begged for an epiphany, which was not forthcoming. Call me idealistic but naive.

Until politicians set a high bar and force the others to follow, no party will ever have the monopoly to the high road, Democrats and Republicans included.

Be it here or here or here the blogsphere and open government are not always pretty, but they uncover much truth for debate!

And now for lighter fare . . .

2009-11-01T15:08:00.006-05:00

Crazy Elmer returned again to Ontelaunee Park for the 2009 Lynn-Heidelberg Historical Society's Pioneer Days. The band was joined by the granddaughter of Shorty and Dolly Long, of Shorty Long and the Sante Fe Rangers fame.

The concert was sponsored in part by Yours Truly, The Rural Preservation Association of Northwestern Lehigh County and the Call of Nature Portable Toilets, not forgetting of course, the Lynn Heidelberg Historical Society.

Elmer, suffering from a bout with a cold, still put on his usual time-proven good show. Watch closely for Richard Metzger's 3 corner hat!

Crazy Elmer's facebook page is here. Check it for more concerts.

Broken Sewer Plants

2009-11-01T11:49:00.005-05:00

Election moguls are again taking back channels. Rather then face the light of day, they've reverted to their anonymous gossiping ways.

Pennsylvania's Election Law requires full disclosure. All election materials much state who paid for the message and whether the message was authorized by the candidate. Anonymous election messages are illegal. So I'll not dignify the message by posting a copy.

Attached to the flier however was a copy of Ken Petrini's newspaper article which reported on the Sewer Authority's budget for next year. Although the Township has no role in setting the sewer authority's budget, or fixing the Authority's fees, the messenger highlighted the following:

The first will increase user fees by $25 per quarter or $100 a year for residential and commercial users. If the plant is built, rate adjustments are likely to result from the financing of the plant. Members have suggested that a doubling of fees is possible.

The plant is at capacity. In fact, its hydraulically and organically overloaded. All of this begs the question.

If the plant is unable to turn a profit and must increase rates now while at full capacity, how much more money will they loose after they add more capacity?

Plan carefully says I!

Meet the Candidates

2009-11-01T10:39:00.004-05:00

GOP Candidate Brian Dietrich and Democrat Candidate Mel Charles introduced themselves last Thursday at a Meet the Candidates Event. Each are vying to fill the seat left open by outgoing Tom Creighton who is running for Lehigh County Commissioner.

The event was hosted by the Lehigh Valley League of Women Voters. After each candidate made their opening statement, they answered questions from the LWVLV moderator. Afterward, they took questions from the floor.

The hidden story was not the candidates, who spoke for themselves. Striking was the absence of those who speak in support of their pet zoning or sewer project. Yes, the same folks who are circulating anonymous flyers and gossip in support of their Manchurian candidate did not have the courage to ask questions. They failed to appear.

I found it odd that those who largely complain the loudest, dared not ask one question. They dared not even come. My how courageous! Daylight can cure all ills.

One in private said to me earlier that he did not know what Brian Dietrich stood for. Well then, why did you not come to ask him?

Big Show Tonight!

2009-10-29T10:09:00.009-04:00

Thursday October 29th, 6:30 to 8:30, that's tonight . . . the two nominated candidates for Lynn Township Supervisor will square off at the Lynnport Fire Co., 6174 Behler Rd, New Tripoli. That's basically where SR 863 meets SR 143.

Protesting outside might be Mike Dietrich, whose candidacy was relaunched by his handlers after Mike lost a close primary. Supporters now are circulating fliers in the Township. Yet the flier does not indicate who paid or authorized it. Sound familiar?

Weirdness aside, it can be refreshing to look at politics in neighboring Townships. So as a prelude to tonight's debate, watch these excerpts from Catasauqua.

One commentor from the UK observed, We got some political pricks in the UK but you Yanks ace us every time.