Interim Chief Plan Discussed

The Morning Call reports (read it here) that Nazareth Council has begun discussions on appointing an interim chief following Chief Sinclair's resignation.

The Express-Times reports (read it here) that Sinclair has taken a position in West Conshohocken.

Update on Fireworks Situation

Had an opportunity to speak with Norm Boell who owns the ice cream truck that wound up in the middle of the controversy between the Council and Vigilance/Kiwanis (read this post).

Norm is a former firefighter for Vigilance and has had a contract with the Borough for several years to run the concessions in the Borough Park. From the concession stand he operates the Cool Treats ice cream truck.

According to Norm, neither Vigilance, nor the Kiwanis contacted him about sales from the truck prior to their taking the matter to Council. After Norm found out about the request he offered to donate sales from the truck during that time to the fireworks, and he noted that he regularly contributes, along with many other local businesses, to the fireworks display each year.

From a business standpoint, it appears to me that Norm did everything right. The Council ought to have addressed the matter from the standpoint of the agreement they have in place so this would have been clear to those in attendance as well as the public.

It appears that the parties in this case, need to count to 100 and then sit down and talk through these issues which probably are not as vast as they seem right now, and they ought to do it soon in the interest of the community.

Fireworks Cancelled for Nazareth Day

Nazareth Days have traditionally been a time of community togetherness, beginning with sidewalk sales, the Friday Block Party, and Saturday's festivities at the Borough Park culminating in a wonderful fireworks show.

The fireworks have been sponsored by the Kiwanis and Vigilance Hose Company. These two community volunteer organizations provide service and wonderful events throughout the year for residents including the Easter Egg Hunt, Halloween Parade, and Carnival.

As many residents recall, it rained nearly every day in June, and this year's Carnival had maybe one day without rain. The groups made no money and when the final accounting is done they probably lost some.

As a result, on Monday at the Council meeting a single request was made by Vigilance Hose to restrict the commercially operated ice cream truck from selling in the Park, as the Kiwanis traditionally sell ice cream along with hot dogs and drinks. The intent was to boost sales and off-set the carnival with proceeds being immediately fed back to the community.

Councilman Heckman made a motion and when no fellow council-member seconded the motion, it died.

While one has to respect competition, I think Council failed in this instance when it chose to support a for-profit business at the expense of two volunteer, non-profit organizations, who give so much to the community, year in and year out.

The thought of no fireworks and no Halloween Parade, which our family and our neighbors have enjoyed so much through the years is disheartening and painful. I wish this matter could be resolved prior to the annual celebration, but have little hope in that happening as there is no scheduled meeting between now and then.

BB or Plastic Pellet - Type of Gun Makes a Difference

The Public Comment portion of the Council meeting apparently got heated last night. I received a few emails and the Express-Times reports on the reason why (read the article here).

An 11 year old boy allegedly shot out a window on South Pine Street (the alley between Whitfield and New). Two tenants saw the boy shoot out the window, called their landlord, who in turn called police.

Despite the witnesses, Chief Sinclair stated it was an 'accident'. He further noted it was not, "a BB gun; it was a toy that shoots plastic pellets."

One reader by email informed me that BB guns are illegal in the borough, which might explain why the clarification was provided. If it was a BB gun and an accident, the shooter still should have been cited for the illegal gun.

The landlord claims he is responsible to replace the window at his own expense due to the 'accidental nature' of its being damaged.

12 hour vs 8 hour shift

Wasn't aware of this issue, but apprently the police department's officers and borough management have been arguing over shift hours according to the Express-Times (read the article here).

Officers wanted 12 hour shifts, presumably to receive overtime during a work-week, and the borough only wanted to provide 8 hour shifts. The case went to the PA Labor Relations Board and the officers won.

English Beech Tree Removed on Earth Day

I received a few notes and comments about the decision to remove the English Beech Tree in the Circle on Earth Day. The Express-Times had an article on it as well (read it here).

The tree was 102 years old and roughly 70 feet high. Borough Council, following the Shade Tree Commission's having hired experts to assess the health of the tree, determined it was safest to have it cut down, the same recommendation of the experts.

Interestingly, the photo the Express-Times ran (which is there's not mine so I didn't lift it) shows a pile of logs from the tree. In my non-expert eyes, the log clearly supports the decision that the tree was dying. The entire center was rotted to within a few inches of the outside edge.

Regarding the 'taste' of having done so on Earth Day, I can see this in three ways.

• First, poor taste because in the idealistic Earth Day world nothing in the environment would ever die if it weren't for people, and here the Borough is proving it.
• Second, good taste because it shows that the Borough is being a good steward of the environment on its properties by first having planted it, then taking good care of it, and now creating a new space to plant a new tree.
• Third, is Earth Day really sacred? Earth Day was originated by environmental groups to support their causes and its been co-opted by corporate America to sell consumers products and services under the "Green" banner.

A Walk in the Park

The Express-Times' Tony Nauroth reports that Council debated a walking trail at Kokolus Park on Washington Street at Monday's meeting (read the article here).

In the end they voted 6-2 to apply for a state grant, apparently to pay the up to $15,000 for a feasibility study. The main reason for the high cost is that the trail would need to be handicapped accessible, meaning not only would the material need to be such that a wheelchair or walker or other assistance device would be able to get around, but that the slope in any section wouldn't be too severe to make it dangerous.

Nazareth Hires Full-Time Officer

Nazareth now has six full time officers (though two are on disability) and three part time officers according to an article in the Express-Times (read it here).

The article also notes the force is now at full-complement.

One nagging issue for some in the borough is the status of Chief Sinclair's residence. In the past the Chief was required to live within the Nazareth School District to ensure availability on reasonably short notice, but when Sinclair was hired and again at his one year renewal, Council opted to exempt this requirement.

Another issue that the Council will need to manage in the coming year(s) is the department budget. As the department has 'modernized' and grown, so too have the associated costs.

Coucnil Votes on Beech

According to an article in the Express-Times (read it here), Nazareth Council voted 7-1 to cut the Beech in the Circle down based on the recommendation of the Shade Tree Commission.

While no one relishes the option of cutting the tree down, its current state of having part of its root system and above ground portions dead and/or dying really put us in a position of taking it down safely and hopefully replacing it with a new tree for future generations to enjoy.

Comment on Public Property

The Express-Times reports that the Nazareth Borough Council's Public Property Committee is seeking resident's input and will have a tour on April 4 of borough property (read the article here).

The focus is on the Borough Park, but the tour will also include the borough building and fire company.

Tough Call

The decision on whether to cut down the English Beech in the Circle or attempt to save it is going to be a tough one.

The Express-Times reports that the 120 year old tree in the Circle is dying and Council will have to decide if they should attempt to keep it alive or cut it down (read the article here).

The Shade Tree Commission will make a recommendation to Council prior to a decision being made.

State of the Borough

Mayor Keller delivered his final State of the Borough address on Monday according to an article in the Express-Times (read it here).

The article summarizes the accomplishments of the borough since 2002 when Keller was first elected as follows:

The mayor took council back to 2002.

"We were doing business out of an antiquated building on Belvidere Street," Keller said. "We had but one (police) officer on duty for most of each day. The park had great facilities but no summer programs no soccer fields on Sage Street no sparkling new ball field no skate park or dog park."

Keller talked about Green Street being so bumpy "that speed limit signs weren't needed."

He told council, "Even if you looked real hard, you couldn't find a tree lining any street in our downtown."

His speech identified the borough's Web site and additional equipment for the fire department.

While one could argue there was a tree in Brooklyn, or that the new ballpark is unavailable to residents, the over-all point is that we won't all agree on each decision made (ie the proposed government center expansion), but there have been a lot of good things done and there remains much work to do.

I'd also re-iterate a point I've made previously, the best government, in my opinion is the most local government. At Council meetings residents' concerns are not only heard, but discussed. Their budgets are reasonably frugal, but at the same time supportive of community events and activities, not to mention needs. This diminishes rapidly as you get less local, look at School Board, County, State and Federal levels, and look at the spending or extent to which your voice is heard and considered.

Best wishes to Mayor Keller, and keep in mind local elections this year, so if you want to serve on Council, as a Supervisor, or on School Board, this is the year to step up and put your name on the ballot!

Borough Holds Line on Taxes

The Nazareth Borough Council held the line and will have no tax increase according to an article in the Express-Times (read it here).

Dog Park

Not sure if this is an update or creates a bit of confusion but the Express-Times had an article yesterday on the dog park (read it here). There was an accompanying picture of the Borough Park off Black Rock Road where you currently can take your dog.

The article noted you can soon take your dog to the Park and that there will be a section for small and large dogs.

The original plans were to have this park, with fencing located across from Kiwanis Park in the southeast part of town off Franklin Street.

I wonder, if the plan is to add fencing at Borough Park what impact it will have aesthetically. The hill, trees, and grass look very nice at the park where dogs are currently allowed and it would be a shame to mar that with industrial chain link fencing.

Council Update

In the better late then never category, my thanks to Becky Butz for forwarding some notes from the last Council meeting, and my apologies to her for only now posting them as I let them get buried in my inbox.

A gentleman from Insomniak Theatre questioned the high costs of permits for handicapped accessibility and bathrooms. This will be further discussed on Tuesday (committee meeting).

A resident from Main St questioned whether we should have a curfew. He's had some vandalism done to his property in the dead of night and thought maybe a curfew would help to keep the kids off the streets. Discussion followed. No decision made; thoughts were that parents should supervise their kids and why punish all the kids just because a few are acting out.

Several residents were in attendance to discuss possible changes to the Kramer property on Main St by bringing in more offices and making parking changes and also a suggestion that Park St which is one way now, be made one way in the other direction. This would pose safety concerns. This issue must go before the Zoning Board and before Council if any changes are to be made to the road.

Fred Daugherty, Arts Commission Chairperson, reported that we should see some changes to the front of #30 Belvidere ie a banner, planter, etc. to clean up the area

Also:

• Sue Dreydopple gave a report on the possibility of a Museum in Nazareth and the work that must be done.
• The renovations at #134 S Main St are going well and the Magistrate should be able to move in my January 1st.
• The dog park should be started before November
• Soapbox Derby canceled for October
  The new soccer field will be named Essroc-Kim Kromer Soccer Field. Dedication to be this fall.
• Residents may take their hazardous waste to Northampton Community College on October 11th for proper disposal
• The sewer project on E Prospect is completed and the road will be repaved.
• Looking for people interested in being on the Shade Tree Commission - hopefully people with knowledge of trees, etc
• Chief Sinclair reported that the Blockwatch meetings are going very well. They are held the last Tuesday of the month.
  
• Drug bust at 153 S Whitfield St was successful and will send a message to others who are involved in this type of activity.

Drug Sales at Borough Park

This topic seems to come up on a more or less regular basis at Council meetings and is often coupled with after school sales outside the building.

A reader sent me a note about a situation that recently occurred.

While at the Park the couple witnessed a drug sale. When the vehicle that sold the drugs left, they confronted the kid who purchased. They also took vehicle descriptions and plate numbers.

They then went to the police with this information. The reader told me that the police indicated there was nothing that could be done. They didn't have the manpower to patrol the park and they worked on a call to call basis. They were told that the department requested a drug task force officer from the County DA and it was denied.

I hear stories from people about kids at younger and younger ages getting involved in drugs (at the last MS lock-down some of the lockers searched were 6th graders) and more dangerous ones at that (have you heard all the meth ads on the radio?). While we can't expect the police to be everywhere and do everything, it does seem that a greater presence at the Park is needed and a more proactive approach must be engaged. This must come from the leadership on Council, directed to the department, and supported if it is to be effective.

Thanks to the readers who forwarded this information both to the police and myself.

Former Resident Gives Back, Again

Over the past two years, former Nazareth resident Thomas Ullman, has given $1,750 to the Borough of Nazareth, simply as a thank-you and way to give back to the community he still considers home.

Amazingly, he left at the age of 12 when his family moved. He now resides in Florida.

The Express-Times has an article on Thomas and a recent return trip he made (read it here).

Borough Council Meeting

I was not at this months Borough Council Meeting (my apologies - again), but the Express-Times did have a report on the meeting today (read it here).

The entire article is focused on a discussion as to whether or not to have a 25 foot by 25 foot gazebo constructed near Council Chambers.

MC Bill White Column on Military Deployment

Was real busy at the end of last week and really did nothing indoors over the weekend, so it was only last night that I saw Bill White's column following up on policies and plans related to military servicemen and women (read it here).

White points out that the plans of most municipalities and the military are roughly similar, but his point was in regard to having to switch plans, then switch back once they return.

My point, going back to the specific instance in Nazareth was due to timing (Koch left June 22 and was notified June 6 that he would not receive benefits, which was different from his prior deployment) and not having a policy.

The lack of a policy meant it was discussed on a case-by-case basis. I still think a policy is the best route to take and a good would demonstrate our thanks to these men and women who give so much for the benefit of everyone else.

For comparison's sake, Mary Jane Lahr has contacted a few area Police Departments and this is what she has forwarded to me:

• Bethlehem City - pays health insurance benefits
• Bethlehem Twp - pays health insurance plus pay differential if applicable (this was offered not asked so it may apply to others)
• Colonial Regional - no policy, but the chief said he'd encourage paying benefits
• Easton - pays health insurance benefits (from Joe Brown who is a fireman in Easton and previously posted on this site)
  

She also found out that Home Depot and PPL pay benefits and pay differential if applicable.

I did contact the NASD and was informed that "The district continues to pay the employee for 15 days after he or she reports for military service...Benefits continue until the end of the month in which the last day of pay falls."

I'd suggest the pay health insurance, pay differential, and a five day paid pre-deployment leave to be with family and friends and not have to worry about work would be a good start and much appreciated.

What do you think?

Letter to Editor in Both MC and ET Regarding Koch

Mary Jane Lahr, mother-in-law of Nazareth Police Detective Alan Koch, who is being deployed to Iraq in the next two weeks, has published a letter-to-the-editor in both the Express-Times (read it here) and the Morning Call (read it here).

I previously wrote about this situation (read it here) earlier in the week. The post has had several comments and one clarification. In summary, on Friday, June 6, at the end of the work day, Detective Koch was handed a letter that informed him his benefits would end on June 30, unless he wanted to purchase them in full (I'd guess based on my own family plan this would be about $1600 per month). Det. Koch is to leave for a one year tour in Iraq in the next two weeks. He previously was called to service and employed by the Nazareth Police Department, and his benefits remained in place for him and his family while he served. He does have the ability to switch to another plan through the military, so he won't be left without benefits, but it won't be the same coverage and they may have to switch doctors depending on who accepts the new plan.

As I see it the change coupled with the timing are the big issue. Since the Borough did it before, the expectation would be that they would do it again. The late notice must have been painful and biting for the family. I went through a benefits change and we had to leave the pediatrician we've trusted for the past 10 years and go to someone new as a result. It is not fun.

I referenced a community in MA that not only keeps benefits in place, but they provide other services and benefits including a five day paid 'vacation' to spend time with the family for the five workdays prior to deployment (read about it here).

While we all make choices every day, some choices are made to serve our country and community and these are hard choices. It is unimaginable for me to be away from my family for one year, let alone away from them in a war zone. To keep benefits in place for one year might cost some money, but it would be a great way to say thank you.