Environmental Advisory Council Discusses Possible Tax Increase, Land Purchases

The Upper Saucon Environmental Advisory Council said it needs more funding to continue its mission of conservation and mentioned an increase in the earned income tax as a way to get it.

The council also approved the purchase of 3.6 acres on Old Bethlehem Pike.

“The single most important thing to do is explain why we need [more] funding,” said chairman Thomas Gettings.

The council is supported through the "Growing Greener" fund, a state fund to help townships with preservation and conservation. Over the last few years, funding has declined. The council raised the idea of holding extra meetings outside of its regularly scheduled sessions to find ways to raise funds.

The council is interested in an increase in the earned income tax as a way to increase funding, but that would have to be decided by township residents on a ballot referendum. 

In other business, the council reviewed four properties and approved the purchase of the Laubach property, a 3.6-acre tract at 6009 Old Bethlehem Pike.

The council tabled action on a 13-acre property at 4505 E. Valley Road owned by the Stabler Land Co. until ownership is transferred to the township. The council had to postpone a recommendation on a 37-acre property at 5702 Limeport Pike after learning that the property's mortgage company will not sign off on the sale.

The council declined to purchase a parcel near 512 Liberty Street. The property has not been appraised and has no access to a public street. “Considering our funding it doesn't make sense for us to purchase,” said council member Peter Staffeld. “If we were in a different economic climate, it would be possible.” 

Meanwhile, the council discussed the possibility of using solar panels to power public buildings and homes. “There's a lack of information in solar panels,” Gettings said. The council noted the tax incentives available for using solar energy and the value of having panels installed.

“We have all kinds of people using thermal energy, solar, and some even thinking about wind,” township manager Thomas Beil said.

The council also expressed interest in having an energy audit of township buildings. “There are good candidates for doing the audit,” Beil said.

The council will have two items listed in the Fall Newsletter: Electronic Clean-Up Day and The Local Farm Guide. The clean-up day will be held Oct. 22 from 8:30am-1pm at the Township Building at 5500 Camp Meeting Road. Residents can bring items such as cellphones, telephones and stereos to be recycled for free. Other items such as laptop computers and hard drives will have a fee.

The Local Farm Guide is a list of Upper Saucon farms that offer fresh produce. The Gottschell and Flint Hill farms are listed, along with the Lehigh Growers Market and Coopersburg Farmers Market.

The council's next meeting is 6pm on Sept. 20 at the township building.