At their April 7 meeting, Bethlehem Township commissioners unanimously approved a 5-year line of credit for big ticket items in the upcoming years. These include a $1.2 million aerial fire truck, other fire vehicles and roadway improvements. Finance Director Andrew Freda told commissioners the credit line would only be drawn on as needed over the next five years, with a very favorable 2.6 percent fixed interest rate.

Approximately half of the funding for the new fire truck - $550,000 - is included in a grant application to the Northampton County Gaming Board.

"It's a $10 million line of credit, not a $10 million loan," cautioned Commissioner Michael Hudak. President Tom Nolan agreed, noting that the certification for the fire truck is set to expire. "These are issues that we can't ignore for too long before we get in trouble."

There was no objection or questions from members of the public.

In other business, commissioners decided against requesting the Parks and Recreation Board to consider relaxing rules to permit dogs at Housenick Park, as well a wine and cheese party that a local state representative wanted to host.

A big part of the problem, at least in the mind of Commissioner Phil Barnard, is whether they've ever really decided how this park, part of the Archibald Johnston estate, should be used. "I don't know if we truly defined what we're going to do there," he wondered.

Hudak said alcohol is allowed by permit in part of the community park, but it's in the open, under supervision and near rest facilities. Housenick, he noted, is a more secluded area.

Commissioner Marty Zawarski thinks the idea is premature. "I'm not in favor of going down that road and allowing alcohol," he said, noting he might change his thinking as the park is developed.

The request to allow dogs into Housenick Park came from Karen Berry, who told commissioners that many people stay away because they are unable to bring their dogs. She, herself, owns no dog. "I don't have a dog in this race," she laughed.

Noting he had been down this road many times before, Hudak gave a detailed explanation why he opposes dogs in township parks, based on what he sees during walks along the Lehigh River towpath. "There's constantly dog feces there," he complained. "It's not just the solid waste of the dog. It's the liquid waste that's just as destructive," he argued, noting most parents would be disgusted to see their children rolling around on grass where had just urinated.

So for now, dogs, are completely banned at Housenick. State Representatives are OK, but must leave the wine and cheese in Harrisburg.