At their March 2 meeting, Bethlehem Township Commissioners voted unanimously to finally start work on the Housenick Park's Trails. "It's a long time coming," noted Michael Hudak. "I'm glad to see it's finally moving forward." Commissioners awarded a $471,000 contract to NIMARIS Construction to complete the trails and build a driveway and parking lot.

The funding for this is coming from a Department of Conservation and Natural Resources grant, matched by funds from the Housenick Park Trust. Construction is expected to start this spring.

Commissioners also voted to advertise a new ordinance that will allow firearms in township parks. This change is the result of a recent state law that authorizes organizations like the NRA or the Tea Party to challenge any attempt by a municipality to regulate the possession or transportation of a firearm. Under the changes proposed, it will still be illegal to discharge a firearm while inside a township park.

Police cruisers and their equipment will soon have a roof over their head, thanks to the Weiss Construction Co. Paul Weiss, a former commissioner, was the low bidder at $139,024 for a police carport. This was a sealed bid. The township had budgeted $150,000 for the work.

Commissioners also decided it's time to tweak the township's comprehensive plan, and hired Thomas Committa to help Planning Director Nathan Jones. "We know the credentials of Mr. Committa," said Tom Nolan. Committa will be paid up to $50,000 over nine months.

Finally, commissioners revisited their PTO (paid time off) policy for the township's 17 non-union workers. On Feb. 16, they deadlocked on a slight adjustment upward, favored by Phil Barnard and Tom Nolan. Michael Hudak suggested a compromise; a slight increase in the number of sick days. Though Pat Breslin voted to support the slight increase, he grumbled, "this is why government has an all-time poor approval rating." He complained that the people he helps shovel out of snow after church on Sunday "pay for all of this."

This vote was resented by some non-union workers in the audience, who complained after the meeting that the PTO policy pales in comparison to what the unions will be getting when their new contracts are approved. Those contracts are still in negotiation and unavailable for public review.