During a recent Lehigh County Commissioners meeting, Chair Geoff Brace reminded the public about the free parking during meetings at the Seventh and Walnut lot. Additionally, he provided an update regarding the Seed Farm, clarifying there doesn’t appear to be any roadblocks to farmers on-site preparing for the growing season. Brace also spoke of a pending sublease agreement which will no doubt be before the board in the near future.

Regarding the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation work on Mauch Chunk Road, an agreement has been reached with the county to recycle and reuse the reclaimed asphalt millings to then repave the Jordan Creek parking lot.

Director of Veterans Affairs Tom Applebach took to the podium to advertise the Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce Veteran and Military Council’s sixth Brush Up Our Veterans campaign. The program is funded by donations and volunteer teams who go out to paint or weatherize the exterior homes of lower-income or disabled veterans, or their surviving spouses.

Joe Welsh, East Allen Township, called for the formation of a task force to develop policy recommendations with regard to the county’s relationship with Homeland Security Investigations, particularly ICE. Citing the anticipation of important upcoming midterm elections, he feels it is critical the county is prepared to deal with ICE involvement.

Joe Vichot rose to commend those commissioners voting against the highly-controversial resolution denouncing fascism which passed during the Feb. 11 meeting.

There were several appointments on the agenda for the evening. Valerie Hutton and Kate Huck both received positive recommendations from the committee and their appointments were approved to the Aging and Adult Services Advisory Council. Secondly, Kevin Ian Baker received a positive recommendation and was reappointed to the Lehigh County Authority.

Lastly, Commissioner Antonio Pineda received unanimous support and was successfully reappointed to the Lehigh County Conservation District.

Moving into old business, Bill 2026-05 was unanimously approved and authorized a $1 million subgrant to Lehigh Carbon Community College for funds to assist with the Donley Center facade and roof renovation project in downtown Allentown.

Bills 2026-06 and 2026-07 both approved an extension of the temporary discretionary overtime bonus program for certain employees within the 911 communications center and Department of Corrections through Aug. 14. Commissioner Zach Cole-Borghi illuminated this “temporary” discretionary bonus has been going on for about five years now and he reiterated the need to improve upon this.

Commissioner Jon Irons pointed out there may be a better use of these funds to rather more aggressively recruit to fill the vacancies.

Commissioner Sarah Fevig also highlighted the belief that many of the employees truly may have begun to budget for these overtime funds, citing the length of time the bonuses have persisted. While the hope of new trainees to the programs bring the optimism of finally having the manpower to fully staff and service the needs of the county, the board’s wish is that come August, they won’t need to continue these bills further.

Moving into new business, two motions carried with no opposition. Riddick’s membership to the Lehigh County Historical Society was approved for 2026. Additionally, all commissioners supported to approve the necessary expenses for Commissioner Sheila Alvarado to attend the 2026 PA Women’s Caucus Leadership Forum from April 26-28.

Resolution 2026-07 was approved and sought acceptance of a deed from Riverbend Allentown Properties II, LLC for a parcel of land as well as a parking area in the immediate vicinity of Coca-Cola Park. Resolution 2026-08 approved an extension to the agreement with McGriff as the Lehigh County’s broker of record for its employees’ health insurance.