The Lehigh County Board of Commissioners plan to put their heads together in an effort to create a task force to look more closely at Cedarbrook Nursing Home.

The board discussed the task force committee at the Feb. 11 meeting. The committee, consisting of five to nine members, will be composed of health care experts and have roughly three months to develop possible courses of action for Cedarbrook.

The commissioners indicated the committee likely will be formed by the end of March. Recommendations are expected by June 30.

Commissioner Percy Dougherty said it is important the committee is formed and in operation by the time the board begins work on next year's budget.

"If it's not done by budget time, there's not going to be much of an impact," he said. "We won't be able to do anything with it."

According to county Director of Administration Dan McCarthy, a report will be presented, of which the board will decide what priorities to pursue. The board will then determine if the 2016 budget permits for the incorporation of the priorities.

Commissioner Geoff Brace expressed concern with potential conflicts of interest that might arise among experts. Brace also pointed to the absence of meetings and agendas open and available to the public. Although conflict of interest might arise, Commissioner Vic Mazziotti said concentrating too much time on a possible conflict might result in the exclusion of capable individuals.

Commissioner David Jones Sr. agreed with Mazziotti.

"They are not making a decision, they are making recommendations," Jones said.

Dougherty recommended the board seek a legal opinion on Sunshine Law requirements relating to the committee. The board agreed to pursue such an opinion.

Board Chairman Brad Osborne said he intends for politics to be removed. "Our intent is to take politics out of this," he said. The commissioners hope to have a proposal available in time for the Feb. 25 meeting. Voting on the committee is expected at the March 11 meeting.