Lehigh County commissioners will put their heads together to create a task force to look more closely at Cedarbrook Nursing Home, South Whitehall.

The board discussed the task force committee at the Feb. 11 meeting.

The committee, consisting of five to nine members, will include health care experts and have roughly three months to develop possible courses of action for Cedarbrook.

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 be 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.

Then, the board will decide what priorities to pursue and 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," Jones said. "They are making recommendations."

Dougherty recommended, and the board agreed, to seek a legal opinion on Sunshine Law requirements relating to the committee.

Board Chairman Brad Osborne said he wants politics to be removed from the proceedings.

"Our intent is to take politics out of this," he said.

Commissioners anticipate a proposal would be available in time for their Feb. 25 meeting. Voting on the committee is expected in March.