By SARIT LASCHINSKY

Special to The Press

During the fire company report at the May 13 Lynn Township meeting, supervisors unanimously voted to earmark funds over the next four years to assist with the purchase of a new fire truck for the New Tripoli Fire Company.

Fire Chief Gary Kuntz Jr. provided an update on the department’s acquisition of a new tanker truck during his report, saying truck committee members recently toured the Pierce Manufacturing facility in Wisconsin, as well as the Glenn Lebanon Fire Company to look at several trucks.

Kuntz asked supervisors if they had decided on a set amount of money to aid with the replacement costs.

Supervisor Steve Feinour said he met with representatives from the fire company and bank and commended New Tripoli for keeping themselves in “nice financial shape.”

He proposed earmarking $35,000 per year for a four-year period to help New Tripoli with its acquisition, noting the amount would cover the fire company’s interest on the vehicle loan.

“Like I said, they have good money,” Feinour said.

“They have a nice start to it. This pretty much gives them breathing room for the next four years.”

He also proposed upgrading the fire company’s equipment to allow easier conduct large-group Zoom training.

Kuntz said the department has already purchased a Kenworth chassis for $147,000 and preliminary costs for the entire vehicle are anticipated to be between $430,000-$450,000, though he said the price may end up being higher due to increasing material costs.

“We still are working for other avenues of funding as well, but we appreciate what you guys are doing,” Kuntz said.

The board voted unanimously to approve the funding proposal.

Kuntz told the board volunteer firefighters responded to 69 calls to date.

He also reported that due to a recent incident in Texas involving a Tesla vehicle burning for hours, the department has scheduled an electric vehicle awareness class at 6:30 p.m. July 19.

Regarding fundraising, Kuntz said the fifth annual Guns and Cash Bash is scheduled for Oct. 2 and the department recently unveiled “NTFC Supporter” yard signs which are available at the fire station for $10.

Signs can purchased from fire team members by stopping by the station Monday nights, messaging the Facebook page or calling the fire department and leaving a message.

Kuntz also reported the department was recently awarded $14,015.70 in state grants, and will be adding to its cache of battery-operated rescue tools and equipment.

Additionally, Solicitor Marc Fisher said at the previous meeting there had been discussion about whether any township ordinances or documentation authorized fire chiefs to declare a burn ban.

He said upon review, there is no such authorization on the books.

He suggested supervisors and the township’s two fire chiefs should be able to declare a ban, adding the fire chiefs could mutually agree on a declaration and then inform the township.

After discussion, the board decided a combination of the two fire chiefs, one chief and one supervisor, or at least two supervisors could authorize a burn ban declaration.

Fisher said he would draft an amendment to the burning ordinance.

Under the park report, board Chairman Justin Smith reported vandalism continues to occur at Ontelaunee Park with several tables having been damaged.

He said the township had recently received a proposal from Keystone Technologies and Dun-Right Electrical for 19 cameras and a DVR, firewalls and a wireless network for $14,761, as well as electrical service and installation costs for $10,355 which Smith said was higher than expected.

The board agreed to go back to the companies, hold further discussions and attempt to work out a better arrangement, though Smith and Feinour said the cameras should cover the entire park.

Feinour encouraged the neighborhood and community to help police the park and send information or photos to the township if possible wrong doing is observed.

In other business, the township voted 2-0 to approve a proposal to include 16.7 acres along Flint Hill Road into the agricultural security area, with Smith abstaining due to having a familiar relationship with the property owners.

The board received an update on the Northwestern Lehigh Veterans Memorial project from Veterans Memorial Committee President Donald Christ.

He reported that due to COVID-19, the memorial’s dedication has moved from Veterans Day 2021 to Memorial Day 2022.

Christ also said sketches and designs are being put to paper for contracts and provided a brief status update on the project’s Phase 1 design, planning, construction and project bidding.

He said the committee is selling trees and benches to go around the memorial, as well as advertisements in the memorial booklet, and donations and support continue to be received.

He said an eagle figure, which will be placed on a pedestal at the memorial’s entrance, was picked up.

“It’s gorgeous,” Christ said.

Lastly, Smith reported the powwow was canceled, however, Northwestern Lehigh Education Foundation 5K Run will take place at 9 p.m. May 29 at Ontelaunee Park.

The next supervisors’ meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. June 10.