East Allen Township Board of Supervisors members wrestled with issues on their hefty 13-item agenda at the July 14 meeting.

The meeting began on a tame, positive note with the swearing in of two new East Allen Township Fire Police officers, Edward Rodriguez and Gregory Brutchea.

The board also accepted the resignation of two members from the zoning hearing board: Johnathan Ozimak and Adolph Marth. Ozimak was a member of the board, while Marth served as an alternate member.

The third item on the agenda then ended in a unresolvable dispute at the open meeting.

It was the consideration of conditional preliminary plan approval for the Airport Road Commercial Park warehouse-minor subdivision/land development 20-16001.

At issue was the impervious coverage calculation of the property. The property representatives provided a lengthy presentation in support of their position asking the board to grant approval.

A back-and-forth discussion grew tense at one point when warehouse representatives made a veiled threat to take the matter to court.

Supervisors did not vote but agreed to take the matter to another meeting, which was held July 22.

In another matter, the board granted approval of a well isolation distance waiver providing the property owner agrees to hold the township harmless if any issues arise.

The next three items involved the warehouse project located on Airport Road. The board voted to accept an escrow agreement, release a financial agreement for the Airport Road Lot 1 warehouse project and approve the recommendation to commence the maintenance period.

Supervisors agreed to participate in the Northampton County Community Development Block Grant program from 2022 through 2024. The agreement allows the township to apply for county grant-funded projects.

The board also approved a veteran’s refund of property tax payment.

A 2022 budget discussion also occurred. With the expected arrival of about $520,000 from the federal American Rescue Plan, the board needs to examine spending priorities.

Reached after the meeting, township Manager Brent Green said there is a developing plan to spend $800,000 on street/road repairs in the township during 2022. Green noted the budget line item for road repairs is typically about $400,000.

Green also expects the purchase of a pickup truck in 2022.

The board appointed Green to the post of interim township secretary. This is a temporary appointment that is expected to be filled by Kate Hall.

The board waived all fees for the purchase and installation of preserved farmland property signage. When a farm is preserved in Northampton County, it is required that a durable sign be erected on the property signifying it is a preserved property.

East Allen Township Volunteer Ambulance Corps reported it has purchased a third ambulance. It was on display for the board to view after the meeting.

Under the River Central Regional Comprehensive Plan, the committee is asking East Allen Township residents to complete a survey of what they want to see in future development in the township and surrounding areas.

Green noted the survey is on the East Allen Township website, eatwp.org. Green stressed the importance of survey compliance and urged residents make their ideas known.

The next supervisors meeting is 7 p.m. Aug. 11 at the municipal building, 5344 Nor-Bath Blvd. This is a hybrid meeting, with both in-person and virtual options. Visit eatwp.org for the call-in numbers and codes for the virtual meeting.