The Northampton County Council considered appointments to various boards and commissions Jan. 20.

All 13 nominees were appointed or reappointed to their respective boards.

Among those were John Mauser and Jeff Keifer, who were appointed to the Conversation District Board, with terms to expire at the end of 2024 and 2025 respectively. Fred Williams was reappointed to the Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority board. Councilmember Tara Zrinski was appointed as the council liaison to the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission for a one year term.

Appointments to the election commission were another story. Those nominated include: Margie DeRenzis, Selina Winchester, Daniel Lopresti, Scott Hough and Vicki Evert.

Winchester’s appointment to the election commission was tabled by a 6-3 vote. Winchester is employed by Congresswoman Susan Wild, and many council members felt that this could be a major conflict of interest.

Hough, on the other hand, travels back and forth between Las Vegas and Northampton County for work. Council was concerned about his commitment to the election commission, but after talking with him, his appointment was approved.

In other business, council discussed a few different resolutions.

One resolution, the American Rescue Plan small business grants, proposes to divide $863,076 among 67 small businesses in the county. This resolution was passed by council with a vote of 9-0.

Another resolution concerned hazard pay at Gracedale Nursing Home.

This motion proposes to compensate Gracedale employees working directly with residents who have contracted COVID-19. Qualifying shifts and employees, as determined by Gracedale administration, will receive hazard pay at 25 percent effective until April 30. This motion was also passed unanimously.

The Northampton County Council will meet next on Thursday, Feb. 3 at 6:30 p.m.; the meeting will be held in-person at 669 Washington Street and streamed on the county’s YouTube page.