The Coplay Whitehall Sewer Authority’s April 18 meeting was highlighted by an annual review of four major CWSA affiliates, including insurance, financial, legal and engineering companies.

Paul Pugielli, of Brown and Brown Insurance, reviewed the renewal of CWSA’s account. Pugielli said the overall outcome is very good considering economical and inflation issues. Workers’ compensation costs have gone down.

The preliminary increase for 2024 is estimated to be 1.6%, which is well below the 5-8% national average. CWSA claims have remained good.

Chris Betley, of Buckno, Lisicky and Company, gave a financial review following the 2023 audit. CWSA received an unmodified opinion, which means financial statements are accurate and there are no internal control deficiencies.

Chairman James Hahn said a recent meeting with Betley was held to review the audit and the final financial statement for 2023. The audit needed to be approved by the board. A motion was voted on and carried.

Attorney Andrew Schantz said it was a legally quiet year, which is good. Last year’s threat of a lawsuit was resolved without any funds being disbursed. The ongoing Allentown Waterfront easement concerns are still an issue, he said.

Schantz and CWSA General Manager Matt Harleman recently met with Lehigh County Authority to renegotiate the 1981 agreement. Upgrades were requested, and CWSA concerns were brought up. This will reportedly become a more important issue in the coming months.

Mark Buckvalt, of T&M Associates, gave an engineering review and noted 2023 was a quiet year, with most of the activity happening near the end of the year, such as the Cementon-Northampton Bridge project and the CWSA roof replacement.

The Riverside Drive project is also of major concern for 2024. This project will create a 3.5-mile road and trail from Hamilton Street in Allentown to Wood Street in Whitehall.

Harleman reported on three conceptual layouts for an addition to the CWSA building or a separate storage building. This will be ongoing as feedback is strongly suggested from board members.

Community Affairs Officer Joseph Marx mentioned they interviewed some candidates for the office manager position, but no decision has yet been made.