An ordinance on tomorrow’s council agenda would allow residents to convert turf to naturalized pollinator landscapes with a permit overseen by the EAC; members asked for the draft to be tabled so EAC can review maintenance, species restrictions and front-yard/backyard distinctions.

Members discussed options ranging from ordinance bans to education and coordinated regional approaches for single-use plastics and styrofoam; the group emphasized public outreach, hauler notifications, and updating township resources over immediate local bans.

Council opened the advertised hearing on a proposed impervious-coverage ordinance but voted unanimously to continue it so staff can incorporate recommended changes from the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission and Hanover Engineering.

Director of Finance Patty Caronia presented a five-year capital improvement plan identifying road, park, vehicle, facility, stormwater and IT projects; council discussed Polk Valley restroom priority, MS4 basin cost estimates (roughly $800,000 per basin) and a recently awarded $100,000 grant for radio upgrades.

The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission presented a phase‑2 community impact assessment stressing that while landfill host fees represented about 25% of recent general fund revenue, phase‑3 recommendations must balance fiscal resilience with preserving open space, water resources and community character.

Lafayette College’s Miner Center told township officials that the Bethlehem Landfill’s host fees have fallen from $2.6M in 2022 to a budgeted $1.75M in 2026, and projected closure scenarios mean the township must plan now to replace roughly $1.2M–$2.0M in combined operating and capital revenue over coming years.

After a lengthy debate about privacy, training and officer safety, Lower Saucon Township Council voted 3–1 to apply for a Northampton County public-safety grant to buy five solar-powered TC‑600 radar speed signs instead of funding a police drone program this year.

A commissioner flagged PADP regulations that could classify truck and hose washing as industrial wastewater; the applicant said gear washing will route to an internal floor drain and septic, and the commission asked for tank/drain-field inspections and a Hanover Engineering review.

At the July 16 Lower Saucon Landfill Committee meeting, landfill staff reported April–June tonnages, leachate and PFAS treatment volumes, and DEP surface‑emission monitoring that found exceedances at multiple wellheads; staff said the final cap in a southeastern area was completed in late June and several wells entered a 120‑day corrective action period with a Sept. 9 deadline.

The Lower Saucon Environmental Advisory Council reviewed a proposed municipal recycling ordinance tied to state Act 101, raised enforcement questions about hauler compliance and reporting, and urged public-education steps and coordination with haulers ahead of council action.