Gaming Authority Approves Grant Modification Request

Hellertown borough manager Cathy Kichline and police chief Robert Shupp briefly appeared before the Northampton County Gaming Revenue and Economic Redevelopment Authority in Easton Jan. 23, requesting a six-month extension for a grant that was awarded to the borough in 2010.

The modification--which was unanimously approved by the authority--will allow leftover grant money to be spent by the borough, instead of being returned to the authority's pool of uncommitted funds to be awarded to future applicants.

The $149,000 grant funded the full-time employment of two borough police officers in 2011, when it was used to pay for their salaries and benefits. At the time of its award it was anticipated that the funds would by now be depleted, however a reduction in health care costs means that some of the grant money is still unspent, it was explained.

"They followed the grant contract procedures," Northampton County Economic Development Analyst and county administrator for the funds Alicia Karner told members of the authority.

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Borough officials have stated that they intend to seek funding for the police officers' salaries and benefits in the form of future grants, as they believe the need exists for an expanded police force as long as the Sands casino continues to operate in close proximity.

In other business at the meeting, the gaming authority reorganized, re-electing John J. Finnigan Jr. chairman and electing Gerald Yob vice chairman.

Finnigan is the representative for Hanover Township and Yob is the representative for the Borough of Freemansburg.

"I'd like to thank the authority for their confidence again in re-electing me as chairman," Finnigan said following the unanimous vote.

John Dally Jr., an at-large member, was elected secretary of the authority and Thomas Nolan, who represents Bethlehem Township, was re-elected treasurer.

The authority also welcomed two new members, from Hellertown and Lower Saucon Township, respectively.

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Heintzelman replaces Stephanie Kovacs, and Blair replaces Priscilla deLeon, both of whom stepped down at the end of last year. Consequently, the nine-member authority is now without any female representatives.

Its other current members are Joseph Kelly, who is the City of Bethlehem's representative, and Tony Pristash and Timm Tenges, both of whom are at-large members.

was also recognized at the meeting as county council's new liaison to the gaming authority.