Lehigh County Commissioners approved an amendment to modify the 2019 budget authorizing the creation of a new position; Director of Cedarbrook Nursing home. They needed the new slot so they can pay for a director to replace Good Shepherd, the therapy services company that decided this year to give up the contract to manage the huge facility in South Whitehall, off Hamilton Boulevard just west of Dorney Park. The annual salary for the position is $123,136.
In other business, commissioners commemorated the long service of retiring Deputy Controller John A. Falk. He retires after almost 31 years service. "I will still stay busy," said Falk in a post meeting interview. He said he teaches at DeSales University.
Commissioners generally expressed high regard and admiration for Falk and his service to the County.
"I always found you willing to teach," said Commissioner Brad Osborne.
Following their agenda, commissioners gave final approval for an agreement with Lehigh Carbon Community College to provide English language services and testing "for out-of-school youth and adults the best opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and earn a state-issued high school equivalency." According to Commissioner Dougherty, the program supports inmates at the county jail.
Engineering services in connection with rehabilitating Geiger's Covered Bridge over Jordon Creek were approved. Carroll Engineering Corp. of Warrington, PA got the contract.