Northampton supervisors vote to create pension fund for fire department – Bucks Round-Up – November 25, 2025
Northampton supervisors vote to create pension fund for fire department
In Northampton Township, supervisors have advanced a plan to establish a standalone pension fund for the township’s fire department. The board voted unanimously to advertise the measure, which would create a defined-contribution plan eligible for enhanced state support under the Essential Public Safety Worker State Aid Program. Supervisor Barry Moore said the structure would allow the township to secure double the usual matching funds after three years, generating what he described as a win-win for firefighters and taxpayers. Township officials estimate the move could save roughly $250,000 annually once fully implemented.
Quakertown Community School District superintendent gets controversial raise
The Quakertown Community School Board voted 5-4 last week to raise Superindendent Matthew Friedman’s salary by $10,000 to $233,000 and provide him a 3% base annual raise (up from 2.5%) as part of his contract extension which now concludes in 2028. Some school directors originally envisioned hiking his pay to $240,000 presently, but that number was ratcheted back in an executive session. School Board President Todd Hippauf, Vice President Glenn Iosue, Chris Spear, Charles Shermer, and Jonathan Kern backed the enhanced contract, which makes Friedman roughly the eighth-highest paid superintendent in Bucks County. Brian Reimers, David O’Donnell, Ronald Jackson, and Joseph Lyons opposed an immediate raise. Opponents of the decision largely denied having any problems with the superintendent’s performance, explaining that they nonetheless felt uncomfortable approving such a pay increase so soon after several new school directors took office.
Hilltown planning board advises against ‘neuro-inclusive’ units
The Hilltown Township Planning Commission voted last week to advise that the Hilltown Board of Supervisors reject a requested zoning change to permit a 50-unit condominium development on Route 113 that would include units for the intellectually and developmentally disabled. Planning commissioners sided with many residents who showed up to the board’s meeting to object to the project’s density and perceived incongruousness with the neighborhood. Opponents of the plan by nonprofit Front Porch Cohousing to build the county’s first “neuro-inclusive” community fear it will worsen traffic, compromise property values, and clash with bucolic surroundings. The commission’s vote is merely advisory, leaving the final say to the township supervisors.
Man faces murder charge in death of his son due to injuries in 2012
Bensalem Township Police have filed a new homicide charge in a long-running child-abuse case that has now resulted in the death of the victim more than a decade later. Police say 38-year-old Kyle Hinkle of Allentown was taken into custody after his son, who was eleven years old, and critically injured as an infant in 2012, died this summer in western Pennsylvania. According to investigators, the child suffered severe head trauma at just three months old, prompting a Bensalem Special Victims Unit investigation at the time. Doctors at St. Christopher’s Hospital concluded the injuries were inflicted, and Hinkle later admitted to repeatedly shaking the baby. He pleaded guilty and served a county sentence. The case returned to prosecutors’ attention in August when the boy died and an autopsy ruled the cause as complications from the original abuse. District Justice Michael Gallagher issued a warrant last week charging Hinkle with third-degree murder. He is being held at the Bucks County Correctional Facility on 10% of $2 million bail.
Falls Township Police ask for public’s help in locating missing man
Falls Township police are asking residents to help locate a missing and endangered man last seen Friday evening near the Motel 6 on Route 13 in Bristol Township. Authorities say 51-year-old James Chappell, described as six feet tall and about 200 pounds, was wearing dark gray or black sweatpants and a light gray hooded sweatshirt. Police expressed concern that Chappell may be engaging in self-harm and urged anyone who sees him to call 911 or the department’s non-emergency line at 215-328-8501.
Joe LeCompte hosts LeCompte in the Morning on WBCB 1490. Bradley Vasoli is the senior editor of The Independence.
