Council briefly debates defense vs. insurance referral in Steelland development matter; opts to involve insurer

Lower Saucon Township Council discussed a pending dispute involving Steelland LLC and the Steel Club development that staff and the solicitor said may result in legal claims. Township solicitor Steve Kusian told council he had provided members with draft complaint material and the status of discussions. Members debated whether to immediately authorize the solicitor to take “any and all steps” to defend the township or first ask the insurance carrier whether the claim would be covered and, if so, have the insurer’s counsel handle defense to minimize costs.

Several council members argued referring the matter to insurance is prudent because it could reduce taxpayer expense beyond the township’s deductible; others said the solicitor’s familiarity with the file is valuable. On a roll-call vote council chose to refer the matter to insurance (3–2). The solicitor recorded that a draft complaint had been circulated and that, administratively, staff were directed during executive session but no official action had been taken until open session.