At the Sept. 6 Emmaus Borough Council meeting, a letter was read from Emmaus Fire Chief David Nelson announcing his resignation effective Sept. 16.

Nelson, a military veteran with over 27 years of experience in fire and ambulance operations, oversees over 30 volunteer firefighting professionals, comprised of duty crews, standby drivers and crews available 24/7, 365 days a year.

Nelson was hired as the director of emergency services in October 2015. Prior to joining Emmaus, he served as a lieutenant for the Horry County, South Carolina Fire Department in Myrtle Beach, S.C. The department covers 1,137 square miles and has over 300 career firefighters and 250 volunteers and answers both fire and ambulance calls. Nelson was in command of one of 40 stations in the county.

Nelson will begin as fire chief for Whitehall Township effective Sept. 19.

In other business, a public hearing was held amending the Emmaus Zoning Ordinance of 1993. This ordinance amended the zoning map of June 21, 1993. The purpose of this rezoning is to allow for an active 55+ community located north of Chestnut Street and west of Cedar Crest Boulevard. It is also known as the Robert K. Young, Trustee Tract.

The purpose of this hearing was to approve an additional 20 houses to an already existing 150 house plan. Letters were sent by Upper Milford and Lower Macungie. Upper Milford is against the additional houses as this area is a conservation area. Lower Macungie also objects due to additional traffic on Indian Creek Road.

There was no public comment. The ordinance was approved with one abstention by Councilman Wesley Barrett.

A resident at Fourth and Ridge streets brought a handicapped ramp issue to council’s attention. The ramp is in need of repairs as it has cracks which can cause accidents when using it.

The borough removed another ramp in the same area due to issues from other residents. It was requested to return that ramp.

The situation has been magnified by threats to handicapped people. This problem will be brought to the police chief.

There is a problem with the road at 112 Main Street (rear). The road is in poor condition with deep potholes and unkempt paving. It is unclear who actually owns the road. This will be referred to public works with the priority to determine who owns the road.

The Halloween parade committee is in need of volunteers. Those interested in volunteering are asked to contact Kathy Mintzer at 610-965-6250.

Megan Melnick has resigned from the recreation and entertainment commission.

There will be a recycling event Oct. 3.

Council approved the hiring of three full-time police officers. This was approved with Councilman Chris DeFrain voting no due to the short notice of a decision. The positions are approved but applicants must pass various tests including physical and psychological tests.

There was also approval to hire a part-time EMT with skills necessary for the job.

The Keystone Grant application was discussed for use by the library. It is a $500,000 grant with Macungie, Upper Milford and Emmaus working together on the application process.

The Lehigh Valley Thunderbird Club will host an “All Thunderbird Convention Car Show” in the afternoon of Sept. 15 along Jubilee Street, Emmaus.

The annual Emmaus Farewell to Summer event will be held Sept. 18.

The next Emmaus Borough Council meeting will be held 7 p.m. Sept. 19 in Emmaus Borough Hall, 28 S. 4th St., Emmaus.