The first major point of business during the remote Oct. 5 Hellertown council meeting was the 2019 Borough Authority Audit, presented by Lauren Sufleta with the HBA. Sufleta characterized the authority’s financial position as being strong, with year-over-year revenues and expenses increased proportionately from the year ending 2018 to 2019. “Overall, we had only a net loss of $47,000,” she said, and added that the authority’s assets total approximately $5.8 million, which is virtually unchanged from the prior year.

The authority, which covers water and sewer services for the borough, currently holds no debt and remains solvent, Sufleta said. She also touted several upcoming projects in the department, including a renovation of the Springfield Pump Station and upgrades at the Alfred J. Fritchman Reservoir Park.

Mayor David Heintzelman spoke about safety on the popular Rail Trail, a topic he has raised on several occasions since the spring, when warmer weather began attracting more patrons to the already highly-patronized path. “I cannot stress enough the importance of ‘dawn til dusk,’” he said, specifically pointing out that folks have been using the trail after dark, which is prohibited.

“I’m just really getting concerned that someone is going to be hurt terribly there,” Heintzelman continued, and he strongly encouraged patrons on wheels to dismount when crossing busy intersections through crosswalks such as those at Water and Walnut streets. Council President Thomas Rieger asked borough police Chief Robert Shupp to compose a reminder message to distribute to residents through an “email blast,” as Rieger said, especially as dusk’s onset continues to creep earlier through the autumn months.

In other business, council unanimously approved Shupp and the police department to hire Nick Cirranello as a part-time police officer, contingent upon successful completion of all requirements. Shupp also shared the “exciting news… in our small, little town” that actor and filmmaker Daniel Roebuck of Bethlehem will be shooting part of his next project on Walnut Street.

Also, the purchase of a sanitation truck for the Public Works department for $69,729.50 was authorized, as department head Barry Yonney recommended buying one now instead of waiting, as prices are anticipated to rise as of 2021. He anticipates receiving the new truck by next March, he said.