At the Feb. 1 Catasauqua Borough Council meeting, council members discussed the three-day storm Jan. 31-Feb. 2, one of the largest snowfalls to affect the borough in decades.

The consensus of council was appreciation for the hard work of the public works department, which contended with a snow accumulation of more than 2 feet.

Council discussed reports of some methods used by residents to remove snow from their front pavements and street parking. Some residents pushed the snow into the street after the snow plow had already cleared their street.

Council President Vincent Smith said parking issues are most pronounced on Front and Second streets. He noted the plows go through on Front Street and then residents throw snow back into the street.

Councilman Brian McKittrick said this is a constant problem whenever there is a large snowfall. He suggested perhaps a part-time police officer can ride in the snow plow cab.

“We talk about this (residents throwing snow into the street) year in and year out,” he said. “The people don’t listen.”

Councilwoman Debra Mellish asked where Front Street residents are expected to put the snow. She noted there is no room there for the snow.

Smith said Front Street is an emergency route, so cars must vacate the east side of the street and park on the west side during a declared snow emergency. He agreed when residents park their cars on the west, there is no place to put the snow.

“The (police) chief and I will discuss what we can do,” borough Mayor Barbara Schlegel said.

There is a $25 to $300 sliding fine for offenders, according to Police Chief Douglas Kish.

Solicitor Thomas Dinkelacker reported he submitted a written report that included a number of outstanding items needing council action. Smith noted the items will be assigned to the relevant council committees for resolution or recommendations.

McKittrick asked Dinkelacker if the draft resolution regarding a noise issue at a bar/restaurant was being sent to the public safety committee. McKittrick said the committee is meeting 6 p.m. Feb. 15 to discuss the matter. It will be a virtual meeting. Dinkelacker said he would forward the resolution before the committee meeting.

Engineer Vanessa Nedrick chronicled updates on the myriad of projects and grant application opportunities that exist. She noted the Lehigh and Race streets improvement project is moving forward.

The Race Street parking project has advanced to the design phase. Nedrick reported she is researching five grant opportunities to benefit the police and fire departments. There is another grant opportunity for funding to assist with the community pool challenges.

Councilman Cameron Smith inquired about the signage for the Willow Street parking project. Borough Manager Steven Travers said the signs are ordered and will be installed as soon as they arrive.

Council also voted to appoint a full-time police officer, Isaac Jeminez.

In a recreation committee/shade tree commission report, committee chair Councilman Gene Schlegel reported the commission’s Arbor Day celebration will likely be canceled due to the pandemic.

Arbor Day is observed the last Friday in April. This year, it is April 30. It is a national holiday created to recognize the importance of trees.

Mellish reported the rental inspection ordinance continues to be developed. She gave an overview of the Catasauqua Main Streets organization’s 2021 activities.

Main Streets’ plans include providing artwork on the fencing by the Iron Works project, landscaping, streetscape work and enlisting youth groups in the Keep Catty Clean effort.

Junior council member Sabrina Safadi reported the school year ends June 4.

The next meeting of borough council is 7 p.m. Feb. 22. It is council’s workshop meeting, and it will be virtual. Visit catasauqua.org for the call and access numbers or call the borough office at 610-264-0571.