North Catasauqua Borough Council, during its first meeting of the month, held March 1, listened to a presentation by certified recovery specialists from Change on Main, a Northampton-based substance abuse recovery center.

The specialists explained the work they do to provide a safe and sober environment for individuals suffering from substance abuse issues. While Change on Main isn’t a treatment center, it does offer counseling and assessment to help place people in treatment, as well as assist with finding housing and employment.

Change on Main hopes to make connections with local law enforcement departments to encourage cooperation in dealing with repeat drug offenders in their respective municipalities. Instead of placing drug offenders in prison, police officers could send them to recovery centers like Change on Main, where they can find help instead of punishment, the specialists said.

The borough council members and police Chief Chris Wolfer were supportive of the organization’s intentions.

“A lot of these people don’t need jail; they need help,” Wolfer said.

Later in the meeting, Cpl. Antonio Tramonte and Officer Brian Douglas read a letter to council, announcing the formation of the North Catasauqua Police Association. The association will serve as the collective bargaining organization for the department, as well as allow the department to pursue other activities, such as fundraising, that would otherwise be prohibited.

The officers requested acknowledgment of the association from borough council, but Solicitor Steven Goudsouzian recommended council refrain from doing so until the information is reviewed fully.

Borough Secretary Tasha Jandrisovitz reported 24 homes have now been sold in the North Catasauqua section of the Willowbrook Estates development.

Council dedicated a portion of the meeting to discussing a leak in the roof of borough hall, 1066 Fourth St. During a recent rainstorm, water began to leak into the second floor of the building through the roof.

“I don’t think this is going to be a cheap fix or an easy fix,” council President Peter Paone said.

Paone reported he had been in contact with state representatives and Northampton County to ask if there is any funding the borough can access for such an issue.

In the meantime, council voted to allow up to $10,000 in emergency funding to support repair efforts, which will immediately consist of moving and storing items currently on the second floor and assessing the extent of the problem with the roof. Paone said the borough’s engineer has seen no indication of imminent threat of collapse.

Council also approved the conditional hiring of Officer Brian Douglas as a full-time officer in the police department, pending the official certification of his background check.