The March 15 Emmaus Borough Council meeting, held virtually, began with a personal appeal from Lindsey Kleinberg, representing the Emmaus Arts Commission.

Kleinberg approached the council about writing a letter of support for a grant to fund an art-inspired, edible children’s garden in the borough. She is open to start the garden at the Emmaus Public Library or one of the parks in the borough. The grant would be for $3,000. The grant is from the Whole Kids Foundation.

“Having an art-inspired children’s garden, that’s edible, would help to bring children out to local spaces to enjoy nature, art and learn more about healthy food,” Kleinberg said.

Councilwoman Teri Sorg-McManamon, who heads the community relations, planning and development committee, followed Kleinberg by reinforcing the benefits of this kind of garden. “The key to this is programs that (Lindsey) can tap into – Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, the Community Garden folks, the Garden Club folks,” Sorg-McManamon said.

Council approved writing the letter of support for Kleinberg’s grant request.

In other business, council approved the reappointment of Brent Stringfellow and J.P. Raynock to the planning commission with a term ending in April 2025. Additionally, a notice of retirement from the Emmaus Fire Department was received from Victoria Schadler. She has worked for the borough for 44 years.

Borough Manager Shane Pepe spoke in high regard of Schadler. “She has lived and breathed this community both through the EMS side and fire side. Everything that she has given us, we will sadly miss.”

Solicitor Jeffrey Dimmick announced the Verizon agreement is done. He said he was trying to protect the character of the borough – there are not going to be a ton of towers and obtrusive aesthetics. Dimmick said Emmaus should have 5G capabilities by the summer.

In unfinished business, Ordinance 1211 was approved. This adds a residential disabled parking sign and assigns a permitted parking spot at 1248 W. Minor St.

Mayor Lee Ann Gilbert gave her report announcing Proclamation 2021-502 acknowledging the 75th anniversary of David’s Electric. This proclamation is a continuation of the announcement from Councilman Chad Balliet from the previous council meeting.

Gilbert thanked Edward and Eileen David, who opened David’s Electric in March 1946. The local store, now located at 314 Main St., Emmaus, is still run by Edward and Eileen’s daughter Pat.

Pat, who runs the store with her son, Harold, and her grandson, Mike, will be presented with the congratulatory award by Gilbert in person.

Bells Across Pennsylvania will take place 7 p.m. May 2. Gilbert will ask for the churches in the borough to ring for 3 minutes to honor all those working through the pandemic.

Public Works Chair Roy Anders announced interviews have concluded for the open public works position. They are hiring Timothy Reitz to a full-time position.

Anders also announced the compost center for the borough will open March 22. Hours will be 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday and 8 a.m. to noon Saturday. Loading will occur 3-7 p.m. Wednesday evenings. All residents need identification to use the service.

Chairwoman Shana Baumgartner represented the parks and recreations committee. The only item was the opening of the Emmaus swimming pool for the summer. The council approved the opening with Council President Brent Labenberg stating he was thankful for some normalcy to return to the borough this summer.

A Push2Cross Crosswalk Warning System was approved for purchase during the public safety report. It is a push-button system that will blink when someone walks up to it and pushes the button. It is more substantial than the system currently in use.

“This issue got a great deal of debate in the public safety committee as a result of one of our focuses this year on pedestrian safety in the borough,” Councilman John Hart said. The system will be predicated by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s final approval.

Labenberg presented on the Emmaus Fire Department contract extension in general administration. It’s an extension of one year. The contract includes a 3 percent raise and a $50 stipend provided for footwear. The extension was approved.

In budget and finance, Councilman Chris DeFrain began by explaining $19,250 of library funding was withheld in 2020 because of concerns with the pandemic. DeFrain said council added the $19,250 into the capital fund for 2021. DeFrain made a motion to now give this money to the library for their upcoming capital projects. This was approved by council.

The total bill list amounted to $486,146.

Pepe said a Pennsylvania EMS agency grant opportunity is available through Highmark for LIFEPAK 15 AEDS, which are monitor/defibrillators standard in emergency care for advanced care teams. These were last purchased in 2004. The expectancy of these units is five to seven years. The three units combined will cost around $130,000. No action was taken on this item, as more discussion is needed in the public safety committee. A decision will be made at the second regular borough council meeting in April.

Pepe also announced Emmaus is set to receive $1.13 million in federal stimulus money. Pepe said there were four concepts the money could be used for, but it should go to water and sewer infrastructure for the borough.

The next Emmaus Borough Council meeting will take place 7 p.m. April 5. Members of the public are welcome to access the virtual meeting through the Emmaus Borough website.