Northampton Borough Manager LeRoy Brobst has a sinking feeling about the 2021 opening of Northampton Borough Municipal Pool.

“Lifeguards, we need lifeguards,” he said. “We cannot operate the pool without sufficient lifeguards.”

If a full complement of lifeguards is not found, pool operations will have to be reduced. Sections of the pool will be unable to open.

There is widespread desire from council and residents that the pool be opened in 2021. In the Lehigh Valley, not all pools are opening - some based on increased Lehigh Valley community spread of COVID-19, others with repair issues.

As of press time, the borough had received only one lifeguard application.

Also at the April 6 meeting of borough council, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4714, Northampton, presented council a check for $5,000 to benefit Northampton Police Department.

David Nahf was appointed to the Uniform Construction Code Board of Appeals. This board doesn’t meet often but provides vital services when members are called to discharge their duties.

Jeffrey Brandt was appointed to the Civil Service Commission. Brandt replaces former member Barry Dorshimer, who died earlier this year.

Council is considering the resignation of borough police officer Ryan Grube. Action to accept the resignation will occur at the next council meeting. Council is seeking a full-time police officer to replace Grube.

Use of the permanent band shell at Northampton Municipal Park was requested from a group named barre3LV. The business offers a full range of exercise workouts. The group is hoping to introduce its style of exercise to borough residents.

The band shell was reserved for 9 a.m. May 12 for use by barre3LV. There is no cost for the event.

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce requested and received permission to use the borough’s portable band shell at the upcoming Catasauqua StrEAT Fest, scheduled for 11 a.m.-3 p.m. April 10.

The band shell rental fee was waived by council.

It was reported COVID-19 testing may occur at Northampton Banquet & Event Center. The borough was approached by Northampton County and the Pennsylvania Department of Health for use of the community center, 1601 Laubach Ave., to hold testing.

The borough owns the community center and leases it to the Community Center Association, which rents the center for a variety of social functions.

The next meeting of Northampton Borough Council is 7:30 p.m. April 15 in council chambers, located in the municipal building, 1401 Laubach Ave.