During Catasauqua Borough Council’s May 24 workshop meeting, a resident reported there have been numerous private outdoor fires at residential homes during the current dry spell. He expressed concern about growing fire hazards and about fireworks being set off during the dry spell potentially contributing to a fire.

Councilman Brian McKittrick, public safety committee chair, said the state fire marshal can declare no burning in the borough until further notice if necessary.

McKittrick added fireworks are always a problem because the person lighting the fireworks must be caught in the act, making it difficult for the police to manage.

McKittrick noted there is proposed firework legislation in Harrisburg, but it is unclear if it will pass in time for this year’s fireworks season.

There was a discussion about a project development proposal in the North 14th Street area for 36 town houses built on 15 acres that will have about 8.5 acres of unused land.

The developer is offering the 8.5 acres to the borough. Solicitor Tom Dinkelacker noted a resolution will be developed for action at the July council meeting to include that decision.

Under ordinances and resolutions, it was reported the beekeeping ordinance is not yet complete.

Borough Manager Steven Travers reported Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has three Race Street projects. These include the widening of Race and Lehigh streets and traffic signalization for those streets.

The Race Street bridge over the Lehigh River renovation is set to begin in July 2022, with completion anticipated around fall of 2023. The project is expected to add 20 years of useful life to the bridge.

There is a list of borough streets up for repairs during 2021, including Cambridge, Covington and Stonewood places and Lenape Circle. The repairs will be based on costs and the underlying condition of and needed work to repair the streets.

Mayor Barbara Schlegel said $680 was raised from the recent community yard sale to benefit the Catasauqua Police K-9 unit. Additionally, she is planning a “Copsicles” program, where police officers will be handing out free frozen treats to kids over the summer.

Schlegel added the George Taylor House will be open with activities over the Independence Day weekend.

In his general government committee report, Councilman Cameron Smith noted the committee is working on a business registry for the borough.

McKittrick reported there are early discussions about commercial fire inspections and a potential ordinance to regulate unattached trailers on the streets.

Councilman Gene Schlegel, chair of the recreation committee, reported he is looking to form an ad hoc subcommittee for the “Friends of the Pool.” Travers said he would assist in setting up the subcommittee if there is public interest.

The next Catasauqua Borough Council meeting is 7 p.m. June 7. It is a hybrid meeting - both virtual and in person. Visit catasauqua.org for the call-in number and access codes.