The June 7 Catasauqua Borough Council meeting opened with a flurry of residents’ statements and questions, one of which addressed the recent substantial fire at a salvage yard that resulted in two firefighters being sent to the hospital. Reportedly, they are fine and have been discharged.

The resident said the salvage yard area is not being secured. There was no safety tape indicating admission is not permitted when he passed the property earlier that day, he said, which prompted him to speak out at the meeting.

Borough Manager Steven Travers said the property was turned over to the owner to repair the fence and secure the area. The fence will be promptly addressed, Travers said.

The resident expressed surprise this type of salvage operation can exist “without us knowing.” The business is in a wooded area with overgrown vegetation, making it essentially isolated in the middle of the borough.

The neighbors living adjacent to the fire were given official instructions to remain in their homes due to small explosions of unknown substances emitting potential noxious odors until the fire was extinguished. Travers relayed the situation is being investigated.

Another resident asked council about the Iron Works project.

“I am curious if handicap accessibility was considered,” he asked.

Council President Vincent Smith said Americans with Disabilities Act standards are being followed. The resident also asked when the borough complex front doors will be made accessible.

It has been reported the municipal complex front doors are difficult to open for those requiring handicap-accessible entry. There is an active plan in place to correct the doors via grant funding.

Another resident reported he and approximately 15 people did a canal cleanup where they found trash runoff from the streets. They reportedly filled a number of garbage bags.

The resident, speaking on behalf of the volunteer group, said they are looking for permission to assemble a volunteer committee to improve the community.

“We are trying to make things better,” the resident noted.

Smith said council looks to volunteers all the time for help and to engender civic pride. He explained the canal cleanup has occurred since 2008, when he and others began the project. At that time, Smith contacted the Clean Up America organization to secure supplies and information on moving forward.

“We are on the same page with you,” Smith said.

The fledgling group did not need permission from council, but Smith asked that council be kept updated regarding these activities. The borough can help provide cleanup supplies through Clean Up America and donations from local businesses.

In other business, council passed Ordinances 1405 and 1406 that involve parking issues and passed Resolution 2021-6 involving a grant-funded project. Both ordinances and the resolution were anointed by council and are available for review at the borough office.

Travers gave his monthly water and sewer report. The reports are available at the borough office.

Mayor Barbara Schlegel thanked American Legion Post 215 for its Memorial Day services. She reported attending a bench dedication at Catasauqua Park and Playground honoring Jim Thomas, a longtime community activist who served 12 years on Catasauqua Borough Council.

The mayor also commended the fire department and EMS for their hard work fighting the recent fire at the salvage yard. She noted she was also impressed by the mutual aid from surrounding communities.

Schlegel also presented $674 to Catasauqua Police Chief Douglas Kish. Schlegel and volunteers raised the donation at a recent community yard sale.

Solicitor Thomas Dinkelacker said there will be a development plan for the 14th Street project at the next meeting. He also announced the 501(c)3 nonprofit status approval came through for the George Taylor House committee.

Engineer Patrick Foley reported the Race Street project’s Department of Community and Economic Development grant process waived the match required for these grants during 2021. Foley also noted the road project report will be generated soon. Preparing for bid requests is next.

Councilman Cameron Smith, chair of council’s general government committee, noted the committee is developing a business registry to help residents easily find businesses within Catasauqua.

Councilman Brian McKittrick, public safety committee chair, noted meetings will return to an in-person format.

McKittrick also announced there is an opening for an alternate on the Civil Service Commission. Contact borough hall if interested in serving.

Councilman Paul Cmil, public utilities committee chair, reported the committee will meet this month.

Councilwoman Debra Mellish, planning and zoning committee chair, noted the beekeeping ordinance is moving along at a slow rate.

The Main Street Catasauqua Committee wants to develop a project to place murals on the fence in front of the Iron Works property during its construction phase. The project is in its early phases.

Councilman Gene Schlegel, recreation committee chair, reported the development of an ad hoc committee is advancing to address recreation efforts to assist in reopening the pool. The group could perhaps engage some fundraising activity and assist with a plan to reopen the pool in 2022.

Gene Schlegel was delighted to relay the summer concerts are well attended. He also thanked the George Taylor House committee for doing an outstanding job renovating the house and holding tours.

In his shade tree commission report, Gene Schlegel said the group has plans to have several trees removed due to issues.

Councilman Brian Bartholomew, public works committee chair, reported the department is waiting for the street plan to learn what repairs are necessary and doable. His specific concerns are the timetable for repairs and if they will get funded to completion.

Reportedly, there is a misconception that the borough is paying for the football stadium renovations.

Gene Schlegel clarified the school district funds and the borough funds are different pots of money. The school district and the borough are distinct, unrelated entities from financial and government perspectives.

The next Catasauqua Borough Council workshop meeting is 7 p.m. June 28. It is a hybrid meeting, both virtual and in person.

Contact the borough office at 610-262-0571 for the virtual meeting access codes.