The Emmaus Borough Council meeting was held June 21 at borough hall with a large crowd in attendance for special presentations as multiple police officers were sworn into the Emmaus Police Department.

Troy Schantz was sworn in as the chief of police. Schantz is a veteran of the department, having formerly served as deputy police chief.

Jason Apgar was appointed as deputy chief of police. Apgar is a Moravian College graduate and earned a master’s degree from DeSales University.

“We are very proud that you are our deputy chief of police,” Borough Manager Shane Pepe said.

Patrolman Brandon Smith and Patrolman Braden Sacks were sworn in as well.

Special recognition was given to Junior Councilman Jonas Hausmann, who will be attending Robert Morris University in the fall. Council President Brent Labenberg thanked Hausmann for his three years of service.

Next up, a request came from the Emmaus Main Street Partners to hold a Farewell to Summer Festival event. The event is proposed to take place at the Emmaus Triangle 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 18 with vendors, live music and drinks served during the event.

There was another festival request during the meeting. St. Ann Church requested to host its annual “Fall” Fest Aug. 20 and 21. The festival will take place at the church. A name change may come since the festival will occur in the summer.

In communications, Jeffrey Baker resigned from his position on the board of health and Justin Gifford resigned from his position on the Emmaus Public Library Board.

Additionally, David Faust resigned from his part-time position with the Emmaus Police Department. He began with the Emmaus Fire Police back in 1982, so he will be missed after nearly four decades with Emmaus law enforcement.

Ordinance No. 1212 was presented in new business. This ordinance amends a previous chapter titled, “Use of streets by processions and assemblages.” This new ordinance requires permits for gatherings in Emmaus and provides for penalties and enforcement if not followed. This ordinance was introduced with the “intent to establish a process to address large gatherings within Emmaus in public spaces, including in streets, parks and other public spaces not otherwise covered by previous policies, such as a pavilion or athletic field reservations.”

Mayor Lee Ann Gilbert provided a list of performed activities over the past several months. Ten proclamations have been issued since March.

Councilman Roy Anders announced a plan for the conversion of streetlights to LEDs is now in place. PPL will convert the streetlights for free. This was approved by council. Pepe said this has been on council’s plate for the past seven years.

Turkey Hill on Chestnut Street proposed their new lot consolidation and land development plans. The borough engineer was in attendance to go over the plans.

They plan to consolidate the current three lots into one to create a 1.26-acre parcel. They will tear down the current building and develop a new 6,619 square foot convenience store with a drive-thru window, gas pumps and related site improvements. Streetlight and crosswalk changes will be needed. The borough engineer stated Turkey Hill’s plans were extensive and addressed all changes needed.

Michael Baker International was appointed as the borough’s zoning, subdivision and land development ordinance and official map consultant. The Michael Baker team will perform a zoning ordinance rewrite and update of the zoning map, a SALDO rewrite and the creation of an official map. The cost will be just over $129,000. Hannah Clark will lead the project team from Michael Baker’s Allentown office.

In parks and recreation, June 29 was announced as the date for “Movies in the Park” at Emmaus Community Park. The Disney film “Up” will be shown. More information can be found on the Emmaus Borough website calendar.

In budget and finance, the bill list dating back to the previous meeting totaled $2,015,651. A fire pumper truck was purchased for $573,597.

Pepe only had a couple of hires to address in his report. Lynda Grace and Dylan Rutt were hired as lifeguards for the season. Five lifeguards completed the Red Cross lifeguard program, which will allow for the community pool to stay open as usual.

The next borough council meeting will be held 7 p.m. July 19. The meeting will take place in person and through Zoom. Residents can find more information on the Emmaus borough website.