A number of residents spoke up during the hearing of persons present portion of the June 28 Catasauqua Borough Council workshop meeting. They addressed issues of street repairs, parking, weed overgrowth and more.

But only one proposed an idea sure to make a splash with the community. An 11-year-old told council members she believes it is time the police and fire department get a break because they have been so busy. She suggested holding an event, such as a water balloon battle with local kids.

This would promote good relations and maybe raise some funds for the swimming pool, she said.

Catasauqua Mayor Barbara Schlegel said she will assist in developing a plan to achieve this goal.

One resident asked why streets are not being fixed when there is money budgeted for the repairs. Borough Manager Stephen Travers said the funds referenced by the resident are for the water and sewer departments, not streets.

The resident also asked why the borough needs a parking authority. It was asked if this is a “money grab” by the borough. It was noted there is no Catasauqua parking authority; there is a parking enforcement officer. Council member Brian McKittrick, chair of the public safety committee, noted the borough is simply working toward enforcing the law.

Another resident asked about sight challenges at intersections where overgrown weeds and shrub growth limit visibility. It was reported this creates a safety hazard.

A third resident asked about high weed growth in the borough that obstructs vision and is an eyesore. According to Travers, 20 citations were issued for weed overgrowth during the last week by code enforcement.

Another resident asked if larger recycling bins can be made available to keep recyclables from being blown into the street. Travers noted he is looking into possible solutions, such as a new bin with a lid. He added there is grant money available to cover this expense. Council approved pursuing the grant funding for new recycling bins.

In other business, Travers reported there is a petition by neighbors of a local scrap yard to have the business removed, following a recent fire. They reportedly feel it represents a fire and environmental hazard. Travers and borough Solicitor Thomas Dinkelacker are working on the issue.

Travers reported there will be an effort to address blighted properties in the borough during the month of July. Lehigh County Blighted Properties Task Force will assist the borough in this effort.

Travers explained his efforts regarding fleet management by the borough’s vendor, Enterprise. A number of vehicles are due for replacement. Travers noted the decisions need to be made soon because there is a procurement lag that could delay replacement until 2023.

Schlegel said the copcycle program is going well. She also noted the tours continue at the George Taylor House.

There was a lengthy discussion about allowing dogs at the summer concerts held at Catasauqua Park and Playground. Travers suggested the issue be sent to the recreation committee for review.

Dinkelacker noted several matters need attention. One was minor adjustments to the easements for the D&L Trail. Also, the Pearl Street and the 14th Street developments are expected to be ready for review in August.

Borough Engineer Vanessa Nedrick reported the road program bid package would be ready soon, which was expected by June 30. After manager approval, the plan will go out for bids.

Nedrick gave an MS4 presentation regarding storm sewer regulations. Reasons for MS4 regulations are to minimize flood damage, maintain the ecology of the streams, control contaminants and control water treatment costs.

McKittrick reported the June public safety committee meeting discussion was about noise complaints at Fossil’s Last Stand. A request had been made to change the rules to allow borough police, not the Liquor Control Board, to handle noise complaints. The committee voted 2-1 to have council act on the issue. A council vote on the resolution is expected in August.

There was continued discussion regarding the earlier resident complaint about parking tickets. McKittrick noted this is a public safety issue, compounded by multiple car households that reduce the number of parking slots on the streets.

It is expected unsafe parking practices will be reduced over time as residents continue to get cited for improper parking. It is part of the borough’s efforts to correct parking safety issues.

Paul Cmil, public utilities committee chair, reported the committee met June 17. He said there are major issues to contend with regarding water. The committee is working with the borough engineer to address any issues. Nedrick said there are no current out-of-compliance issues.

Councilman Gene Schlegel, chair of the recreation committee, reported the ad hoc committee to assist with the reopening of the swimming pool in 2022 is developing and needs additional members. Contact borough hall at 610-264-0571 for information about joining the ad hoc committee.

The next council meeting will be 7 p.m. July 12. It is a hybrid meeting - both in-person and virtual formats. Visit catasauqua.org for the virtual access numbers.