During the Aug. 2 Catasauqua Borough Council meeting, a resident approached council asking that fluoride not be removed from the water.

Council members listened as she cited recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pediatric organizations and dental associations, all of which researched fluoride in water. She also spoke of numerous studies attesting to the benefits of fluoridation of municipal water. It reportedly benefits children by helping reduce dental cavities.

Currently, the issue is in front of the borough’s public utilities committee. The committee was not able to get a majority vote in favor of removing fluoride, so the issue, at this point, cannot be moved forward for council consideration.

The public utilities committee meets 2 p.m. Aug. 19 at the municipal complex and will discuss the defluoridation of Catasauqua water.

In other business, a resident asked for an update of the replacement of the borough complex doors. The doors are reportedly difficult to open for people with accessibility issues.

Borough Manager Stephen Travers said he is pursuing costs of replacement.

The resident suggested an electronic bell could be installed to alert staff of a person needing access to the building. The staff could then let that person in.

The resident also commented there are fire pits on properties that do not have enough space to allow for them. Some also reportedly do not have screens over the pits. It was noted a person cannot be cited unless they have a fire burning when the police arrive.

A resolution was passed to afford conditional approval of the 14th Street town house project. The project includes 36 moderately priced town houses and donates 11 acres for recreation. The resolution passed 4-0.

A second resolution conditionally approving a lot consolidation plan for a resident to create a larger lot by combining smaller lots passed 3-1.

Mayor Barbara Schlegel said the police department received its new car. Additionally, she reported $410 was collected at a recent concert for the Friends of Catty Parks committee.

Schlegel also noted the Battle of the Balloons is set for Aug. 22 at Catasauqua Park and Playground, 501 American St. The event includes face painting, a waterslide and a deejay, at a cost of $5 per child. The concession stand will be open with 10 percent of sales going to the Friends of Catty Park.

Several fire companies are expected to attend, including Catasauqua, North Catasauqua and Hanover Township, Lehigh County. There will be water balloon throwing contests between the fire departments, police departments and children from the Catasauqua Area School District.

Solicitor Thomas Dinkelacker reported the Cohen Group law firm of Pittsburgh will prepare a 5G ordinance as required by the state. The deadline for the ordinance is Oct. 28, and the cost is expected to be about $5,000.

The planning and zoning committee chair, Councilwoman Deb Mellish, said the committee’s focus will be on the 5G aesthetics guidelines issued by the state. The borough can regulate the aesthetics surrounding 5G mini-tower installation.

Engineer Vanessa Nedrick said the grant application for the Race Street parking project was submitted. It is expected the awards will be announced by the end of the year. Also, the road program bids opening date is Aug. 30.

Nedrick said grant applications for various projects are being pursued. The pool study grant application request has not been determined at this point.

Councilman Cameron Smith, chair of the general government committee, reported the committee met last month and is moving forward on the business registry. Police Chief Douglas Kish supported the development of a business registry, stating the information included in the registry is safety related and will aid police if there is an incident at a business.

Councilman Gene Schlegel pointed out a number of houses don’t have numbers visibly posted. Travers said a physical inventory can be done to identify which homes are not identified with a posted house number.

In his public utilities report, Councilman Paul Cmil reported he feels the estimate of the cost to improve public utilities is excessive. Cmil wants to review the estimate at a committee meeting.

The resignation of Harvey Emert from the borough authority was accepted by council. The three-member authority currently has no members. Contact the borough office if interested in serving on the authority.

In his recreation committee report, Gene Schlegel reported the Friends of Catty Parks is active and excited. The group is planning a haunted house. More information is forthcoming.

The George Taylor House is seeking an engineering consultation to evaluate the fireplace in the summer house for possible repairs. In addition to tours of the historic house twice a month, the GTH group is planning Halloween tours, with more information forthcoming.

Borough council will next meet 7 p.m. Aug. 30. This is a hybrid meeting, with both in-person and virtual options. Visit catasauqua.org for the call-in number and codes to view virtually.