The Sept. 7. Emmaus Borough Council meeting began with a public comment from an Emmaus resident, who gave a nice presentation on the various community events which took place this summer. He gave a big thank you to the parks and recreation committee for setting up the Tunes in the Triangle and the summer concerts in the park.

In community minutes, Councilwoman Terri Sorg-McManamon brought awareness to the Farewell to Summer Festival planned for 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 18. Additionally, a ribbon cutting will take place 5:30-6:30 p.m. Oct. 12 for Ott Consulting at 326 S. Second St.

Councilman Chad Balliet also announced Dumpster Day will take place 1-3 p.m. Sept. 18.

Emmaus Arts Commission Representative Alan Sylvestre spoke during special presentations about the upcoming student film festival. Online registration began Sept. 1 for submissions and Oct. 15 is the registration deadline and the date for the kickoff party. The films will be premiered Nov. 1 at the Emmaus Theatre. Students can register online at emmausarts.org/SFF.

There were several items in communications. The final ‘Sips and Stems’ event will occur at the Emmaus Triangle 4-6 p.m. Sept. 30. Two volunteer applications came in for the recreation and entertainment commission. A volunteer application was also received for the board of health.

A request for an event was received for the “Juxtahub ArtCar HOOTenanny.” This will take place 2-7 p.m. Oct. 16 at 375 S. 10th St. Featured will be the Hogwarts Express Magic Art Car, along with a food truck, live music, kids’ activities and art demos.

Councilman Roy Anders thanked the public works director for a great job in response to the heavy storms caused by Tropical Storm Ida.

In health, sanitation and codes, the revised pollutant reduction plan was approved. This plan is to present a strategy to address pollutant loads to local streams impaired by siltation/sediments that flow to the Lehigh River.

Councilwoman Shana Baumgartner announced during parks and recreation volunteer applications for the recreation and entertainment commission were approved by council. Additionally, an announcement was made the Emmaus Main Street Partners, who host ‘Tunes in the Triangle,’ will be able to serve alcohol at their events next summer.

Council President Brent Labenberg was not physically in attendance to present for general administration. The borough has been awarded two Federal Emergency Management Agency grants for the Emmaus Fire Department. The first is for fire prevention and safety. The amount awarded will come in two installments for $4,791 and $1,012. The second grant is for $95,238.

Next in general administration, the streetlight conversion project was discussed. A contract has been set up with PPL to convert all the Emmaus streetlights to LEDs. Council approved the project. A time frame for conversion has yet to be announced. Councilman Roy Anders was glad to approve the contract, as this project was discussed for the past seven years with no action.

Following the short discussion, the bill list was approved by the council totaling $867,059.

There were a couple of items in Borough Manager Shane Pepe’s report. Cynthia Pandl retired from her position with the Borough of Emmaus. Many thanked Pandl’s longtime commitment to the borough and admired her all-time kindness. Additionally, Brett Hamscher was promoted to the rank of Firefighter 1.

Following the relatively short report, the meeting concluded.

The next Emmaus Borough Council meeting will take place 7 p.m. Sept. 20. The meeting can be accessed via Zoom on the borough website and, in person, at Emmaus Borough Hall.