New to her position as Northampton Borough Council’s junior member, Ryleigh Tillotson grabbed the reins during her first meeting Sept. 16 - and council members applauded her efforts.

In her first report, Tillotson said she contacted a Northampton Area High School guidance counselor seeking some assistance from the school’s Newspaper Club to help develop a Northampton Borough newsletter.

The counselor informed Tillotson the school’s Newspaper Club currently is not active.

Tillotson suggested the newsletter could be done digitally. She reported a printed newsletter would be more costly than a digital version.

Tillotson also suggested council consider upgrading the borough’s website. In her view, the website is a bit challenging to navigate.

Council approved the soccer team to use Municipal Park pavilion B Sept. 26. All fees for use of the park were waived.

“As an athlete, I am happy to see council support this request,” Tillotson said.

In response to ideas to upgrade Canal Park with possible sunflower gardens and other natural projects, Tillotson noted the high school’s Biology Club, of which she is a member, could assist. She plans to query the group regarding possible interest in assisting with Canal Park upgrades.

Councilman Tony Pristash also informed council there is a local gentleman with an interest in monarch butterflies who is interested in developing a monarch way station in Canal Park. A monarch butterfly way station is a place that provides resources necessary for monarchs to produce successive generations and sustain their annual migration.

Borough Manager LeRoy Brobst noted budget preparation was expected to begin the week of Sept. 20. Brobst said it will be a challenge, but he does not expect a tax hike.

Pristash reported the municipal swimming pool income during 2021 was $74,880. The pool’s expenses were $82,058, yielding a loss of $7,178.

Pristash noted the Jack Frost Parade is set for 6 p.m. Oct. 23. The route this year will be changed. Visit northamptonboro.com for more information.

Council also voted to hold the borough’s trick-or-treat night 6-8 p.m. Oct. 31.

Two residents requested council examine access to the Nor-Bath Trail around McKeever Lane. A new resident reportedly posted “no trespassing” signs to keep people from accessing the trail by walking through his property.

The new resident then spoke, citing dog droppings, damaged grass and safety concerns for his young family. He reportedly installed cameras on his property that indicate people go through his yard to the trail as late as 10:30 p.m.

Councilmen Ron Glassic and Trevor Stone, along with Mayor Thomas Reenock, offered to look into the matter.

In his report, Brobst lamented the challenges he is having with the borough’s trash hauler. It was reported there were 546 missed home pickups in an 18-day time frame. He requested the solicitor review the hauler’s contract to learn if any penalties can be applied for perceived operations deficiencies.

Brobst also noted the meeting with Allen Township about the development of a plan to address sewage issues went well. Brobst suggested council consider developing a sewer authority.

In other business, council rejected requests for two accessible parking spaces. Police Chief Bryan Kadingo recommended council not grant the spaces.

The next borough council meeting will be 7:30 p.m. Oct. 7 at the municipal building, 1401 Laubach Ave. It is an in-person meeting.