Northampton Borough Council’s Oct. 7 meeting began with a statement by borough Solicitor Brian Panella, who addressed countless reports of missed garbage pickups that have enraged residents for weeks.

The borough’s contracted garbage hauler has reportedly missed hundreds of garbage pickups over the summer. Residents have been outraged, calling the borough office with numerous complaints without consistent satisfaction.

Panella, in his preamble statement to council and those present at the meeting, said, “There will be immediate action taken for not picking up garbage.”

He noted the borough will be deducting thousands of dollars from the hauler for nonperformance of its contractual responsibilities.

The borough will find another hauler, if necessary, and “this is not a slap on the wrist” action, according to Panella.

There were no representatives of the hauler present at the meeting. No reasons for the hauler shortfalls were reported. Borough Manager LeRoy Brobst said the hauler was expected to meet with borough representatives this week.

In other business, council approved the use of the borough’s portable band trailer by Moravian University for an awards ceremony, planned for Oct. 30 at Bicentennial Park in East Allen Township. Moravian is responsible to pay for delivery of the trailer and a removal fee.

Councilman Tony Pristash, in his report, said there were a number of vandalism incidents in the borough’s parks. He suggested the borough may have to expand locations of video surveillance cameras in those areas. Brobst said additional cameras will need to be added into the 2022 budget.

Pristash also reported he met with a horticulturist to complete a survey of what the floral needs are at Canal Street Park. The plan is to develop a community floral garden there.

The 2022-23 police contract was approved by the police committee and the police bargaining unit. It is expected the agreement can be voted on at the Oct. 21 council meeting.

It was reported UGI has contracted with a paving company to make repairs to Main Street and has been making progress. Other roads are planned for work as well.

The next council meeting is 7:30 p.m. Oct. 21 at the municipal building, 1401 Laubach Ave., Northampton.