The Oct. 18 Emmaus Borough Council meeting began with a public hearing regarding the amended pollution reduction plan. Mike Preston, representing Ott Consulting, presented the amended plan. The purpose of the PRP plan is to provide a strategy to address pollutant loads to local streams impaired by siltation/sediments that flow to the Lehigh River.

The amended plan addresses the area surrounding the new Wawa, at Cedar Crest Boulevard and Chestnut Street, which could impact the Little Lehigh.

A representative from Mopar Madness of the Lehigh Valley was in attendance to ask council if his group can use Emmaus Community Park to host a series of “Cruise Nights.” The schedule would run every second and last Saturday April to October 2022. The cruise nights usually average around 120 to 150 antique cars and some nights have over 200 vehicles.

All donations from Mopar Madness’ Cruise Nights are given to Dream Come True, a local charity for chronologically and terminally ill children. The donation total to date is $100,000.

This request will be discussed at the upcoming parks and recreations committee. Council President Brent Labenberg commented he really liked the idea.

Residents can attend the parks and recreations committee meeting Nov. 2 to discuss this issue. Find more information on the Mopar Madness’ Facebook page.

Councilwoman Teri Sorg- McManamon commented on the Emmaus Halloween Parade which was held Oct. 17. The crowd was smaller than in previous years, but all the elaborate floats showed the spirit was still strong.

There were several items in communication. Dalton Link put in a volunteer application and interviewed for the Shade Tree Commission and the Arts Commission. Link is a passionate gardener, artist and former art teacher. He was approved.

Faith Presbyterian Church requested the use of Triangle Park Dec. 24 for an informal Christmas Eve service.

In health, sanitation and codes, Councilman Chad Balliet asked for the approval of the revised pollution reduction plan. Borough Manager Shane Pepe said it will save the borough a lot of money. Council approved the plan.

Councilman Chris DeFrain read the bill list for the budget and finance committee. The bill list totaled $1,721,163. A large portion was going to the Wells Fargo Retirement and Trust for the 2021 Minimum Municipal Obligation for the pension plan.

The muralist for the HGTV Mural Project will arrive and begin the mural Oct. 21. The HGTV team is working on a press release.

The next Emmaus Borough Council meeting will be held 7 p.m. Nov. 1. Residents can attend in person at 28 S. Fourth St. or virtually via a Zoom link through the borough website calendar.