The Emmaus Borough Council meeting was held Nov. 1 and the first item on the agenda was a special presentation from Councilman Roy Anders.

The Emmaus Halloween Parade Committee was recognized for the 100th anniversary of the parade. They will receive a special brick in the Emmaus Remembrance Garden and were praised by Anders.

“It is with my honor to present this to Kathy Mintzer and the committee of the Halloween parade,” Anders said. Mintzer has led the parade committee for 25 years.

Following the presentation, the meeting minutes from the Oct. 18 meeting were approved.

There were two items in Mayor Lee Ann Gilbert’s report.

Nov. 1 was proclaimed “Extra Mile Day.” This proclamation is to acknowledge “the mission of Extra Mile America to create 550 Extra Mile cities in America.” Gilbert wants Emmaus to “celebrate and acknowledge all members of our community who are going the ‘extra mile’ to make the Borough of Emmaus a better community.”

Additionally, a small fundraiser was announced by Gilbert. “No Shave November” will be recognized by the Emmaus Police Department. Officers must donate $50 if they don’t want to grow their beards out for the month. Money will be going to a charity for needy families.

“This has raised hundreds of dollars in the past,” Emmaus Borough Manager Shane Pepe said.

During the health, sanitation and codes report, Councilman Chad Balliet thanked retiring Emmaus Zoning Officer Jim Farnsworth who has worked for the borough for over four decades.

In general administration, Dalton Link was appointed to the Shade Tree Commission with a term ending January 2027.

In community relations, planning and development, Councilwoman Teri Sorg-McManamon spoke on the progress of the new mural being painted in Emmaus.

Mississippi muralist, River Prince, is set to finish in the next four to five days. The mural is on the side of the Altitude Marketing building, located at 225 Main St. It is covered and will have a surprise reveal.

Borough Manager Shane Pepe closed the meeting with his report. Pepe had several updates on open positions in the borough.

The Emmaus code’s official interviews are down to three candidates. The public works director interviews have started and will run through the first week of November, with second-round interviews taking place the following week. Additionally, there are ongoing interviews for fire officer promotions.

The hiring process for the chief of police has started. There are additional open clerical positions in the police department as well. Advertisements are out and next steps will commence near the end of the month.

Council is currently conducting the annual budget reviews, which takes up a large portion of their time.

The next Emmaus Borough Council meeting will be held 7 p.m. Nov. 15 at Emmaus Borough Hall, 28 N. Fourth St.