Reports of hundreds of missed trash pickups in Northampton over the summer have angered borough officials and incensed residents. Borough Solicitor Brian Panella previously told council thousands of dollars could potentially be gotten back from Republic Services because of the incomplete trash collections.

“This will not be a slap on the wrist,” Panella noted.

Northampton Borough Manager LeRoy Brobst said the hauler apologized profusely during a meeting with borough officials. The company cited challenges that resulted in the missed pickups.

“They opened the meeting and ended the meeting with the sincerest apology they could,” Brobst said.

Brobst reported Republic Services, like many businesses, has staffing challenges because of the pandemic that hamper business.

“They have offered sign-on bonuses and raised wages to attract employees. We want them to succeed. I think patience is key,” Brobst said.

There is expected heightened scrutiny of the hauler’s services and additional meetings to address the contractual shortcomings highlighted by thin staffing.

In other business, council approved resolution 2021-10 to support a grant application for the Northampton Fire Department funding to upgrade the electrical sign outside of the fire station.

Council approved the hiring of Jeremy Kenneth Kahle as a part-time police officer. Also, Matthew Bennicoff’s transfer from patrolman to detective was approved by council.

The Lehigh Valley Community Benefit was granted permission to conduct the 11th annual Tucker’s Toy Run. The event is planned for noon Nov. 6, with a rain date of Nov. 7. The event begins at Tri-Boro Sportsmen Club, 2110 Canal St.

The police contract was approved and contains a 4-percent raise per year for the next two years.

South Whitehall Township requested and received permission to use the borough’s portable band trailer for its Dec. 4 annual holiday event. South Whitehall would be responsible for a delivery and return fee and will provide a certificate of insurance.

Brobst said the 2022 budget work continues. He expects a final budget draft will be ready for review at the Nov. 18 council meeting.

“I hope not,” Brobst said when asked if a tax increase was expected.

The fire department received a $1,000 donation from the Ring of Fire Club of the Northampton Hungarian Hall. The donation was an expression of appreciation for all the fire department does for the Northampton community. Visit ringoffireclub.com for more information about the club.

There is a tentative Christmas tree-lighting ceremony date, scheduled for 6 p.m. Nov. 28 at the Laubach Avenue and Main Street triangle. A tree has been procured from Coplay for the ceremony.

The next Northampton Borough Council meeting is 7:30 p.m. Nov. 4 in the municipal building, 1401 Laubach Ave.