Catasauqua Borough Council held a Nov. 22 special meeting to select a new member to replace former Councilman Brian McKittrick, who resigned after announcing he was moving out of state.

Council voted 4-0 to appoint Democrat David Bernini to the empty seat. Democratic council members Cameron Smith, Debra Mellish and President Vincent Smith were joined by Republican Councilman Paul Cmil to provide the unanimous vote.

The meeting was originally scheduled for Nov. 29, but not all of the council members could attend, so they changed the day to accommodate everyone’s schedule. However, two council members were unable to attend the new date.

Noting that the borough faces difficult decisions the next two years, Cmil expressed confidence Bernini can work with council to move the borough forward.

Bernini was a Democratic candidate in the recent Nov. 2 municipal election. He resides with his wife and three children in Catasauqua, and he works in the information technology department at Lehigh University.

He said his goals as a council member are to work as a team to develop the borough to be a destination community. He said his impulse is “common sense and moderation.” He considers himself a fiscal conservative but is open to public spending that is an investment in the community, such as the Iron Works, swimming pool and Front Street projects.

At the meeting, Bernini thanked council and pledged to work bipartisan with other council members.

Catasauqua Mayor Barbara Schlegel said she would administer the oath of office after Bernini submits the necessary documents to verify his residency. It was expected he would be sworn in Nov. 29.

The second reason for the special meeting was for council to review the 2022 borough budget. There is reportedly no planned general fund tax increase.

Numerous questions were asked by council about the budget in a lengthy budget review. One topic of interest in the budget is the decision not to open the municipal swimming pool during 2022.

The next council meeting is 7 p.m. Dec. 6 at the municipal complex, 90 Bridge St. It is a hybrid meeting, with both in-person and virtual options. Visit catasauqua.org for the call-in and access codes to participate virtually.