The COVID-19 virus has reared its head in Northampton.

The outbreak reportedly affected 50 percent of the borough’s public works department and the Northampton Fire Department volunteers.

The virus outbreak was a topic of discussion at the Jan. 20 Northampton Borough Council meeting. Council members recognized the challenges of the outbreak but also stressed operations in both entities continued seamlessly.

In the hearing of persons present agenda item, a resident requested council expand the hearing of persons present to allow comments both before and after the meeting. No council action was taken.

Council voted unanimously to hire a part-time police officer. Right after the vote, Northampton Mayor Tony Pristash administered the oath of office to Evan J. Medlar. He has completed training at the Allentown Police Academy.

Councilman Anthony Lopsonzski Sr. suggested the new officer interact with residents whenever possible in an effort to have a positive, helpful interaction.

The Central Assembly of God Church was granted permission to hold an outreach event for middle and high school students June 11 at Municipal Park, Smith Lane and Laubach Avenue. The event will be at pavilions A and B, as well as the permanent band shell.

In his solicitor’s report, Brian Panella requested council grant permission to advertise Ordinance 1220, which would mandate a right turn only on eastbound traffic at the intersection of Station Alley and Main Street. Council agreed.

Council rejected a request for a parking-accessible space on East Seventh Street, based on police Chief Bryan Kadingo’s recommendation.

In his administration and finance report, Councilman Kenneth Hall reported the Northampton Police Department received $586.99 from the Northampton County Drug Enforcement Task Force. The funds are for an equipment purchase.

Hall also reported the borough has received $294,812 to date in garbage pickup payments.

Councilwoman Judy Haldeman opened a discussion on the challenges of hiring lifeguards for the municipal swimming pool. She mentioned the pool closed last year after some guards returned to college.

Lopsonzski Sr. floated the idea of a consortium between Northampton, Coplay and Catasauqua to share lifeguards.

Borough Manager LeRoy Brobst said there is a need to advertise soon in the newspaper for lifeguards. This prompted Councilman Ron Glassic to request the borough advertise on social media to increase the likelihood of reaching more potential applicants.

Another suggestion was to have Ryleigh Tillotson, junior council member, advertise for lifeguards within the Northampton Area School District.

Haldeman noted the idea is to keep the pool open for the entire summer swimming season.

In her fire and health report, Councilwoman Judy Kutzler asked for cooperation from residents who have a fire hydrant by their property to assist in the fire safety effort by clearing snow and ice from the hydrant. This will save the fire department time in a fire response.

In his mayor’s report, Pristash thanked the public works department for the excellent response addressing two recent water main leaks in the borough.

He also asked Brobst if there is forward movement on livestreaming council meetings. Brobst indicated he expects the livestreaming of council meetings may begin in March or April.

In Brobst’s borough manager report, he noted the former Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4714 building, Main Street and Laubach Avenue, will be converted into 15 apartments.

He also reported it is expected the replacement of Northampton-Cementon Bridge may take three years to complete.

The next council meeting, in person only, is 7:30 p.m. Feb. 3 at the municipal building, 1401 Laubach Ave.