At the Catasauqua Borough Council meeting May 2, borough Solicitor Thomas Dinkelacker explained the nature of a private information meeting that is not an executive session.

The private informational meeting was entered on council’s agenda as an executive session with the topic listed as Iron Works.

Dinkelacker pointed out the necessity of the private meeting that excludes public observation is necessary to receive information from Dunn Twiggar, the owner of the former Iron Works. Dunn Twiggar is the developer of the multi-million-dollar project to renovate the brownfield area at the former industrial plant located along Front Street.

Dinkelacker noted that, with inflation, supply chain challenges, the Ukraine war and a possible change in marketing strategies for the Iron Works project, it is important council meet and speak with Dunn Twiggar privately.

Dunn Twiggar is a real estate development company that manages the entire development process and provides a single point of contact. The firm offers a wide array of services including, but not limited to, construction management, financial analysis, feasibility studies, regulatory review and approvals and permitting.

It is expected there will be a public meeting to discuss any changes and provide a public update to the Iron Works project in the coming weeks.

In the hearing of persons present agenda item, a resident approached council asking the status of the sidewalk ordinance and code enforcement of trash cans on pavements.

Councilwoman Jill Smerdon indicated, “Things are getting better.”

The resident agreed but noted there are other locations needing improvement.

The resident asked what can or cannot be done on pavements. Council Vice President Howard Cunningham asked the resident to attend the next public safety committee meeting, as these issues will be on the committee’s agenda.

Another resident asked if the borough is getting close to its sewer plant capacity. Engineer Vanessa Nedrick noted the borough is not near the plant’s capacity.

Resolution 2022-5, which addresses the disposal of borough records, was reviewed. The resolution will be voted on at the May 23 council meeting.

Borough Manager Stephen Travers said he received a thank-you card regarding the recent Eagle Scout project that collected more than 6,000 nonperishable food items for Catasauqua Community Food Bank. Eagle Scout Timothy Cline was grateful for the cooperation he received from both Catasauqua and North Catasauqua to achieve his goal of attaining the Eagle Scout rank.

Mayor Barbara Schlegel thanked all who attended the April 30 Arbor Day celebration, held at the borough’s municipal complex.

“It was the best Arbor Day celebration we ever had. About 100 people attended,” she noted.

The mayor also said she and Councilman Gene Schlegel went to a Coplay Park and Recreation Committee meeting last week to lobby for allowing Catasauqua residents to use the Coplay swimming pool for the 2022 season.

A decision will be made by Coplay Borough Council within the next two weeks.

Solicitor Thomas Dinkelacker noted there is an upcoming Liquor Control Board Act hearing for a local grocery store seeking a liquor license transfer.

Dinkelacker reported he was recently at a seminar where he met with a company representative who drafted the borough’s 5G ordinance. The gentleman’s recommendation is to complete the ordinance as soon as possible. Dinkelacker noted he has been meeting with Smerdon about the ordinance.

Nedrick updated the Willow Brook development project request for tapping into the borough’s sewer plant capacity. Nedrick noted the borough can satisfy the Willow Brook project’s request for using some of the borough’s sewer plant capacity needs should council grant permission.

Smerdon asked Nedrick for an update on the George Taylor House summer building roof. The borough is responsible for $52,000 toward the $85,000-plus project. Lehigh County is contributing the balance toward the project. The cost of the roof is elevated because of the need to follow historical guidelines that mandate certain building materials be used. Cost escalation and supply chain issues also contribute to the high cost.

Cunningham motioned for council to reconsider the recent vote on fluoridation in Catasauqua water taken at a previous meeting, asking where the funding for the new system will come from. The motion was defeated 4-3 to add a discussion of water fluoridation to the meeting’s agenda.

Councilman Paul Cmil asked if the borough treasurer can attend the next meeting to explain what the costs are associated with public utilities.

In her planning and zoning report, Smerdon said the group is working on the rental fees ordinance.

Gene Schlegel thanked the mayor for her Arbor Day efforts. He also noted two requests to use the Fireman’s Field. One is to have a food stand selling fruits and vegetables at Fireman’s Field twice monthly on Saturdays. Also, a gentleman who operates a kettle corn stand wants to join the Fireman’s Field farm stand.

A resident approached council to question the wisdom of granting permission for a second farm stand in the borough. The gentleman pointed out this request was turned down by a previous council due to liability and safety concerns.

Councilman Cameron Smith noted the engineer is working on the road program.

The next Catasauqua Borough Council meeting is 7 p.m. May 23 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 number and meeting access codes to participate virtually.