At the May 23 Catasauqua Borough Council meeting, a Catasauqua landlord approached council to object to an increase of rental inspections from $25 to $100.

She noted there is complexity in rental inspections. For example, a one-bedroom apartment takes less time to inspect than a four-bedroom apartment. The resident said these costs will be passed on to her tenants at a time when household costs are escalating. She said some of her tenants are having difficulty making rent payments.

The resident suggested council develop a graduated fee structure that better addresses the complexities and costs of rental inspections.

Councilwoman Jill Smerdon said the $25 fee did not cover the costs of the inspection, and taxpayers were subsidizing the inspection fees. The new fee schedule was designed to eliminate any taxpayer subsidy.

She presented a possible resolution to address the fees with a more complex process. The proposed resolution was tabled for a possible vote at the next meeting.

Another resident noted he has not received any checklists regarding his numerous rental properties and questioned if the borough is tracking the inspections that occur every two years. Borough Manager Stephen Travers said he has the data and will provide it to the resident.

The landlord also asked how many landlords were cited for not getting their rental inspection done. Travers said he will furnish the information.

In other business, council appointed Robert S. Zakos to the zoning hearing board. Council then appointed Virginia Schlegel the zoning hearing board alternate.

Council discussed a number of resolutions. Resolution 5-2022 deals with disposal of borough records.

Resolution 6-2022 allows for the pursuit of a grant for $32,500 from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Sewage Facilities Program for the Catasauqua sewage and wastewater treatment facilities.

Resolution 7-2022 was passed to pursue a grant for $500,000 for improvement projects in the borough through the DCED.

Mayor Barbara Schlegel thanked Coplay Borough Council for agreeing to allow Catasauqua residents the opportunity to purchase season passes to use the Coplay municipal pool during the 2022 season. Catasauqua residents will have to contact the Coplay Borough office to purchase passes and for season ticket costs.

Engineer Vanessa Nedrick noted that the 2022 road plan bids will be opened June 16. Nedrick also reported the George Taylor House grant for the summer home roof replacement has been approved.

Council Vice President Howard Cunningham moved to eliminate the council monthly workshop meeting. Cunningham said the workshop and council meetings are redundant. Councilman Cameron Smith noted he sees the workshop as an important meeting that allows for a richer discussion to address issues. Cunningham tabled the motion.

The next meeting of Catasauqua Borough Council is 7 p.m. June 6 at the municipal complex, 90 Bridge St. It is a hybrid meeting, with both virtual and in-person options.