At the June 2 Northampton Borough Council meeting, Councilman Ron Glassic asked council to consider changing the meeting start time from 7:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Glassic’s suggestion is to begin the earlier start time with the September meetings.

Other area municipalities, such as Bath Borough and Moore Township, have changed their meeting start times from 7 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Northampton Borough Manager LeRoy Brobst further suggested, if warranted, one of the two meetings in July or August can be canceled unless council faces urgent issues during those months.

Glassic also requested an update on council’s thoughts about livestreaming council meetings.

A number of municipalities have adopted a hybrid meeting format that includes the traditional in-person meeting coupled with a virtual format. The benefits of a recorded livestreamed meeting are so residents can attend the council meeting from their homes, and the recording provides a video and audio recording that can be reviewed as needed.

Some municipalities place the recorded meetings on their community Facebook pages.

It is anticipated council will consider the discussion on the livestream option during the coming months.

Northampton Fire Department received council permission to host the fourth annual firefighters parade July 9. The parade will be held in conjunction with Northampton Community Days and might also include the Northampton Area School District athletes recognition parade, noting the many sports successes during the past school year.

National Alliance on Mental Illness requested and received council permission to hold a 10-K race Aug. 28. The race will utilize portions of Nor-Bath Trail in both Allen Township and Northampton Borough.

Brobst noted the hourly rate schedule for pool employees represents an aggregate increase of 19.22%. The dollar cost of the increase is $9,450.

Councilman Kenneth Hall reported the second and final installment of the federal American Rescue Plan Act funding, in the amount of $503,000, will arrive in the borough’s financial account in July.

Hall reported an advertisement was placed in the local newspapers for an assistant to the borough manager. Applications for the position will be accepted until June 10. Contact the borough office to apply.

In her building, land and recreation report, Councilwoman Judy Haldeman noted the Billy Joel tribute planned for October at the Roxy Theatre is moving forward.

Councilman Trevor Stone reported the recently installed Northampton Police bike patrol began, and several comments have been received in appreciation of the patrol. Stone noted the bike patrol is a good opportunity for one-on-one police contact with residents, which is a cornerstone of “community policing.”

Councilwoman Judy Kutzler said the borough’s health officer expressed gratitude for being allowed to attend a recent training session in Hershey. The session was funded by the borough.

Councilman Anthony Lopsonzski Sr. provided accolades to police Chief Bryan Kadingo and the department for their diligent work in serving Northampton. He asked council to consider hiring another police officer.

Lopsonzski also suggested there be an increased police presence at the borough parks and clear signage be installed at the parks informing individuals when the park closes.

The next council meeting is planned for 7:30 p.m. June 16 at the municipal building, 1401 Laubach Ave.