The June 2022 Emmaus Borough Council was held June 20 highlighted by a special presentation, the reading of three ordinances and several items in communications.

The meeting began without any personal appeals and moved to the community minute.

Teri Sorg-McManamon was happy to announce Council President Brent Labenberg and Mayor Lee Ann Gilbert received distinguished service awards. Gilbert earned the Thomas F. Chrostwaite Award for 20+ years of service and Labenberg earned the Carol Sambol Award for 25+ years of service. This was from the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs.

Next, Gilbert swore in newly appointed Emmaus Police Sgt. Kevin Schmidt. His family was in attendance for his promotion.

In communications, an Earth Day Memorandum was received from the Environmental Advisory Committee. The memo covered the April 23 Earth Day cleanup event. There were 96 attendees cleaning up Emmaus Community Park, the railroad area near Weis, CVS and Triple Sun and many more sites. They received a certificate of recycling that showed 2,006 pounds of documents and 13,735 pounds of electronic waste was collected.

Next, two community event requests were received from Danyel Harrison on behalf of Handmade Mystic.

The first was for a Christmas in July event 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 16. The second was a Crescent Moon Celebration to take place 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 20.

In their requests, Handmade Mystics wants to close Fourth Street in front of 2 S. Fourth St. in Emmaus. However, it was brought up by council the closure of that road needs to be requested with more time in advance. Council did not approve the first event but approved the second event. They stipulated Handmade Mystics only receive four Emmaus Triangle parking spots for the event and not a road closure.

The last item was a grant award letter of congratulations from State Rep. Milou Mackenzie, R-131st. She congratulated Emmaus Borough for being awarded $25,458 through the Local Share Account of Lehigh County. This is for “funding for the reconstruction of the South Second Street Project.”

In unfinished business, Ordinance 1228 was approved. This removes a disabled parking sign across from 628 Ridge St., Emmaus.

Ordinances 1229 and 1230 were approved in new business. They will be read again in unfinished business at the next meeting.

Ordinance 1229 removes a disabled parking sign across from 529 Minor St. and 234 Adrain St.

Ordinance 1230 repeals Ordinance 1011, amending Little Lehigh Creek Water Shed Act 167, “as recently amended pursuant to the Stormwater Management Act of Oct. 4, 1978, repealing all prior ordinances or sections inconsistent therewith.” This is an update by law, part of an MS4 requirement. It’s adding more definitions and calculations to the stormwater methods. The borough solicitor will read through the language to make sure Emmaus residents are protected before the second reading and official approval.

In health, sanitation and codes, Councilman Chad Balliet got approval for a construction security release for the new Seven Generations Charter School gymnasium. They have not started their addition yet.

Next, parks and recreation chair Shana Baumgartner received approval for the appointment of Allison Fox to the recreation and entertainment commission.

A $4,000 purchase of a breathing air compressor for the Emmaus Fire Department was approved during budget and finance. Additionally, the bill list totaled $1,963,198.70.

A representative from the Lehigh University Small Business Development Center will be at the next Emmaus Borough Council meeting to talk about developing a partnership between the center and the borough to work with new and existing businesses if they need help.

In his report, Borough Manager Shane Pepe said they are still in the interview process for the public works director position. Additionally, they need to begin scheduling interviews for the open ambulance chief position. He also announced Emmaus will be testing all the wells in the borough.

The meeting was then adjourned.

The next Emmaus Borough Council meeting will be held 7 p.m. July 18. The meetings are temporarily located at 139 N. Fourth St., Emmaus.