At the July 21 Northampton Borough Council meeting, Candi Lynn, leader of the Paw Prints on the Canal team, provided a report to council on the annual fundraising event held June 12 at Canal Street Park.

Lynn was accompanied by Donna Werley and Sonya Mora as they announced, via an oversized check, a contribution to Northampton Police Department in the amount of $9,524.

Lynn noted there are about 15 volunteers - including fellow team leaders Beth Smith and Deanna Sciara-Cestare, who were not present at the meeting - who worked to make this year’s event a success.

Incredibly, the number of vendors participating in the event grew to 179.

Proceeds from the event benefit the Northampton Borough Police K-9 unit. Police Chief Bryan Kadingo thanked Lynn and her team for their outstanding efforts.

This was the 13th year of the Paw Prints on the Canal event. Lynn told council $76,157.55 has been raised for the police effort since the event’s inception.

Lynn thanked the Northampton fire police for its assistance in keeping parking and traffic under control.

She also thanked sponsors Miller Supply Ace Hardware, Annamaet Pet Foods, FastSigns, Harhart’s Service Station, J’s Steaks and Subs, Konkrete Creamery, Lawn Science, Northampton Seafood Market, Rita’s Italian Ice and Tanczos Beverages.

The Stanglein Veterinary Clinic microchipped pets present and operated a rabies clinic. The staff donated their time and their sales proceeds of $1,110.

The Allentown Dog Training Club provided dog training demonstrations. A deejay entertained with music and karaoke opportunities. Raffles and a bake sale were held, and food and ice cream were sold.

The 14th annual Paw Prints on the Canal is set for June 11, 2023. Visit pawprintsonthecanalevent.com to volunteer. To have a vendor spot for 2023, contact pawprintsonthecanal@yahoo.com.

In other business, Aaron Koehler was administered the oath of office by Mayor Tony Pristash to become a full-time police officer.

Council granted approval to the sponsors of the Wheels on the Canal to reserve the use of Canal Street Park, as well as the portable band trailer, May 20, 2023. The event benefits two organizations - Mission 22 and Blue Star Mothers-Lehigh Valley Chapter 201. All fees were waived.

In other matters, Lafarge Cement donated $2,000 to Atlas Cement Company Memorial Museum.

A Pennsylvania Municipal Health Insurance Cooperative surplus - in the amount of $168,488 - was received by the borough. These are unused funds from 2021.

The municipal pool was closed July 23 and 24 due to a lifeguard shortage. The pool officially closes Aug. 20.

The pickleball court is up and running at Canal Street Park. The overall cost of the court was reportedly $12,000.

The borough recently had all its parking meters tested by Northampton County Weights and Measures. They have been returned and reinstalled.

The next Northampton Borough Council meeting is 7:30 p.m. Aug. 4. It is an in-person-only meeting held at the municipal building, 1401 Laubach Ave.