The Dec. 5 Emmaus Borough Council meeting was highlighted by several new ordinances in new business.

In a community minute, the council talked about how excellent the tree lighting was at Triangle Park.

In communications, there was an announcement Alison Spagnoletti stepped down from the Emmaus Arts Commission. Alison Fox also stepped down from two commissions. Updates on vacant commission seats will be announced. Contacting the borough office is always the best way to get information.

Hanover Engineering submitted two requests for reappointment – the first for borough utility engineer and the second as the borough sewage enforcement officers.

In new business, there were four new ordinances read.

Ordinance No. 1233 establishes a streetlight fund for the borough. Right now, the streetlights have been funded through a different municipal fund. The first reading of this ordinance was approved.

Ordinance No. 1234 amends the codified ordinances dealing with the water rate schedule and the billing and collection procedures for the borough. With average water usage, a household of four will see a water rate increase of $41.60 per year. Additionally, an infrastructure fee increase will be $60 per year. So, total costs will go up $101.60 per year. This first reading was approved.

In a note from Borough Manager Shane Pepe, the increase was explained.

“The borough increased the water rate for all water users. The borough also created a water infrastructure account, similar to the sewer infrastructure account. There are two reasons behind both increases, both which are very significant.”

There is a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection-mandated feasibility study regarding PFAS [widely used, long lasting chemicals, components of which break down very slowly over time] in Emmaus’ drinking water. The remedy for the removal of PFAS from the water is becoming more and more expensive. All possibilities are explored, and solutions range from $2 million to $30 million. The borough expects to choose a solution costing from $1.6 million to $2 million for the initial capital layout with an ongoing yearly maintenance fee of $50,000.

Secondly, a study was done of the well water holding tanks in the borough. It was determined significant repairs need to be done. To do the necessary repairs, the borough has been quoted $1.6 million for all repairs. This can be spread into a 4- to 5-year payment plan.

Ordinance No. 1235 amends the sewer and sewage disposal rates for Emmaus from $2.80 to $3.75 per thousand gallons. The average yearly increase per household will be around $60.80.

Pepe explained the sewer increase in the same note.

“Sewer rates are increasing because of the continued effort to remove stormwater from the sewer system. We are under a mandate to do this and with the upcoming assessment of the entire system, if the borough does not improve the percentage of water hitting the sewer during a storm, we are going to be on the hook for paying a greater percentage to the upgrades at the Allentown Klines Island Sewer Plant.

“... The borough is preparing to borrow $4 million to continue to address improving sewer mains and manholes to reduce the amount of water entering into the system. This is a federal and state mandate.”

Ordinance No. 1236 set the tax rate for Fiscal Year 2023 for the Borough of Emmaus at the rate of 8.1815 mills. This is an increase from last year and it’s due to two new taxes being levied. The yearly property tax increase for a household assessed at $200,000 was $93.93.

Pepe again explained.

“The borough is holding the line on the general fund property tax, as well as the fire fund property tax for 2023. However, the biggest complaint the borough has heard for many years is regarding the condition of our streets and lack of repairs. The borough has spent several years formulating a long-term plan to improve borough streets. As part of that plan, we need to fund the much-needed improvements. To do that, the borough created two taxes.”

The borough currently pays for street lighting out of the liquid fuels fund, with an estimated $120,000 per year not being used for road expenses. The streetlight tax will allow more money to be used toward roads and, hopefully, even out costs.

The special road project tax is specifically for nothing but road work. This will generate approximately $250,000 per year that can go to street work.

Combined, this would give the borough $300,000 to $400,000 per year dedicated to road work. In the past, the borough would only be able to budget around $100,000 per year.

This was approved. A second reading and adoption will be Dec. 19.

During the health, sanitation and codes report, 2023 Dumpster Day was announced as 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 16, 2023 and will take place at the Fire Training Grounds. Additionally, Household Hazardous Waste Day was set for 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 21 at Emmaus Community Park.

The first reading of the 2023 proposed budget was held during the budget and finance report. The bill list totaled $400,873.21.

Pepe finished by announcing the hiring of three part-time firefighters.

The next meeting will be held 7 p.m. Dec. 19 at 420 S. Tenth St., Emmaus.