Mayor Lee Ann Gilbert and the council swore in Police Officer Timothy Kline at the Dec. 19 Emmaus Borough Council meeting. He was originally hired in 2021 as an auxiliary and park police officer, but after a year, has moved up to full-time police officer.

In communications, Theodore Iobst requested reappointment to the zoning hearing board. Kathy Reinhard requested reappointment to the Emmaus Public Library Board. Additionally, Timothy Jones and Howard Schaeffer submitted applications to the zoning hearing board.

Four previously read new ordinances were approved in unfinished business.

Ordinance No. 1233 established the streetlight fund for Emmaus.

Ordinance No. 1234 increased the water rate for the borough. As stated in a previous article, on average, 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 are estimated to rise $101.60 per year.

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

Ordinance No. 1236 set the millage rate, levying taxes for fiscal year 2023 at the rate of 8.1815 mills. This is split between the general fund tax of 6.3154 mills, a fire fund tax of 1.3961 mills, a special roads fund tax of .32 mills and the new streetlight fund tax of 0.15 mills.

Following unfinished business, Gilbert gave her 2022 year end report. This year, she administered the oath of office to an assistant ambulance chief, police chief, part-time patrolman, police sergeant and police officer.

Gilbert took part in eight ribbon cuttings, nine official borough events and issued 32 proclamations. She also said the police department raised $1,300 for their No Shave November fundraiser.

In general administration, contract adjustments were made with D’Huy Engineering, Inc., construction project manager and W2A Design Group, a construction architect. They both pertain to the renovation and expansion project on Emmaus Borough Hall, Central Fire-Ambulance Station and police station.

The yearly police collective bargaining agreement was also approved.

There were three significant resolutions in budget and finance.

Resolution 2022-51 approved the 2023 fee schedule.

Resolution 2022-48 adopted the 2023 budget.

Resolution 2022-52 approved the bill list dating back to the previous meeting. The total bills amounted to $1,215,903.41.

Borough Manager Shane Pepe announced Robert Leanch was hired as a full-time public works employee.

Jared Tellechea was hired as a part-time firefighter and EMT. Pepe said the Emmaus fire-ambulance department is nearly fully staffed.

The meeting was then adjourned. The next council meeting will be held 7 p.m. Jan. 3, 2023 at 420 S. 10th St., Emmaus.