At its Feb. 2 Northampton Borough Council meeting, council held a reorganization meeting to elect a new president and vice president.

Council unanimously elected Councilwoman Judy Kutzler as council president. Kutzler served as council vice president before the resignation of Councilman Anthony Lopsonzski Jr., who relocated out of the borough.

Kutzler thanked her peers and pledged to serve the taxpayers and residents of Northampton.

As a council member, she has been a strong advocate for the borough’s police and fire departments.

Kutzler, widely regarded as a fiscal hawk regarding taxation, has also advocated for more full-time police officers to enhance police services.

The council president serves on the behest of a majority of council members with principal duties: running council meetings, appointing council committee assignments and other responsibilities prescribed in the Pennsylvania Borough Code.

Council selected Councilman Ronald Glassic as vice president.

Glassic is in his first term as a Northampton council member. He has a rich history in management and public relations during his work career. He has also demonstrated a focus on fiscal matters, reviewing borough expenditures at monthly meetings.

Glassic thanked his peers for the appointment as council vice president.

In other business, council approved a request from the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce to hold the 34th annual Uptown Northampton Street Fair event 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 9 on Main Street between East 17th and 21st streets.

The borough’s wastewater plant superintendent, Scott Gillespie, received council approval to send some plant employees to workshop trainings and tours of other wastewater facilities throughout 2023 at no cost to the borough.

Bernadette Singh was selected from a large group of applicants to be hired as the new full-time administrative assistant. Council approved the hire. Borough Manager LeRoy Brobst also announced a reorganization of the office duties in the coming weeks.

In his report, Councilman Kenneth Hall said the 2023 borough budget includes $18,000 for Northampton Area Public Library. He thanked Veronica Laroche, library director, for her active efforts to promote the library.

Councilwoman Judy Haldeman said Monica Hodges was contacted to report on the funds received to erect a memorial plaque at the swimming pool to honor former employees of the pool who are deceased.

Haldeman noted the AARP tax preparers will be at the Northampton Recreation Center to complete residents’ 2022 tax returns. Those interested in having their returns completed must make an appointment in person at the facility, 1 Lerchenmiller Drive.

Councilman Trevor Stone said there are openings on the borough’s zoning hearing board and planning commission. Contact the borough office to apply for these positions.

Councilwoman Bonnie Almond announced the borough’s fire department has a purse bingo set for Feb. 25 at the fire station, 4 Lerchenmiller Drive. Doors open 11 a.m., and bingo starts 12:30 p.m. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase.

Glassic noted the recent light snow was handled with no issues by the public works department. He also reported the replacement door at the Atlas Cement Company Memorial Museum, located in the municipal building, has arrived and is expected to be installed soon.

Expounding on the importance of council maintaining infrastructure, particularly at the borough’s water and sewer plants, Glassic reminded council these borough operations must be maintained at a high level. He also said the installation of LED lights saves taxpayer dollars and promotes public safety.

Glassic also noted the valentine heart lights have been tested and will be placed on the light standards shortly - to everyone’s delight.

The next Northampton Borough Council meeting is 7 p.m. Feb. 16 in the municipal building, 1401 Laubach Ave. It is a hybrid meeting, with both in-person and virtual options. Visit northamptonboro.org for the access numbers to view virtually.