Catasauqua Borough Council held committee meetings, followed by a special meeting, Feb. 6.

Borough Fire Chief Richard Hertzog discussed options for selling one of the department’s ladder trucks. He said the borough had three options: advertising on Municibid, advertising in fire publications or hiring a broker to handle the sale.

According to Hertzog, advertising on Municibid allows for less freedom in sales options and requires someone to respond to inquiries. Advertising in the fire publications also needs someone from the borough to handle requests, but it also has a cost.

A broker will list the truck and handle all inquiries and questions for the borough. The broker will receive 7% of the sale.

Bob Bainbridge, who handles the used apparatus sales at Fire Line Equipment, addressed council saying he believes he could sell the truck in about six months and estimates he could get approximately $15,000 for the truck.

Catasauqua Borough Manager Glenn Eckhart recommended going with the broker to help ensure the process is handled the most efficiently.

Council is expected to vote on this issue at the Feb. 20 meeting.

The finance committee reported time tracking is in process.

Additionally, the Department of Economic Development will be offering peer training for the administration and financial advice for the borough. This is part of the state assistance offered to the borough.

Eckhart also reported the 2021 audit and annual financial report are both completed. Work will begin shortly on the 2022 audit.

During the general government committee, it was announced Taylor House Brewing Company is seeking to expand production operations by leasing the Southwark building on Second Street for additional brewing space and storage.

Annette Pompa, of Taylor House Brewing Company, said they wanted to keep their operations in Catasauqua and thanked the borough for working with them to allow for expansion within the borough. They are seeking a two-year lease with a two-year renewal option.

Eckhart said this move is positive for both the borough and the business.

The lease is expected to be voted on at the next meeting.

Additionally, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation wants to rent areas of Fireman’s Field on Race Street during the demolition of the former Revolution Church and subsequent construction work at the Race and Lehigh streets intersection. It is expected the work could take six months.

On the topic of planning and zoning, Eckhart said the borough is considering consolidating the services under one company. He said the current system of Remington and Vernick handling engineering services and Barry Isett handling planning and zoning is inefficient.

Eckhart noted the borough is being charged for extra conversations because there is a disconnect with the communication between the two companies and the borough. He said it would be more efficient and make more fiscal sense to use Remington and Vernick for all the services.

Additionally, the borough’s new code enforcement official is looking to add zoning officer duties to his list.

During the public safety portion of the meeting, Eckhart spoke of his concerns with a recent social media post shared by a member of the police department. He said the post alleged borough council does not care about officer safety since they are working to limit overtime hours.

“This is a slap in the face to council and the mayor,” Eckhart said.

He added more overtime is not the answer for more safety. He said he wants to hire more full- and part-time officers. This will result in less overtime needed and shorter shifts to help increase officer safety.

He also noted the borough has mutual aid agreements with other municipalities in case of emergencies to ensure officers aren’t forced into unsafe situations without backup.

New, higher part-time rates were discussed for police officers.

Eckhart also reported the borough is working on implementing the Rave system, which will allow the borough to reach out to residents in case of emergencies, weather advisories, boil water advisories and more. Borough residents will be able to choose which alerts they would like to receive.

It was also reported the borough fire department received $15,000 from the state annual grant program. It will be used for new turnout gear for some members.

Regarding public works and utilities, Eckhart noted an offer has been made for a new public works director, who is expected to start in early April. This experienced individual has worked in three communities spanning 30 years. He is looking to serve as Catasauqua’s public works director in his retirement and expects to stay with the borough about five years.

Additionally, fire hydrant painting was discussed. There are two types of threads in the borough, so it was noted they will be color coded to help firefighters in an emergency. Also, the possibility of enlisting the help of senior citizens and students to rejuvenate the hydrants was mentioned.

The recreation committee report mentioned the former Catasauqua StrEAT Fest is being revamped for this year. It is now the Park Eat Fest and is being planned for April 15 at Catasauqua Park and Playground, 501 American St. The Whitehall Area Chamber of Commerce is planning the event, including music and food and craft vendors, at no cost to the borough.

Councilman Gene Schlegel said they are working on the concert sponsor letters to support the borough’s summer concert series. Schlegel noted they are expanding their reach beyond the borough to help bring more people in.

“We need to think outside the box for businesses making money in the borough but not giving back,” council President Brian Bartholomew suggested.

During the special meeting after the committee meetings, council approved the ordinance regarding 5G small wireless facilities in the borough.

Council members also approved a number of requests from the borough’s engineer, Remington and Vernick Engineers. These requests include $472,330.11 for a sludge belt press at the wastewater treatment plant; a reduction of credit in the amount of $892,438.50 for the 14th Street project; and $56,289.05 for asbestos abatement work at the Iron Works site.

A large portion of the meeting was dedicated to a conversation about the future of the municipal swimming pool.

At the end of the meeting, a Church Street resident approached council with concerns about feral cats in the neighborhood. He said his neighbor feeds them, which is causing problems. He said the food she leaves out attracts not only cats, but raccoons and other wildlife. He also mentioned the cats leave behind a mess, which could result in a public health concern.

“There are cats everywhere,” he said.

He asked if the borough could institute a feral cat ordinance to help control the situation. He noted he has reached out to the animal control officer.

Eckhart reported the code enforcement officer would be on the scene to inspect the situation the following day.

The next borough council meeting is set for 7 p.m. Feb. 20 in the municipal complex, 90 Bridge St.