At the Northampton Borough Council meeting Feb. 16, council struggled to appoint a replacement for Anthony Lopsonzski Jr., who vacated his role about a month ago.

He moved out of the borough, which required his resignation from council.

Three residents of the fourth ward applied for the council appointment. All three were in attendance and were provided the opportunity to address council.

Jason Donohue went first, then Joseph Kolar and Sandra Sayuk. Speakers went in alphabetical order.

Steven Goudsouzian, borough solicitor, explained the process for selecting the new council member. It took two rounds to make the selection, which ultimately required a tie-break vote by Mayor Anthony Pristash.

The Pennsylvania Borough Code allows for a borough mayor to break a tied borough council vote.

Kolar was nominated and seconded first but received a 4-2 vote against his nomination.

Donohue was to be voted on next but did not receive a second to his nomination, so his vote failed.

Sayuk also concluded the first round with a 4-2 vote against her nomination.

Goudsouzian explained the second-round procedure. Both Kolar and Donohue fell short with a 5-1 and 4-2 against vote, respectively. Sayuk’s second round vote was deadlocked at 3-3.

Pristash voted for Sayuk, giving her a 4-3 vote and a seat on Northampton Borough Council. Pristash administered the oath of office, and Sayuk took her seat at the council dais.

Sayuk is a lifelong Northampton resident and was born in the former Haff Hospital. She said she is a retired nurse and was an ambulance corps volunteer.

Many years ago, she said she attempted to volunteer with Northampton Fire Department but was rebuffed because only men were accepted as volunteer firefighters at that time. Sayuk noted she then went to speak with her state representative and, shortly after, was allowed to join the fire company as a volunteer firefighter.

After her appointment, she thanked council and the mayor for their support.

In other business, Pristash said he attended a 100th birthday party at Renaissance Senior Home, where he proclaimed Feb. 16 as Virginia Sakers Day in Northampton. He publicly wished Virginia a happy birthday. He said Virginia has witnessed many changes in the town and nation during her long life.

Pristash said two police officers have joined the three current bike patrol officers, making a team of five.

Council approved requests from New Journey Community Church to conduct a communitywide Easter egg hunt April 8 at Municipal Park and approved the Nazareth Area Chamber of Commerce to use the portable band trailer several days during 2023.

In addition, the Northampton Area Chamber of Commerce was granted permission to use the portable band trailer June 24, and South Whitehall Township was granted permission to use the band trailer several days during the summer.

One police officer was approved to attend an International Police Mountain Bike Association training June 12-16 at a cost of $250.

Police Chief Bryan Kadingo received permission to send an officer to a first-responder grant writing class, set for May 8 and 9 at the Whitehall Township Police Department. The cost is $499.

The borough tax collector requested increased lighting near her office to enhance taxpayer safety when they come to pay their taxes. Council agreed with the request.

Northampton Fire Department requested and received permission to use the borough’s portable restroom facility during the upcoming purse bingo Feb. 25.

Tri-Boro Youth Soccer Club was granted permission to use the Atlas Sports Complex March 18-June 11.

Northampton Exchange Club received permission to hold the annual Northampton Community Days event July 19-22 at Municipal Park.

A resident provided council with information casting doubt on the safety of LED lighting currently being installed in Northampton. He was directed to meet with borough Manager LeRoy Brobst.

Councilwoman Judy Haldeman reported on plans to repaint the municipal swimming pool. She added orders for two new diving boards and a new waterslide are moving forward.

The next borough council meeting will be 7 p.m. March 2 at the municipal building, 1401 Laubach Ave. It is a hybrid meeting, with both in-person and virtual options. Visit YouTube and search Northampton Council Meeting to access the livestreamed meeting.