Northampton Borough Manager LeRoy Brobst and members of Northampton Borough Council have been seeking volunteers for the borough’s zoning hearing board for months. At the March 2 council meeting, members approved Tiffany Crush to fill a seat on that board.

When Crush took the microphone to introduce herself to council and field any questions they might have, she said she is a social worker for Northampton County, in the human services department. No questions were asked.

Borough Solicitor Brian Panella thanked her for her work with Northampton County Human Services, recognizing the social worker role is a challenging, important position dealing with important family issues and more.

A borough’s zoning hearing board is a quasi- judicial body that hears and renders decisions regarding specific types of land/property use actions.

Crush, whose husband is a volunteer safety officer with the Northampton Fire Department, was quickly approved by council. All of council thanked her for stepping forward to fill the role.

Councilman Trevor Stone reported the borough is also seeking a member for the borough’s planning commission. This prompted council President Judy Kutzler, in a light moment, to ask Crush if she wanted to also fill the vacancy on the planning commission.

Contact the borough office for information or to apply for the planning commission opening.

Council approved sending a police officer to attend a use-of-force recertification class in State College March 14-16. The cost of the class is $395.

Councilwoman Judy Haldeman reported a meeting is being scheduled to discuss the Northampton swimming pool. There has been a surprising number of lifeguard applicants. Haldeman reported the replacement diving boards and a new waterslide have been ordered. Discussion of the plans to paint the pool are moving forward.

It was also announced March 1 was the first day for residents to secure park permits.

Council Vice President Ronald Glassic noted preparations are underway for the installation of Easter decorations on streetlights in the borough.

Glassic also reported the borough’s Easter egg hunt is 11 a.m. April 1 at Municipal Park, Smith Lane and Laubach Avenue.

He also promoted the redevelopment of a borough newsletter.

Outgoing Junior Councilmember Ryleigh Tillotson was thanked by council for her efforts serving council. Councilman Anthony Lopszonski Sr. said she did a good job and learned many new things. He asked her to help pick the next junior council member.

Brobst said the $150,000 brush cutter will be ready for use this year.

He also noted a preliminary meeting with the police department is being planned to begin police contract negotiations.

Mayor Tony Pristash announced the Hometown Heroes program has been expanded to include police, firefighters and emergency medical front line staff. Contact the borough office for more information and to apply for a banner.

The next Northampton Borough Council meeting is 7 p.m. March 16. It is a hybrid meeting, with both in-person and virtual options. Visit YouTube and search Northampton Council Meeting to view the meeting.