The March 20 meeting of the Hellertown Borough Council was uncontroversial but productive, addressing several issues during the hour-plus meeting.

Garrett Powell, who serves on the borough’s Climate Action Committee with councilor Terri Fadem, provided an update on the inaugural Climate Town Hall meeting held the previous week.

Powell said it was “well-attended,” with about 30 folks joining in-person and via Zoom. He added that they received multiple follow-up emails from groups expressing interest in their efforts, including Saucon Valley HS’s Environmental Club.

The committee’s next steps will include refining messaging on energy- (and cost-) saving initiatives and working with Borough Manager Cathy Hartranft to procure quotes on solar power throughout Hellertown, Powell added.

Councilor Andrew Hughes then reported on the second meeting of the borough’s budding Finance Committee.

Along with colleague Matt Marcincin, Hughes’ presentation elaborated on the borough’s property holdings and their financial implications. He noted that Hellertown boasts 90-plus acres of parks, multiple facilities, and 42 vehicles.

Hughes further “challenged” invested parties to consider some revenue-generating possibilities that might derive from the creative deployment of these assets. Some of his suggestions included selling off some of the borough’s lesser-used equipment and exploring installing solar panels on the south-facing roof of the new Public Works building.

In other business, Hartranft happily reported successfully bidding on a $396,000 grant for improvements to Gregory Park. Council President Thomas Rieger noted the “pocket park” on Easton Road is overdue for an upgrade.

Rieger also announced that an upcoming regular council meeting will be held immediately following a dual Open House & Ribbon-Cutting/Retirement of Robert Ruch Ceremony at the now-finished Public Works facility. May 15 is the tentative date, contingent upon Ruch’s ability to attend, Rieger added.

Also, the council honored three high school students – Jake Jones, Aiden Grogg, and Cole Hubert – who placed at the recent PIAA state championship wrestling tournament. District Athletic Director Bob Frey noted that a fourth wrestler, Liam Scrivanich, was unable to attend.