During the Catasauqua Borough Council committee meetings April 3, borough Treasurer Catherine VanDyne shared an update from the 2021 audit.

She reported the borough overspent by $3 million in 2021. Some of the overspending included $92,000 for code enforcement; $2,300,000 for the Iron Works project; $438,170 for engineering services; $332,603 for legal services; $211,114 for the police department; and $99,000 for overtime pay.

VanDyne mentioned some of the overspending could have resulted from items being coded incorrectly. When asked if this overspending could be a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the answer was no.

Councilwoman Jill Smerdon questioned if the numbers were just being reported incorrectly or if it was outright fraud.

Borough Manager Glenn Eckhart noted there are nine developers interested in working on the Iron Works project.

Additionally, Eckhart said the cellphone audit is moving along. There are about 10 numbers identified as needing clarification. If these numbers are not needed, eliminating them could save a couple hundred dollars, Eckhart reported.

During the planning and zoning portion of the meeting, Smerdon said the junkyard on 10th Street is out of compliance with its fencing and with vehicles being parked all over. Eckhart agreed there are some compliance issues and said next steps include collecting evidence and necessary documentation. He said they are moving forward with it, but the process requires patience and time.

There is an alternate vacancy on the zoning hearing board due to the appointment of Virginia Schlegel to the empty council seat. There are also two vacancies on the planning commission. Interested parties should contact Mayor Barbara Schlegel.

The public safety report mentioned part-time police officers are sought to cover various shifts and support the full-time officers. These part-time positions do not offer benefits.

Reportedly, the borough lost three full-time officers, but the cost is too high to replace them at this time. These new part-time officers will help eliminate overtime needs and costs, help protect against burnout and will ensure shifts are properly covered.

Regarding the public works report, several upcoming work dates were shared. Trees will be planted in the park for Arbor Day celebrations April 10-17, street cleaning is scheduled for April 17-21, a bucket truck will be used to remove limbs from trees and install the Hometown Heroes posters April 24-May 1 and pothole filling will occur May 1-5.

Councilman Gene Schlegel reported the merry-go-round at Catasauqua Park and Playground, 501 American St., is being repaired at a cost of about $7,000. He noted the borough received about $1,000 in insurance to help cover the cost.

Eckhart said the equipment was vandalized, adding the borough is taking steps to address vandalism, such as installing cameras to assist with the police investigation.

In other recreation news, there will be a summer basketball program for those in ninth grade to adults. It was mentioned this will be a good social outlet for residents, and having more park programs will help maintain a positive environment and protect against bad behaviors such as loitering, drug sales and gang activity.

The summer concert planning is moving along, with 14-16 concerts planned. A new vendor liability form will be utilized to help ensure all rules, regulations and expectations will be followed.

Grace Industries is contributing a significant amount of money to the borough to lease space on the George Taylor House property.

Upcoming recreation events include a gift card bingo 2-5 p.m. April 14, the Catty Eats Fest event 11 a.m.-3 p.m. April 15, an Arbor Day canal cleanup event 9 a.m.-noon April 22 and a town tree inspection April 25. Gene Schlegel noted a committee person is needed for the inspection, and interested parties should contact him if interested.

The television program “Ghosthunters” will air the episode featuring the George Taylor House May 4. There will be a viewing event starting 7:30 p.m. that night at Catasauqua American Legion Post 215, 330 Second St.

The engineer report mentioned the Walnut Street overlay project received $100,000 of the $1 million requested. The project should be looked at closely to ensure the funds are being used appropriately.

Eckhart also noted the sewer in the council building is not working properly so Roto Rooter has been called. This is reportedly an ongoing issue. The condition of the pipes is leading to complications.

Eckhart and Barbara Schlegel noted they are both receiving comments and hearing complaints about the tax increase. Eckhart encouraged those who seek clarification or greater understanding about the increase to attend the next meeting, set for 7 p.m. April 24 at the municipal complex, 90 Bridge St.