The Emmaus Borough Council’s April 17 meeting was highlighted by a special presentation.

The meeting began by announcing the 2021 Emmaus Volunteer of the Year. The recipient was longtime volunteer and President of East Penn Neighbors Helping Neighbors, Dr. Anne Zayaitz. This program was built to help families in the area who need living assistance or are experiencing homelessness. So far, with the leadership of Zayaitz, the program has helped 10 families since 2014 in the East Penn School District.

“We want to thank the borough council for all they do. We could not do what we do without your help,” Zayaitz said.

The 2022 Emmaus Volunteer of the Year followed. Reds Bailey, the former chair of the Emmaus Shade Tree Commission for many years received the award. For years, he advised property owners on selecting a new tree or troubleshooting a tree that was storm-damaged or suffering from a disease. He is a certified arborist and a vocal advocate for trees in the Emmaus community.

“Thank you. I hope that we can continue the work that we’ve been doing. I am always there for anyone who wants to know more about their trees. I’m always here to help,” Bailey said.

Each recipient received a personalized brick that will be placed in the Emmaus Community Garden. There is a walkway that showcases each of the volunteers honored.

Next, there were three event requests during communications. They were all from the Knauss Homestead. The first event request was for the annual Strawberry Festival June 3. Next, was for the Peach Festival to be held Aug. 5 and the last request was for the Harvest Festival to be held Sept. 16. Each event will be held at the Knauss Homestead noon to 5 p.m. The events were approved.

“Thanks for everything! We’ve had a great year and a great staff. You’re not gonna believe the transformation inside the barn. There is more goodness to come,” Gene Clock, president of The Knauss Homestead Preservation Society, said.

Proclamation 2023-556 was read during Mayor Lee Ann Gilbert’s report. This was to proclaim April 28, 2023 as Arbor Day in Emmaus.

In public works, Councilman Roy Anders announced the hiring of Scott Sell as a new full-time public works department employee. He has a significant amount of experience related to the position and Anders was happy to have him as a borough employee.

In parks and recreation, Councilwoman Shana Baumgartner announced the hiring of Bob Ayers for the branding and signage project for the park entry sign design and file, logo design and file and $100 for each additional sign. It is expected the new signage will progressively be placed in all the parks in the borough.

Additionally, the family pass for the Emmaus Community pool will include two adults in the same household. This was approved by council.

Resolution 2023-16 was the bill list for the evening. The total amounted to $511,532.36.

In community relations, planning and development, it was announced the official Emmaus Borough website would be up and running soon.

In the last item for the evening, Borough Manager Shane Pepe announced the hiring of a part-time Para-Transit driver. In addition, he applied for a grant to help pay for handicap ramps that will be replaced on Main Street.

In the community minute, Gilbert announced Drug Take Back Day is April 22. You can take any old prescriptions and turn them in at the Emmaus Police Department.

The next borough council meeting will be held 6 p.m. May 1. Residents are encouraged to pay attention to the borough calendar on the Emmaus Borough website, as the meeting location may be updated.