At the April 20 Northampton Borough Council meeting, Jerry Serensits was appointed to the position of borough zoning officer.

The position will be open June 15 when the current zoning officer, Juliann Edelman, retires.

Serensits, a Northampton public works employee, was interviewed by a committee of three council members, who recommended Serensits for the position. His training period officially began April 24.

Borough Manager LeRoy Brobst congratulated Serensits on his appointment and thanked him for his interest.

Brobst also thanked Northampton Mayor Tony Pristash; a representative from the office of state Sen. Nick Miller, D-14th; and a representative from the office of state Rep. Zach Mako, R-183rd, for attending Ethan Brobst’s Eagle Scout Court of Honor, held April 16.

Brobst said Ethan was delighted to hear Pristash proclaim April 16 as “Ethan Brobst Day” in Northampton. Brobst added Ethan received a citation from U.S. Congresswoman Susan Wild, D-7th, and from the state Senate.

In other business, council approved a request for an accessible parking space at 204 W. 14th St. The request was recommended by Northampton Police Chief Bryan Kadingo before the council vote.

A request for the construction of a driveway entrance to the property at 202 E. Second St. was also approved.

Council accepted the resignation letter of Councilwoman Sandra Sayuk, who represented the 4th Ward. Applications to apply for the open council seat are being accepted. Send a letter of application to the Northampton Borough office, 1401 Laubach Ave., Northampton, 18067, or drop it off at the municipal office. Those interested must reside in the 4th ward to apply.

The Northampton Fire Department received council approval to hold a coin toss 8 a.m.-4 p.m. April 29 at 21st and Main streets, with a rain date of April 30.

The Vera Cruz Community Association requested and received permission to use the borough’s portable band trailer Aug. 20 for its annual homecoming event. The group will pay a delivery and pickup fee and must provide a certificate of insurance.

Bids were opened and a selection made for the purchase of road materials for Northampton, North Catasauqua and the Northampton Borough Municipal Authority.

Council approved an intermunicipal sewer contract with East Allen Township to provide 13 estimated daily units for the proposed new school in East Allen Township.

Councilwoman Judy Haldeman noted painting of the pool deck will begin soon. She also said the conversion of the current concession stand is starting, adding an entrance for patrons. Haldeman added some new rules for the pool are being developed for this year’s pool season.

Councilwoman Bonnie Almond said there were 508 police calls and 156 incidents involving the Northampton police, and they responded to 16 accidents in March. She also reported 28 fire calls, 10 motor vehicle accidents and other incidents.

Councilman Anthony Lopsonzski Sr. appealed to residents to not blow grass trimmings into the street. He said Environmental Protection Agency regulations forbid this because the grass can wash into the drains and sewers, clogging them. Yard waste and most fertilizers can cause nutrient pollution and oxygen depletion in streams and rivers when carried through storm drains and sewers, according to the EPA.

Pristash thanked all who participated in the recent Buckeye Pipeline/Buckeye Partners mock oil spill training held at the Lehigh River. NFD was involved in the training.

Pristash said the training was so thorough that it even held a mock news conference where real-life questions were asked of leaders.

The fire department also received a $2,500 gift from Buckeye Partners.

Pristash reported the deadline to order a Hometown Heroes banner is April 28. Call the borough office to order a banner. Pristash said 91 additional banners were ordered so far.

The next Northampton Borough Council meeting will be 7 p.m. May 4 at 1401 Laubach Ave. It is a hybrid meeting, with both in-person and virtual options. Visit YouTube and search Northampton Borough Council Meeting to view the meeting virtually.