The PFAS [polyfluoroalkyl substance] remediation plan decision for the borough water supply was announced at the May 15 Emmaus Borough Council meeting – Emmaus will treat the wells themselves and not seek a bulk or hybrid purchase from Lehigh County Authority. This will now move the process along; however, decisions still need to be made on the exact process of treatment. Borough engineers will continue to work with the borough to complete this process. Councilman John Hart made a statement regarding the decision.

“The information presented did come from a very learned and knowledgeable expert engaged by the borough to enlighten us on a very scientifically complex and expensive solution. And additionally, from my days of using many consultants in the health care field – knowing that we would get 12 different opinions from 10 consultants. One also needs to remember consultants don’t have any skin in the game. They don’t have to drink our water or pay taxes in the borough after a singular option is chosen and implemented.

“As difficult as it is, this is our problem to address based on the best knowledge we have at present for the Borough of Emmaus.

“The second thing that came to mind upon hearing this question from the audience was the realization that there is no single 100% foolproof correct option. I’ll repeat that: there is no single 100% foolproof correct option.

“Treating our own wells. Expensive - but we have control of the situation. Despite having high levels of PSOS in at least two of our wells, I still see our water source as an asset that we have as a continuing resource. Because we were early in discovery and in the press with our problem, we are, as I see it, first in line for potential state and federal funds.

“While I was not in favor of doing our own treatment in the beginning, I am firmly convinced after in-depth consideration, that option 3 – treating our own water – is the way to go.”

In other business, there will be a Power-up event 3-6 p.m. June 3. This will encourage physical fitness, while also having some food truck options. Additionally, the Emmaus Community Yard Sale Event will take place on the same date 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

In special presentations, a member of the Emmaus Recreation and Entertainment Committee, Alan Sylvestre, gave an update on summer events. The main live events he showcased were the Tunes at the Triangle, Concerts in the Park and a newly established Flick and Floats event. You can learn more about the numerous events at emmausarts.org.

There were two items approved in decisions on bids.

Next, leasing for a 2023 Mack dump truck was discussed. The two options offered were a 5-year lease and a 7-year lease. The financed amount needed is $207,553.06. It was recommended by Borough Manager Shane Pepe to award the bid to Tax Exempt Leasing Corporation for a 5-year lease with a 4.98% interest rate. This was approved by council.

Resolution 2023-19 was the sale of a 2000 Stephan L Green trailer to Jeffrey Katz. PA Act 43 allows for the sale of items less than an estimated $1,000 without putting them out for bid.

St. Ann’s Church, Emmaus, submitted a request to hold its annual Fall Fest 5-10 p.m. Sept. 9-11 at the church, 415 S. Sixth St.

Police Officer Alfred Kloss has submitted his retirement and has suggested working part-time moving forward. He has served the department for the past 25 years.

There were no items in unfinished or new business.

Mayor Lee Ann Gilbert had three proclamations to pass during the night.

Proclamation 2023-561 recognizes May 21 through May 27 as National Public Works Week. The theme will be “Connecting the World Through Public Works.”

Proclamation 2023-562 recognizes May 29 as the official date for Memorial Day.

Proclamation 2023-563 recognizes May 21 through May 27 as Emergency Medical Services Week. The theme for this will be “EMS: Where Emergency Care Begins.”

Eric Fuhrmann was hired as code official during the health, sanitation and codes report. His experience was highlighted. He is a certified master code official with extensive experience working within the state.

“He has a level of experience very few have in this state, and he can be someone that develops others in our department as well,” Pepe said.

In public safety, it was announced Bryan Hamscher passed the oral examination as part of the Emmaus Civil Service Rules and Regulations. Thus, he was officially certified for civil service protection as deputy chief of police of the Borough of Emmaus.

Council approved medical vendors for the police department pre-hiring testing. It was announced Police Sgt. Kevin Schmidt completed the standard one-year probation period.

In budget and finance, the bill list totaled $986,299.58.

Conrad Siegel was approved for hire as the pension investment firm for Emmaus Borough.

Englebright Financial Advisors was approved to manage the borough’s 401A Plan.

Pepe announced the promotion of Joshua Smale to Firefighter 2/ EMT. He also announced the hiring of seasonal employees for the pool/concession and two veteran firefighters to the Emmaus Fire Department. A paratransit Driver was also hired.