Northampton resident Jason Donohue has been selected by Northampton Borough Council to fill its empty seat.

The seat was vacated when Sandra Sayuk unexpectedly resigned her 4th Ward seat in April.

Donahue, who works as a Whitehall Township Public Works Department employee, addressed council, saying he wants to work to keep the borough’s safety services strong. He commented the borough roads are in good condition when contrasted with other municipalities.

Donahue said he will bring new ideas for council to consider.

During its May 18 meeting, council voted for Donahue 4-0-1, with three council members absent. There was one abstention.

Another candidate for the open council position was Ron Knopf. Since Donahue was motioned first and received a favorable vote, it ended the selection process. The borough code indicates the first applicant to achieve a majority vote is selected; therefore, there was no vote for Knopf.

In other business, council approved a request from Covenant United Methodist Church, of Moore Township, for the use of the borough’s portable band trailer Aug. 27. The church agreed to pay a delivery and removal fee and provide a certificate of insurance naming the borough as insured.

Northampton Area High School requested and received permission to have borough fire and police personnel available June 2 for the 2023 commencement. Rain dates include June 3 and 4.

Northampton Police Chief Bryan Kadingo recommended the designation of an accessible parking spot in the area of 814 Main St. The recommendation was approved by council.

Borough Manager LeRoy Brobst asked that a Community Development Block Grant request, not to exceed $100,000, be made through Northampton County to assist the borough in completing amendments in the zoning, subdivisions and land development ordinances. Changes will be required after the River Central Comprehensive Plan is adopted by the five participating municipalities.

Northampton Fire Department received council permission to use the fire department’s SUV to attend the annual Fire Expo in Harrisburg, which was held May 19 and 20.

Councilman Kenneth Hall reported the borough received $53,598 from the borough’s insurance carrier for a police vehicle that was totaled in a motor vehicle accident.

Hall also reported the Service Electric franchise fee of $6,035 was received.

Councilwoman Judy Haldeman noted Paw Prints on the Canal needs volunteers to help with the bake sale for the annual event, planned for June 11.

She added swimming pool passes are available for purchase.

Under the code and police council report, it was said the police committee is scheduled to meet to review the police bargaining unit contract suggestions and prepare a counter proposal.

Councilwoman Bonnie Almond said the recent fire department coin toss raised about $4,500.

She also noted the borough board of health meets 7 p.m. May 30 in the municipal building.

It was said, during the public works and sewer report, the borough street sweeper is beyond repair. The cost of replacing the sweeper is expected to be $150,000.

Mayor Tony Pristash noted the development of the monarch butterfly way station has begun. It is expected the riverfront garden will begin development the week after Memorial Day.

Pristash also noted state Sen. Nick Miller, D-14th, secured a grant for $20,300 for video cameras for the borough.

Pristash also commented there is an increase of children’s and family activities around the parks and asks people to be cautious as they travel around the parks.

The next borough council meeting is 7 p.m. June 1 at the municipal building, 1401 Laubach Ave. It is a hybrid meeting, with both in-person and virtual options. To view virtually, visit YouTube.com and enter Northampton Borough in the search box.