Steven Santiago, of the North Catasauqua Police Department, was officially promoted to the rank of corporal during the June 5 borough council meeting.

The borough held the exam for any active full-time borough police officers who had been employed for at least two years. Testing included a written exam, an interview and the submission of required documents.

Civil Service Chairperson Roger Scheirer announced Santiago scored the highest on the exam and was recommended for the position. Police Chief Christopher Wolfer read a short, yet detailed, letter about Santiago and his “unwavering dedication” and requested council promote Santiago to corporal.

Council approved the promotion, and a pinning ceremony was held to honor Santiago. He was accompanied by Julia Santiago, who helped pin his new badge.

In other business, Tasha Jandrisovits, borough secretary, discussed the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission matter that was mentioned at the last meeting. The borough had been charged a citation fee from a soft dig that hit a gas line.

The borough appealed the violations and was able to bring the fee from $1,500 to $500. It was discussed Jandrisovits and public work Supervisor Travis Brett were expected to return in front of the commission to try and appeal the remaining violations. However, Keystone Consulting opted to reimburse the borough for the remaining $500 fine instead of trying to appeal the matter further. Council agreed to the arrangement.

North Catasauqua Borough is also in receipt of a few grants. The fire department was awarded a $1,000 grant from Whitehall Area Chamber of Commerce, which will be allocated for the purchase of forcible entry tools.

The recreation committee received a $2,000 grant from the Whitehall Chamber to be used to replace the park’s picnic tables.

Michele Hazzard, of the recreation committee, reported there will be no summer Crafts and Laughs program at the park during the morning and no wiffle ball in the afternoon due to a lack of sufficient staff. The recreation committee hopes to have the program return in the summer of 2024.

Despite the cancellation, there are still summer opportunities for North Catasauqua residents. Holy Trinity Memorial Lutheran Church, 604 Fourth St., Catasauqua, has partnered with Suburban North Family YMCA, 880 Walnut St., Catasauqua, for the Fun in the Sun program. This is typically limited to Catasauqua residents but will now be open to North Catasauqua residents as well.

The program is planned for 9 a.m.-noon June 12-July 28, Mondays through Fridays, at Catasauqua Park and Playground, 501 American St. The free program is open to children entering kindergarten through sixth grade. Preregistration is required, and spaces are limited.

For more information, call the YMCA at 610-264-5211.

Council agreed to cancel the first meeting of July, scheduled for July 3, due to the Independence Day holiday. There will be a meeting 7 p.m. July 17.

Council next meets 7 p.m. June 19 at 1066 Fourth St., but any changes will be posted on the borough’s website under the news section. Visit northcatasauqua.org for more information regarding meeting cancellations.