At the Aug. 3 meeting of Northampton Borough Council, members of the Paw Prints on the Canal committee gave their report on the 2023 event, held June 11 at Canal Street Park.

The leaders of the Paw Prints effort presented a check for $13,094 to Northampton Police Department for its K-9 unit.

Council Vice President Ron Glassic thanked the Paw Prints leaders for raising about $90,000 in all, provided to the borough during the past 14 years from the annual events.

Councilman Anthony Lopsonzski, a retired police officer, noted the value of the K-9 unit to the police efforts and helping advance residents’ safety. He thanked the Paw Prints team’s dedicated work during the past 14 years.

The Paw Prints committee awarded police Chief Bryan Kadingo with gifts of appreciation for the department and its K-9 unit.

In her report, Councilwoman Judy Haldeman said the dedication of the monarch butterfly waystation at Canal Street Park will be 10:30 a.m. Aug. 15. A number of monarch butterflies of different levels of growth are expected to be released at the waystation kickoff event. Haldeman urged council members and the public, if possible, to attend.

A monarch butterfly waystation is an intentionally managed garden that provides food and habitat for the struggling monarch butterfly population.

In other news, after some discussion and questions from members, council adopted resolution 2023-7 to approve the River Central Multimunicipal Comprehensive Plan.

Kadingo requested and received permission to send a police officer to a three-day training, scheduled for Nov. 28-30. Titled Advanced Criminal Investigations, the training has a cost of $495.

He also requested and received council approval to send one officer to a one-day training offered at Lehigh Township Police Department for a cost of $495. The training is for Taser instructor recertification.

Council also approved a request from Kadingo to send one police officer to a two-day training on canine legal updates, patrol and narcotics. The training is Aug. 30 and 31 at Bethany Wesleyan Church in Cherryville. The cost is $225.

Council approved the borough’s zoning officer to attend a training session offered by Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs. The training is planned for Aug. 29 at Swarthmore, at a cost of $150.

New Journey Community Church was granted council permission for the use of pavilion B at Municipal Park Aug. 20. The church is holding its annual church picnic and has requested any and all fees be waived.

Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church requested and received council permission to use the borough’s portable band trailer Aug. 18 and 19. The church requested to have the rental fee waived. It will pay the $150 delivery and removal fee and provide a certificate of insurance adding Northampton Borough on the policy.

Kadingo requested and received permission to include a new patrol rifle policy to the procedures manual.

Glassic, in his report, passed along a request from Northampton Borough Manager LeRoy Brobst to have council President Judy Kutzler appoint a committee of three council members to interview a candidate for the junior council seat, which is currently vacant. Kutzler appointed Haldeman, Lopsonzski and Mayor Tony Pristash to the ad hoc interview committee.

In her building, land and recreation committee report, Haldeman reported the 42nd annual Northampton Community Days Fair was well attended and a clear success.

She added the swimming pool attendance has been good throughout the summer. Brobst added in his report the new diving board has arrived and will be installed for the 2024 summer season.

Haldeman also said the borough request for bids for the placement of security cameras throughout borough parks is moving forward. Costs are expected to be grant funded.

Councilwoman Bonnie Almond reported, in her fire and health report, the fire department received a bronze-level certificate as an accredited department. The certification was from the Office of the State Fire Commissioner and the State Fire Academy.

In his public works and sewer report, Glassic noted a truck ordered for public works in 2022 arrived July 27. It is a Ford F-250 Heavy Duty vehicle with a V-plow.

In his report, Mayor Tony Pristash said the Pennsylvania State Mayors Association recent conference in Lancaster was successful. He added he was impressed with the information about the duties and powers of a mayor in Pennsylvania and how this can assist the borough more efficiently in addressing issues.

The next council meeting will be 7 p.m. Aug. 17 at the municipal building, 1401 Laubach Ave., Northampton. It is a hybrid meeting, with both in-person and virtual options. Visit YouTube and search Northampton Borough Council to access the meeting virtually.