During the Aug. 21 Catasauqua Borough Council meeting, Vice President Howard Cunningham, public safety committee chair, reported the appraisal of the Iron Works site has been finished, resulting in a 54-page report.

The appraisal was completed by Raymond C. Geiger Jr., of Raymond C. Geiger Real Estate, Allentown. It was requested by borough Manager Glenn Eckhart to assist in the possible future sale or transfer to the Lehigh County Redevelopment Authority.

Cunningham reported the Iron Works property was valued at $320,000, per Geiger’s appraisal.

This property was purchased in 2013 for $800,000, with an additional $45,000 going to an unnamed third party, according to Cunningham. He added more than $3 million has reportedly been invested into the property to renovate it.

Eckhart confirmed the information reported by Cunningham.

According to the appraisal document, Geiger based his appraisal of the “as-is” property on 2010-11 environmental site assessments and expense and grant listings, among other reports.

Geiger added the appraisal could increase - and the land become appealing to developers - if the three remaining buildings at the southern end of the tract were demolished and the flood plain razed.

The appraisal then, per Geiger, would increase to approximately $1.2 million.

In other business, Dean Browning, project manager, reviewed a few changes made to the proposed capital plan before its approval. Changes include an additional million dollars for wastewater treatment and sewer, as well as an additional $100,000 planned for public works.

He pointed out no spending is authorized through the preparation or adoption of the plan. The plan was developed to allow borough management and elected officials to plan for needs. Actual implementation will be determined by budgetary considerations, prioritization, feasibility reviews and organizational capacity.

After discussion, the capital plan was approved.

Eckhart reported the budget is in line with expectations and is under budget for the first time since 2015.

Engineer Vanessa Nedrick reported the wastewater treatment plan had bids for sludge removal, with bidding beginning Aug. 16. Council was seeking the lowest bid for more than 1,800 tons of sludge to be removed. Waste Management had the lowest bid, and it was approved by council. The borough had a five-year contract with a previous company that expired.

The Bridge Street Multimodal Transportation Fund grant project to improve the sidewalk and roadway is coming in at a cost of more than $2 million. This funding will be reimbursed by the state after initial incremental payments by the borough.

Mayor Barbara Schlegel said there will be a flea market to support the police department’s K-9 unit. It will be held Sept. 16 at Fireman’s Field. More than $800 has been raised in previous projects for the K-9 unit thus far.

Schlegel also pointed out the summer concert series has been a success, in addition to all the activities at the George Taylor House.

Council is reportedly still examining what can be done with the site of the pool. Investigation of potential uses will continue with the possibility of a feasibility grant funding improvements.

Under new business, Cunningham addressed vendors who are behind on their taxes regarding water and sewer. He said this has become a problem in the borough. He motioned these vendors be denied access to any agreements, including verbal agreements, until all back taxes have been sufficiently taken care of. Council approved the motion before recessing for a private session.

Police officer Quentin Knecht was approved to join the police force by council. He passed his physical, oral interview and physical fitness test. He will reportedly join as an active officer in the next week.