At the Sept. 21 Northampton Borough Council meeting, Councilman Kenneth Hall requested borough Manager LeRoy Brobst reconsider opening an investigation into the feasibility of developing a dog park in the borough.

Brobst said he was not opposed to building a dog park and would again investigate the location, issues and planning necessary to install a borough dog park.

Mayor Anthony Pristash noted the planned welcome center near Canal Street Park is moving forward. He said the welcome center is expected to increase awareness for trail users to learn about and patronize small businesses in Northampton.

Brobst said about $80,000 in county money is available for the welcome center project. He said he anticipates more funding for the project.

Pristash thanked the borough’s public works department for its efforts with the recently installed butterfly way station and garden. He suggested residents visit the butterfly garden at Canal Street Park.

Pristash ended his report saying the river garden development at the park will begin soon.

Council approved a request approved by police Chief Bryan Kadingo for an accessible parking space at 726 Dewey Ave. A request for a stop sign at the intersection of 23rd Street and Lawrence Court was tabled by council. Council wants more input from Kadingo about the request.

St. Paul’s United Church of Christ requested and received permission to host its annual trunk or treat 1-4 p.m. Oct. 29. A one-block portion of 19th Street will be closed between the church building and the annex property and includes Ridge Alley to Lincoln Avenue.

Council approved the request for an equinox music and arts festival, to be held March 19, 2024, at Municipal Park to celebrate the vernal equinox and start of spring. Council concerns were for the size of the inaugural event, parking, security, names of vendors and cleanup after the event.

Coplay Borough requested and received permission to have the Northampton Fire Police assist with its Halloween parade Oct. 17.

Speaking in support of the request, Hall pointed out to council, “Coplay only has one fire police officer.”

Hall is a leader of the Northampton Fire Police and said his peers can help Coplay.

The Northampton Recreation Center and Northampton Athletic Association’s cheerleading group requested and received council approval for the fire police to assist with traffic control and parking during a cheerleader showcase event, set for 3-7 p.m. Oct. 21 at the recreation center, 1 Lerchenmiller Drive.

Hall also reported the liquid fuels allocation from the state for 2024 is $291,612.43. The allocation is based on a millage of 33.81 and a population of 10,395.

Hall added the borough’s newsletter will be printed in color and available at the borough office and on the borough website, northamptonboro.com.

Councilwoman Judy Haldeman said the Northampton Farmers Market had another successful season during 2023. The last market for the season was Sept. 26.

Haldeman said if anyone wants to participate in the Oct. 19 Jack Frost Parade, they should contact Judy Ackerman at 610-261-3509.

She added the Northampton Street Fair Sept. 9 was a great success. She thanked the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce for hosting the annual event.

Councilman Trevor Stone reported 27 children received ID information that was distributed at the fair. Stone thanked the police department for its dedication to the Northampton community.

Council Vice President Ronald Glassic reported the public works department finished repairs and repaved the 26th Street Playground’s basketball court.

Councilman Anthony Lopsonzski thanked Pristash for his hard work coordinating the Hometown Heroes banner program and for many other acts he has done for Northampton. Lopsonzski also thanked the fire department and ambulance corps for their efforts. He suggested council consider an increase of their gasoline stipend from the borough.

Brobst thanked all for their messages of condolences at the recent passing of his wife. Brobst noted he never realized that his wife, Debra, impacted so many people in Northampton. He added the condolences and warm thoughts by so many are helping him get through a difficult time.

The next council meeting is 7 p.m. Oct. 5 at the municipal building, 1401 Laubach Ave., Northampton. It is a hybrid meeting, with both in-person and online options. The virtual meeting can be found on YouTube by searching Northampton Borough Council.