North Catasauqua Borough Council discussed minimum municipal obligations (MMO) regarding pension plans for uniform and nonuniform employees during the Oct. 2 council meeting.

In the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, municipalities are mandated to contribute to any pension plan for its employees. The MMO is the calculated amount each municipality must add to the existing pension plan.

Typically, there is state aid that helps keep the MMO sufficient; however, if aid is less than North Catasauqua Borough’s obligation, then the borough is required to contribute the funds to meet the calculated MMO. In recent years, state aid has come short, requiring the borough to pay into the pension plans.

In order to combat unanticipated budget withdrawals, council passed a motion to accept the MMO amount for 2024 with the understanding that the borough will need to budget accordingly to make up the difference.

In other business, council discussed work to be performed on the sewer line on Railroad Street. It had been discussed an emergency dig was required, and Travis Brett, public works supervisor, reached out to a contractor about a month ago to discuss the work.

There has reportedly been a lack of communication between Brett and the anticipated contractor, so this matter will need to move to an open bid to obtain a new contractor. More information on the project is to come.

There was also discussion regarding street repairs on Washington Street. This matter will have to wait until next year due to a water line replacement happening first.

Fire Chief Roger Scheirer discussed a traffic study he and police Chief Chris Wolfer performed at the intersection of Fourth and Chapel streets. This was first discussed in spring due to a high volume of motor vehicle accidents at the intersection.

The traffic study recommends turning the intersection into a four-way stop. It was discussed signs will be added to inform drivers of this new stop. Once materials are ready, a public announcement will be made to alert drivers.

The police department was granted permission to advertise for a new police administrative secretary position. The station has been overwhelmed with administrative work, and Wolfer believes this position will allow the officers to perform more critical work outside of the office.

The position will enter and process reports, incidents, citations, arrests and accidents, among other tasks. More information on this new development to come.

Council next meets 7 p.m. Oct. 16 at borough hall, 1066 Fourth St. The meeting is held in the basement level with the entrance on the side of the building.