Emmaus Borough Council met Oct. 16 for a regularly scheduled meeting where a resident stepped forward to request higher police presence on Harrison Street to reduce speeding on the road. This information was passed along to the police department.

John Belin introduced himself to council. He is running for a spot on borough council.

The minutes of the Oct. 2 council meeting were reviewed and approved.

In unfinished business, Ordinance 1248 was approved. This is an ordinance adding a residential disabled parking sign and assigning permitted parking spaces in front of 414 Keystone Ave. This ordinance, having undergone its first reading Sept. 5, was brought before council for its second reading Oct. 16.

In new business, council introduced Ordinance No. 1251. This would grant the East Penn School District the responsibility for hiring and overseeing school crossing guards. It was approved in its first reading. The second reading will take place at the second regular council meeting in November.

Due to illness, Mayor Lee Ann Gilbert was not in attendance to provide a report. However, she left a reminder the borough will serve hot dogs at the police station during trick-or-treat night 6-8 p.m. Oct. 27.

Councilman Roy Anders requested the approval to hire a full-time department employee and full-time department mechanic during the public works report. Both candidates were approved.

There was one item in the health, sanitation and codes portion of the meeting; it was a request for a security reduction from the Emmaus Commerce Center. Council approved the reduction of $675,508.32. A work sheet of progress was submitted for the site development.

During budget and finance, the bill list and Resolution 2023-28 were approved. Resolution 2023-28 was compelled by Pennsylvania Act 44 to establish procedures for professional procurement.

Borough Manager Shane Pepe discussed the hiring of two part-time auxiliary police officers, contributing to the ongoing effort to ensure public safety at the park and community events.

The next Emmaus Borough Council meeting will be held 6 p.m. Oct. 30.