At the Oct. 18 Northampton Borough Council meeting, a person made a request that breaks new ground in Northampton. Holly DiFiore, of Slatington, dressed in her Scouting shirt and neckerchief requested permission for her Eagle Scout project.

If approved, this would be the first female BSA Scout to earn Eagle status for a project in the borough. Holly approached council with a leader from her Scout BSA troop in Slatington. Her project is to develop another butterfly way station in the borough’s Canal Street Park.

A butterfly way station was installed earlier this year, but the intention is to develop numerous stations in the park. Northampton Mayor Anthony Pristash said he would assist the young Scout in her endeavor to create a second butterfly way station at the park. Pristash was the point person from council for the initial butterfly way station.

Girls were first allowed to join the Scouts BSA, formerly known as the Boy Scouts, in 2019. Boys and girls ages 11-17 can join BSA. About 6% of BSA Scouts will earn Eagle status. Eagle Scout is the highest attainable rank.

Council approved Holly’s project.

In other business, Lehigh Valley Benefit Committee was approved to hold its annual ride Nov. 4, with a rain date of Nov. 5. The ride begins at Tri-Boro Sportsmen Club, 2110 Canal St.

Council approved a shredding event, sponsored by state Rep. Zach Mako, R-183rd, for 10 a.m.-noon April 20, 2024. The event will be in the parking lot at the Northampton Banquet and Event Center, 1601 Laubach Ave.

There was a request by Councilman Anthony Lopsonzski Sr. that parking meters be installed in a business area on a select portion of Main Street. He noted business owners are reporting reduced sales due to residents parking in front of their businesses for extended periods of time, keeping customers from easy access.

Solicitor Brian Panella said the situation needs a cost analysis before a council decision. The request was tabled until next month.

It was noted the borough is seeking a large evergreen tree to place at the triangle, Laubach Avenue and Main Street, for its annual holiday tree-lighting ceremony in late November.

Councilwoman Judy Haldeman said a holiday decoration contest is developing, but she needs assistance to get the fliers out. It is planned for businesses to enter the contest.

Lopsonzski Sr. suggested the contest details be placed on the borough’s website.

Borough Manager LeRoy Brobst said state Sen. Nick Miller, D-14th, requested permission to place a food drop-off container at the Northampton Recreation Center, 1 Lerchenmiller Drive. Brobst said he approved the request, saying it is a good outreach effort.

The next Northampton Borough Council meeting is 7 p.m. Nov. 2 at the municipal building, 1401 Laubach Ave. It is a hybrid meeting, with both in-person and virtual options. Visit YouTube.com and type “Northampton Borough” into the search box to access the virtual meeting.