During the Oct. 16 regular meeting, North Catasauqua Borough Council voted to adopt the traffic study with a pending resolution to be revised and reviewed by the solicitor for the installation of two stop signs at the intersection of Fourth and Chapel streets.

This decision was made after a traffic study indicated the use of additional stop signs would decrease the likelihood of an accident, as the area had been experiencing a high volume of T-bone automobile accidents.

A stop sign will be installed heading east, while another one will face west. Signs will be stationed warning drivers of the new traffic patterns, which will be up for at least 30 days. An official announcement will also be made on the borough’s website, northcatasauqua.org, once the signs are installed.

In other news, council voted to extend annual time off and leave to July 2024 for the North Catasauqua Police Department. This is because many of the officers were unable to use their allotted time off due to staffing shortages. The station has faced this issue for the last two years, as the borough has found it difficult to find a part-time police officer to add to the crew.

Fortunately, council has accepted a member to fill the police secretary role, which will help alleviate some of the workload for the department.

Police Chief Chris Wolfer said he recently returned from training in New Mexico for drone operations. This is the first step for Wolfer to obtain his drone pilot’s license. This training was completely funded by the government, at no cost to the borough. Wolfer will be the first in Northampton County to obtain these credentials.

Fire Chief Roger Scheirer provided a reminder that October is National Fire Prevention Month. He encouraged the public to check the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in all households and businesses and change batteries if necessary. The fire department will be making rounds at local day care centers and Sheckler Elementary School to discuss fire prevention.

Council voted on an ordinance that amends the existing solid waste ordinance. This modification updated the ordinance to be more in line with the current contract, specifically concerning outsourcing outstanding debt to the attorney for collection of overdue bills.

Council President Peter Paone said Autumnfest 2023 was another successful event. He thanked the public works department and betterment committee for putting everything together. He also thanked the Emergency Management Agency and fire and police departments for their efforts.

Council went into an executive session following the end of the meeting; it was not discussed what the meeting was about.

Council will next meet 7 p.m. Nov. 6 at borough hall, 1066 Fourth St. The agenda can be found ahead of time at northcatasauqua.org under the News link.