Emmaus Borough Council convened for its regular meeting Dec. 4 where councilmembers Teri Sorg-McManamon and Roy Anders thanked the community for attending Old Fashioned Christmas. Sorg-McManamon said she didn’t think she’d ever seen the Emmaus Triangle so full and filled with singing.

The decisions on bids were handled, with the approval of the parking lot loan standing out as the only item on the agenda. Councilman Chris DeFrain announced Penn Community Bank’s financing proposal was selected.

The communications, borough engineer’s report and solicitor’s report were presented and accepted without significant discussions.

Under new business, three ordinances were brought to the forefront.

Ordinance 1255: Establishment of Historical Commission

This ordinance amended a section of the Associations and Commissions of the Borough of Emmaus Consolidated Code of Ordinances to establish Section I: Historical Commission. This move reflects the council’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting the historical significance of Emmaus.

Councilwoman Sorg-McManamon was especially excited and thanked the three historic sites contributing to this process, the Friends of the 1803 House, the Shelter House Society and the Knauss Homestead Preservation Society. Borough Manager Shane Pepe was also excited, saying, “Now that they are seeing what each other has to offer, we are really seeing a collaborative effort with all three of the houses ... I have a lot of hope for what they will be able to accomplish.”

Councilman John Hart thanked Pepe and Sorg-McManamon, stating, “This was a process filled with political land mines and I want to thank both of you for your contributions.”

Ordinance 1256: Fiscal Year 2024 Tax Levy

A pivotal decision for the fiscal well-being of the borough was made with the approval of Ordinance 1256. This ordinance levies taxes for the fiscal year 2024 for the Borough of Emmaus at the rate of 8.3155 mills. The tax distribution, as outlined in the ordinance, includes a general fund tax of 6.4404 mills, a fire fund tax of 1.3961 mills, a special roads fund tax of 0.32 mills and a streetlight fund tax of 0.159 mills.

Ordinance 1257: Amendments to Residential Disabled Parking Sign

This ordinance amended the Emmaus Borough Code focusing on residential disabled parking signs. This assigned a permitted parking spot on the public street located in front of 36 N. Sixth St. within the borough.

The ordinance was deemed administrative by council, as it adjusts the parking sign to the owner’s updated handicapped designation.

In other news, the bill list was approved during the budget and finance report. The total amounted to $1,024,625.63.

Under boards and commissions, meeting notes from various entities, including the 1803 House board, Emmaus Arts Commission and Emmaus Public Library board, were acknowledged.

The meeting concluded with reports from the borough manager, the president’s business and an executive session. Notably, the borough manager’s report included the decision to hire a part-time EMT.

The next Emmaus Borough Council meeting will take place 6 p.m. Dec. 18 at borough hall, 28 N. Fourth St.