North Catasauqua Borough Council gathered for the first official meeting of the new year Jan 2.

The first formal business was the conditional final approval regarding a subdivision at 1507 Lincoln St. The developers plan to build a twin-style home on the property and appeared before the planning commission before meeting with council.

The property is currently a vacant lot, and the developer plans to break ground in early spring.

Marc Hillenbrand, with North Catasauqua Betterment Committee, appeared before council to obtain approval for events throughout the year. Council approved the committee’s carnival, set for June 12-15, and Autumnfest, planned for Oct. 13 with a rain date of Oct. 19.

The revenue report provided by the committee showed it donated more than what was taken in this year. Council thanked Hillenbrand and the entire committee for their gracious donations and consistent support for the community.

Council passed Ordinance 443 regarding the four-way stop sign at Chapel and Fourth streets. The final steps to install the stop signs may now occur.

Council Vice President John Yanek requested the public works department begin the necessary steps to conduct another traffic study at Buttonwood and Fourth streets, as he believes this area would also benefit from a four-way stop sign.

Council also voted to adjust the 2024 fee schedule. The proposed updates would cover the cost of business, especially when outside vendors are involved. The cost increase would cover anticipated fees with application processing the borough has been shouldering unintentionally.

Residents can expect to see an increase in pavilion rentals, returned check fees, business license applications, zoning permits and zoning board appeals. A complete list will be posted on the borough’s website.

Treasurer Annette Englert requested approval to release a generator maintenance agreement for 2024 of $585. This contract would go to Dynatech Control Solutions for service on the Hunter Street pump station. Council agreed, and a motion was passed.

In other news, council voted to appoint a full-time police officer to serve the borough. Samuel Safadi was proposed by Chief Chris Wolfer as the top candidate who scored the highest on the Civil Service exam. Safadi is currently a volunteer firefighter with Catasauqua Fire Department.

The motion was approved, and an employment letter will be offered. This position has been budgeted for the 2024 year.

Councilwoman Michele Hazzard said the recreation committee will begin discussions about the summer park program in early February. The program did not run last year due to a lack of staff, so the committee is attempting to get an earlier start to avoid another cancellation.

An executive session was held concerning personnel matters and the hiring of a full-time operations assistant. Upon return from the break, Roger Scheirer was elected to fill the position. Scheirer wears many hats for the borough, including fire chief, and council was appreciative.

The meeting ended with a question from a resident, presented by Councilman Daniel Snyder. The resident wanted to know if the borough was able to leave the snowflake decorations in place for a few more weeks, as they can also serve as a winter decoration.

Yanek explained the borough could not afford to leave the snowflakes up longer than the first few weeks in January, as the electrical cost is very high.

Council will meet again 7 p.m. Jan. 15 in the basement of borough hall, 1066 Fourth St.