In her report during the Northampton Borough Council meeting March 21, Solicitor Stephanie Steward said council needs to review its policies for inspecting and/or licensing all vendors that participate at Northampton Farmers Market. The question is whether all vendors should have to purchase a license and if food vendors have to pay a fee to have their stand and operation inspected to ensure the fresh food for sale is being handled safely.

Steward noted there are about four categories of vendors. Some may require inspection that would be a higher fee, while others may simply need licensing of their vendor table.

Council expects to take up the farmers market matter at its April meetings.

Borough Manager LeRoy Brobst opened three sealed bids for a bucket truck for council to consider. The bid requests for a 2024 Ford 550 were turned over to the borough’s solicitor to review.

Victor Rodite, a longtime community planner for Northampton Borough, submitted a letter stating his desire to resign from his position. Rodite served the borough for many years in a variety of capacities. Council accepted his resignation.

Council agreed to grant permission for the borough office to advertise for road materials. This advertisement is in conjunction with Northampton Borough Municipal Authority and North Catasauqua Borough.

Northampton Fire Department requested and received permission to hold a coin toss fundraiser, planned for 8 a.m.-4 p.m. April 13 at the intersection of 21st and Main streets. A rain date is set for April 27.

Northampton Liederkranz received permission to hold its third annual bike night, set for 6-10 p.m. July 20. The Liederkranz is requesting to close and place no-parking signs at Siegfried Avenue from Ninth Street to Birch Court.

MRH Enterprise LLC requested and received permission to install additional lighting in the Willowbrook second phase development.

Council appointed David Strain to be the borough’s treasurer. Council also appointed Brobst to the office of chief administrative officer of the borough.

The Hyman Group, owner of the 1204 Main St. apartments, requested council permission to hire a private refuse hauler at the apartments. Council voted 6-1 against the Hyman Group request.

West Lehigh Chamber of Commerce requested and received council permission to use the borough’s portable band trailer May 5. The rental fee was not waived, and the Chamber must also supply insurance information to the borough office.

Diamond Fire Company, 110 Main St., Walnutport, requested and received council permission to use the borough’s portable band trailer June 28-30. They were informed the cost is $300 per day, with a $150 delivery and setup cost. Diamond representatives must present a certificate of insurance covering the band trailer.

Northampton Area School District requested and received permission for Northampton Fire Police to assist with the high school commencement May 31. Rain dates are June 1 and 2.

In his administration and finance committee report, Councilman Kenneth Hall noted the borough office will be closed March 29 and April 1 in observance of the Easter holiday.

In her building, land and recreation committee report, Councilwoman Judy Haldeman reported the municipal pool is being prepared for the 2024 season. She noted park rentals are available for nonresidents starting April 2. Contact the office for rental information.

Councilman Trevor Stone, in his code and police committee report, said the Civil Service Committee will administer entry-level patrolman testing April 6.

Stone noted there are five applicants testing.

In her president’s report, Judith Kutzler said residents who start businesses in their homes need to contact the borough office to have the business evaluated and to learn which business regulations apply.

Kutzler also thanked Rodite for his 25 years of serving the borough.

In the hearing of persons present, a resident requested Station Alley be inspected for potholes and ruts that have grown as recent traffic has increased on the alley.

Two residents said their neighborhood lacks sufficient street lighting and contended it is a safety issue. Brobst pointed out when the new development they reside in is completed, the borough will evaluate and grant the couple’s request for more street lighting.

The next council meeting is set for 7 p.m. April 4 at the municipal building, 1401 Laubach Ave. It is a hybrid meeting, with both in-person and virtual options. Visit northamptonboro.com to learn how to view the meeting virtually.