Emmaus Borough Council met April 1 where council approved several agenda items, including amendments to parking regulations and appointments to various advisory councils.

During personal appeals, a resident and local business owner spoke to council, asking how the borough addresses conflicts of interest. Dating back to the last meeting, the resident was concerned about the ethical decision-making of the borough. She said she tried to have a meeting with the borough, but received a letter stating the borough had no obligation to meet with the resident. Council remained silent throughout the resident’s questions, considering her concerns a legal issue.

Lehigh County Executive Phillips Armstrong and Christopher Gulotta, executive director for the Redevelopment Authority of Lehigh County also attended the meeting. Councilman Roy Anders asked Armstrong about the approval of new EMS radios. Armstrong stated the budget for the radios was approved and the county simply needs to know the amount needed by the borough.

Gulotta said the Redevelopment Authority has been back up and running since May 2023. He provided information on how Emmaus can work with the Redevelopment Authority toward accomplishing reconditioning or repurposing projects.

The last item was a check presented by members of the Emmaus Kiwanis Club. The check was for a bridge donation of $2,800.

In a community minute, Council President Chad Balliet congratulated Mayor Lee Ann Gilbert for winning the “Most Entertaining Mayor Award” given at the annual Mayor and Municipal Reception.

After approving the previous council meeting minutes, attention turned to communications. The Emmaus Historical Society requested council waive their $1,117.30 permit fees for an HVAC installation at the museum building. This was approved unanimously.

Under new business, council discussed two ordinances to refine parking regulations within the borough.

Ordinance No. 1261 aims to modify parking regulations in front of 28 S. Fourth St. Council members went back and forth on time limits, whether it be 15-minute parking or 30-minute parking, as well as which side of the road the time limits would be placed. It was decided the borough would do an internal survey and decide at a future meeting.

Meanwhile, Ordinance No. 1262 was approved, amending the Emmaus Borough Code of residential disabled parking, ensuring accessibility and convenience for residents in front of 611 Walnut St. This was the first reading and will be on the agenda in unfinished business at the first borough council meeting in May.

Committee reports showcased proactive steps taken by various council committees to address public works, health, sanitation, codes, parks and recreation, public safety and general administration issues. These reports included notable appointments such as the hiring of two new public works employees, Paul Veazey and Joshua Cox, as well as the appointment of Brittney O’Connor to the Joint Environmental Advisory Council.

The parks and recreation committee received an event request from The Emmaus Run Inn for a Trail Funning Film Fest to be hosted at the Emmaus Theater/Triangle May 16. A group run will take place 5:30 p.m., followed by a public speaker 6:30 p.m. and closing with show reels at the theater 7:30 p.m.

Second, on behalf of parks and recreation, Councilman Chris Hoenscheid made a request to end the restriction against bicycles at Emmaus public parks. Currently, there are ordinances in place prohibiting bikes. This will be the first step in getting bikes back on the park paths. The motion to start the process was approved.

Lucy McLeod was appointed to the vacancy board during the general administration report.

A request for proposal was approved for ambulance subscription fees. This is needed for fee schedule amendments in relation to the subscription program. The basis of the changes is to promote a 30% ‘across the board’ reduction in nonemergency transportation rates for subscribers.

In Borough Manager Shane Pepe’s report, Resolution 2024-11 was authorized. This approved the application to Lehigh County and the U.S. Department of Housing and Development for Community Development Block Grant Funds. Pepe said this will be for around $40,000.

The next Emmaus Borough Council meeting will be 6 p.m. April 15. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate.