In a meeting held on April 15, Emmaus Borough Council approved several agenda items pertaining to traffic safety within the borough. There were additional event requests and commission appointments. Plus, there was a presentation from the Emmaus Fire Department.

The meeting commenced with the Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance. Personal appeals and the community minute provided opportunities for engagement. Councilman Roy Anders announced the Shave for the Brave fundraising event will be held April 26 at the Emmaus High School Stadium. The organization supports children with cancer.

There were no special presentations or reports from the borough engineer and solicitor.

Communications included event requests, which were approved. St. Ann’s Church submitted a request for the annual Fall Fest Sept. 5-7 at the church grounds on Sixth Street. The second request was for the Fifth Street Cross. This will be season 19 for the event, which occurs Thursday nights from the beginning of September through the end of November.

Under new business, council approved ordinances aimed at enhancing traffic management and safety. All ordinances will be read a second time at the next borough council meeting.

Ordinance 1261 aims to amend a chapter of the codified ordinances, amending several sections of the Borough of Emmaus parking regulations. The 15-minute parking limit on the north side of Jubilee Street between Fourth and Lehigh streets is changing to a 1-hour parking limit and will be enforced 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Additionally, an accessible parking spot was removed, as there are accessible reserved parking spaces.

Ordinance 1263 will amend the definition of a commercial motor vehicle within the borough. The amendment will match the Pennsylvania state code that classifies a commercial motor vehicle as anything with a gross vehicle weight of at least 17,001 pounds. This is due to an issue with people parking commercial-type vehicles (i.e., tractor trailers, RVs, etc.) on Emmaus roads, causing safety issues.

Ordinance 1264 will add stop signs at multiple intersections within Emmaus. This is part of a larger plan organized by the public safety committee. There will be just over 60 signs installed around the borough in this initial phase.

The mayor’s report included Proclamation 2024-587, designating April 26 as Arbor Day.

In the public works report, council approved Resolution 2024-12, which is the sale of a pace trailer to Coopersburg Borough. There is also an open position within the public works department.

In addition to the already approved ordinances, there were several items in the public safety report. First, a full-time paramedic was hired.

Second, the Borough of Emmaus and East Penn School District’s School Crossing Guard Agreement was approved. East Penn School District will now manage the traffic and pedestrians at certain locations where school children may cross.

The third item approved was the definition of a household for the ambulance subscription.

The last item was a presentation from Fire Chief John Price and Deputy Chief Keith Miller for the purchase of a rescue truck. The current truck is 22 years old and a comprehensive study showed it should be replaced every 15 years. Miller explained the current truck is heavily used and cannot carry all the equipment needed in case of emergency. Plus, he pointed out prices are climbing exponentially and waiting longer could cause financial and public safety problems.

The total estimate for a fire rescue truck is $1,323,059. The borough has the option of a 5-year lease or a 7-year lease. To make the decision, the borough council deliberated on the future needs of the fire department, as well as the inevitable tax increase that will result from rising costs and needs. It was noted the borough is overdue to replace several pieces of apparatus for the fire department.

After the presentation, council decided further discussion and debate is needed. This purchase will be a focus at upcoming meetings.

The Department of Environmental Protection Safe Drinking Water Program Consent Order and Agreement Amendment was approved during the general administration report.

In budget and finance, the bill list, totaling $664,552.42, was approved.

Next, several appointments to the historical commission were announced. Ken Biles was appointed as a Shelter House representative. Gene Clock and Maryellen Iobst were appointed as Knauss Homestead representatives. Marian Schneck and Walter Lewis III were appointed as 1803 House representatives.

During his borough manager report, Shane Pepe announced there were about 270 applications for the open assistant borough manager position. He said he is currently working on several requests for proposals on several community development projects, showcasing a commitment toward the future of Emmaus.

The meeting was then adjourned. The next Emmaus Borough Council regular meeting will be held 6 p.m. May 6 at borough hall, 28 S. Fourth St.