Emmaus Borough Council met May 6 for a session marked by progress on several ordinances and the acknowledgment of community initiatives.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by personal appeals, where residents could address the council on various matters.

In a community minute, Mayor Lee Ann Gilbert thanked everyone who braved the rain and attended the ribbon cutting for the farmers market. Additionally, Councilman Roy Anders announced pool passes are now available for purchase and the Emmaus Community Pool desperately needs more lifeguards. Borough Manager Shane Pepe added they would train those who apply and are approved.

A highlight of the evening was the special presentation on the Memorial Triangle Redesign Project by the Emmaus Veterans Committee. Committee President Ben Brown and Vice President John Eyer presented a concept image of the memorial area design and both the veterans committee and borough council were impressed by the visuals.

The committee worked with a local company, Still Waters, and estimates put the project around $120,000. The borough will explore grants and donations, but because of this, the timeline is a bit unpredictable. The veterans committee will continue to hold fundraisers, looking for the community’s help.

Council requested the concept be voted on at the next borough council meeting.

Next, the meeting minutes from the previous council meeting held April 15 were reviewed and approved.

In unfinished business, council provided the second and final reading of several new ordinances.

Ordinance 1261 involved amendments to Chapter 15 §406 and §602.3 of the codified ordinances of the Borough of Emmaus, specifically targeting parking regulations. This sets a 15-minute parking limit on Jubilee Street between Fourth Street and Lehigh Street between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Ordinance 1262 focused on amendments to Chapter 15 §602.3.A of the Emmaus Borough Code, assigning a permitted parking spot on a public street located in front of 611 Walnut St. These amendments aim to ensure equitable access to parking for individuals with disabilities within the borough.

Ordinance 1263 involved amendments to Chapter 15 §405.1.1 and §405.1.2.A of the Emmaus Borough Code. The changes clarify the criteria or specifications classifying a vehicle as a commercial motor vehicle within the borough’s regulations. It drops the gross weight definition from 26,001 to 17,001 pounds.

Ordinance 1264 issued amendments to Chapter 15 §214 of the Emmaus Borough Code, establishing stop signs at multiple intersections within the borough. There will be around 65 signs placed at various spots deemed a priority and is part of a larger overall safety plan in the borough. However, council discussed a lighter phase two of the plan, as costs may start getting too high trying to fund the safety plan. Further discussion will take place at future meetings.

Gilbert issued several proclamations, with the first being the declaration of International Compost Awareness Week as the first week of May. Police Week will take place May 12-18. Emergency Medical Services Week and National Public Works Week will take place May 19-25. Each recognizes the contributions of these sectors to the community.

Committee reports highlighted ongoing initiatives in areas such as public works, health, sanitation and parks and recreation. However, there were no actionable items within these reports. It was noted the borough is on to the second round of interviews (top five candidates) for the vacant assistant borough manager position. There were over 250 applications.

In the budget and finance report, council approved the purchase of a new fire rescue truck. The fire tax may increase in 2025 due to the financing costs. Rising prices, an anticipated three year wait time and the need for this vehicle require the purchase. The truck will cost around $1.3 million.

Dating back to the previous meeting April 15, the borough bill list totaled $950,199.30.

In the borough manager’s report, several staffing decisions were announced, including the hiring of part-time seasonal staff, the recruitment of event volunteers and the retention of Christopher Jost as a full-time public works employee.

Council President Chad Balliet did not have a report for president’s business. The meeting was then adjourned.

The next Emmaus Borough Council regular meeting will be held 6 p.m. May 20. The meetings take place on the first and third Monday of each month at Emmaus Borough Hall, 28 N. Fourth St.