During the June 17 Catasauqua Borough Council meeting, members approved a number of resolutions. Resolutions 4-2024 and 5-2024 were both for Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program grants from Commonwealth Financing Authority for borough park areas.

Resolution 4-2024 approved a grant request for $104,363.20 for a pocket park at 14th and Poplar streets. It would help fund inclusive playground equipment and recreation walkways. According to the engineering team, the construction costs are $120,363.20 for the whole project, with a borough match of $17,000.

Resolution 5-2024 is for a grant request for $250,000 for work at Catasauqua Park and Playground, 501 American St. This work would include resurfacing the basketball and tennis courts, replacing playground equipment, re-purposing the pool area with pickleball courts and new playground equipment. There would also be a new footbridge, walking area and parking area. The total expected construction costs would be $589,344.25, with a $339,344.25 borough match.

Resolution 3-2024 approved conditional approval for the Pearl Street development discussed at the May 20 meeting. According to Solicitor Charles Smith, this resolution included the previously discussed SALDO waivers, the vacating of North 13th Street and the Remington and Vernick Engineers recommendation letter.

Additionally, Smith introduced an ordinance to advertise the vacation of that portion of North 13th Street, as previously discussed. He noted an ordinance is needed to vacate a street under the borough code. The issue will be advertised and voted on at the next meeting.

Resolution 6-2024 approved additional amendments to the fee schedule regarding water fees, as discussed in committee meetings. Changes include eliminating the 30% interest charge for water bills after 30 days. It was noted the 15% level was sufficient. Additionally, the after-hours water turn-on fee was increased to $200.

In other business, council heard recommendations from Ray Anthony, borough fire marshal and emergency management, regarding the road closure application form. Anthony suggested the road closure request form should be updated to include more information and requirements such as insurance, a fee schedule, alcohol service rules and inspections, particularly with regard to food and electrical. It was also suggested more communication be established between the borough and the organization making the request, such as designating a point person, asking about security needs and discussing best setup practices to comply with emergency responder needs.

There was some discussion about whether or not these changes would be too restrictive or oppressive for residents or groups planning special events. The other side of the issue involved making sure the event is held safely and the borough is protected in case of incident.

“I don’t think this is a complicated thing,” Anthony said. “I don’t think it’s too much.”

“We didn’t want it to be too restrictive, but we have to protect ourselves,” borough Manager Glenn Eckhart said.

In the engineer report, it was recommended council approve awarding the inflow and infiltration project bid to Instituform Technologies LLC for $407,185. The project has been out for bid a couple times, with the amounts coming in higher than expected. While this final bid is still above the expected level, the bid is approximately $25,000 less than the lowest amount the last time it went out to bid. Eckhart noted they can use bond funds to make up the difference.

Council approved awarding the bid.

Council President Howard Cunningham reported the Iron Works committee will review the proposals and expect to identify the preferred developer in July.

Councilwoman Jill Smerdon, of the finance committee, noted the engineering stormwater numbers are currently above budget. Eckhart noted there are about 15 current projects the engineering team is working on, so it makes sense the engineering costs are high. He also noted they are keeping an eye on the numbers and have the opportunity to use bond money as well.

Treasurer Catherine VanDyne reported she will also look into the numbers to make sure things are being put in the right place in the budget.

There was discussion about a potential billboard lease with Moyer Advertising. Eckhart noted owners David and William Moyer are looking for a 15-by-15 square foot spot on Race Street. The lease would be for $350 a month or 10% of the revenue. The borough would also get some advertising time on the billboard. Once the lease agreement is approved, the Moyers can continue with other permissions, such as zoning.

Council approved the lease, with Councilwoman Kim Brubaker voting against.

Brubaker also reported they weeded and planted flowers near the borough welcome sign, with help from students, and have community volunteers signed up to help maintain and care for the planters in town. Additionally, she noted another round of the Hometown Heroes banners is coming up.

Council voted to approve the changes made to the Civil Service rules, as discussed at the May 20 meeting.

A temporary salary increase of a $200 stipend was discussed for Officer John Wiseman while he is serving as the police department officer in charge. It was noted this additional stipend was approved by the bargaining unit.

Mayor Barbara Schlegel reported the borough police officers are returning to working eight-hour shifts. There was additional discussion about wanting to attract more quality candidates to the borough police service.

Councilman Eugene Schlegel reported there was a recent issue with a person digging on borough property on Race Street. The individual was reportedly metal detecting and said because of the tools used and lack of signage in the area, he was legally allowed to do so.

Council agreed they were not comfortable with people digging up private borough property and suggested they need signage to make sure the rules are clear. Eckhart said he will look into the issue.

Under new business, Eugene Schlegel brought up a concern about a borough vendor who was reportedly locked out from his usual spot without warning. The vendor in question is a produce farmer at Fireman’s Field on Saturdays. There was reported confusion about him not having the proper permits to set up and sell wares on borough property.

It was noted he has been selling at that spot for a while and it has not been an issue before. Additionally, it was reported his profit margins are on the smaller side, so requiring a different permit with additional fees might make selling in the borough not worth the trouble for the vendor.

Eckhart noted he was just operating under the new vendor fees and rules approved by borough council. He said he does not have the power to decide someone is exempt from the rules; that power lies with council.

“If you want him to have different rules, you need to decide that,” Eckhart said. “That’s not on me. I was just following what you approved earlier.”

Smerdon made a motion to just let the vendor be grandfathered in and finish out the month without problem. The approval was unanimous.

Councilwoman Tara Nicholas noted there are still vacancies on the zoning hearing board and the planning commission.

Councilwoman Virginia Schlegel shared her appreciation for the public works, water and sewer employees for addressing small problems before they become big problems.

“They are kicking butt,” she said.

The next borough council meetings are set for 6 p.m. July 1 for workshop and committee meetings and 7 p.m. July 15 for the regular business meeting. Meetings are held at the municipal complex, 90 Bridge St.