During the Aug. 1 Northampton Borough Council meeting, Mayor Anthony Pristash gave a report about the Pennsylvania State Mayors Association annual conference he recently attended. The PSMA is exclusively for mayors in the commonwealth. They hold the annual conference in a different municipality around the state. This year, it was held in Johnstown.

“Northampton is doing very well relative to other boroughs,” Pristash said, after speaking with peers at the conference and learning about the challenges other boroughs face. “We are solid with strong fire and police departments and great parks.”

He attributed this to the many organizations, businesses and government working together.

“My compliments to all for their work,” he said.

In other business, council approved advertising ordinance 1236, which authorizes the borough to recover reasonable costs for the use of emergency rescue tools, equipment, materials and personnel costs associated with a hazardous material, environmental, fire safety or rescue incident or operation.

Cetronia Fire Department requested use of the borough’s portable band trailer noon-5 p.m. Aug. 24 for its 100th anniversary open house. The portable band trailer was also requested and approved for Becky’s Drive-in Oct. 6 for its 36th annual benefit festival and car show to benefit the Blue Ridge Chapter of Dream Come True.

There will be a $300 rental fee and a $150 delivery and setup fee for each entity. Cetronia and Becky’s will also be required to provide a certificate of insurance holding the borough harmless during the rental period.

St. Paul’s United Church of Christ will hold its annual community trunk or treat, set for 1-4 p.m. Oct. 27. Council approved a temporary street closure on the one-block portion from Ridge Alley to Lincoln Avenue.

In his administration and finance committee report, Councilman Kenneth Hall reported Service Electric paid the borough its quarterly franchise fee in the amount of $5,759.14.

Councilman Ronald Knopf said the municipal pool season ends Aug. 17 when the pool closes. He reported progress has been made on the butterfly gardens development at Canal Street Park. The gardens are expected to be completed by mid-August.

In her fire and health committee report, Councilwoman Bonnie Almond said former borough Manager LeRoy Brobst, new borough Manager Brian Welsko, fire Chief Keith Knoblach and David Strain met with Tracey Charest, of Volunteer’s Financial ​Services Inc., to discuss financing options for a new vehicle.

Council Vice President Ronald Glassic lauded the public works department for its assistance in developing the four butterfly gardens at Canal Street Park. Glassic noted scheduled paving projects are expected to begin shortly.

Police Officer Dennis Smith retired and received accolades for his long, distinguished service to Northampton.

Brobst received well wishes for his upcoming birthday.

The next Northampton Borough Council meeting is Aug. 15 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 access the meeting virtually.