Emmaus Borough Council met Aug. 19 for its regular meeting, beginning with the call to order and the Pledge of Allegiance. The council then opened the floor for personal appeals,

During the community minute, Mayor Lee Ann Gilbert thanked the community for the tremendous turnout at the Emmaus Police Department’s Night Out event. She thanked all the volunteers, food vendors and residents who made the night so special.

The minutes from the July 15 council meeting were then read and approved.

The council made an approval during decisions on bids, signaling the purchase of a new cardiac monitor to reflect council’s commitment to enhancing public health and safety.

In the communications segment, several key items were addressed.

Teri Sorg McManamon’s application to volunteer for the Emmaus Historical Commission for a three-year term was approved. Additionally, Maggie Fischer’s application to serve as a Knauss Homestead alternate representative to the Emmaus Historical Commission was approved.

Next, the Emmaus Lioness Lions Club’s request to host the “Chase the Chill” scarf shower event was acknowledged and sent to staff. This is a service project by the Emmaus Lioness Lions Club to give away free scarves to anyone in need. The event is planned 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 2 in Triangle Park.

The council then acknowledged an invitation from the Emmaus Public Library for the Community Heroes Day event.

Council acknowledged Karri Schreppel’s resignation from the Emmaus Arts Commission, effective Aug. 15. Resignations received from Sgt. Adam Polster of the Emmaus Police Department and public works employee Sean Lawrence were also read, effective Aug. 1 and Aug. 6, respectively.

To close communications, the Joint Environmental Advisory Council’s storm drain adoption program was recognized.

Council granted the Emmaus Halloween Parade Committee permission to use the borough parking lot and acknowledged a donation letter from Meals on Wheels.

The borough engineer and solicitor reports were acknowledged with nothing to report. This was followed by unfinished business, where several ordinances were approved.

Ordinance 1266, restricting left turns from Klines Lane to Main Street during school hours 8-9 a.m., as well as 3-4 p.m., was passed.

Ordinance 1267, regarding real estate tax exemptions for new construction and improvements to deteriorated properties, was not approved, as it needs to be readvertised. There were stipulations missed in the redrafted ordinance and the ordinance will be rewritten and advertised to be voted on at the next meeting’s agenda.

Ordinance 1268, restricting traffic from turning onto Howard Street from Long Street and establishing a no thruway on Howard Street, as well as Ordinance 1269, concerning disabled parking spaces on North Sixth Street, were both enacted.

In new business, council introduced Ordinance 1270, which will amend the residential disabled parking sign regulations in front of 224 Adrain St. This ordinance will undergo further readings before final approval.

Gilbert announced in her report Emmaus received premier accreditation status. The meeting continued with reports from various committees.

The public works report showcased the need to purchase a Granular Activated Carbon Vessel, a piece needed for the PFAS treatment plan in the borough. The item is estimated at $848,870, but the township has budgeted for this expected purchase.

Following this, council approved the hiring of Charles Wesch and Taylor Branciforte as full-time public works employees.

The health, sanitation and codes committee prepared for their upcoming meeting Aug. 20; however, there were no action items. It was noted an upcoming zoning ordinance update will need to be delayed until December meetings.

The parks and recreation report brought back Charlie’s second annual Charity Fishing Derby event to council for approval. The event is invite only and will be much smaller than previously anticipated, which swayed the council to give approval.

The general administration and budget and finance committees reported on their respective activities, including the Waterworth proposal and the July 2024 budget performance report.

After a short discussion, the Waterworth proposal, which will assist the borough with services related to water and wastewater services, was approved.

Dating back to the July 15 meeting, the bill list totaled $1,015,783.20.

Reports from the Emmaus Public Library Board, Shelter House Society and Pension Board were acknowledged.

Borough Manager Shane Pepe’s report highlighted promotions within the public works department. First, advancements for public works employees Matthew Bachert and Tyler Llewellyn to Class 4 were approved by council. Additionally, it was announced Robert Leanch was promoted to group leader within the streets section of the public works department.

The meeting concluded with a short report in president’s business, with Council President Chad Balliet asking council to begin preparation for the upcoming budget meetings. This was followed by adjournment.

The next council meeting is scheduled 6 p.m. Sept. 9 at borough hall, 420 S. 10th St., Emmaus.