Catasauqua Borough Council approved a number of ordinances and resolutions during the Aug. 19 meeting.

Ordinance 1438 replaced chapter 30 and amended sections of the borough code regarding the Civil Service Commission. This would “clean up the work that was done between the Civil Service Commission and council,” according to borough Solicitor Charles Smith.

Ordinance 1439 revises chapter 207 of the borough code regarding rental properties. A rental license will now have a term of one calendar year. Additionally, inspections will be held every two years, with even addresses on even years and odd addresses on odd years. It was reported this would help even out the revenue stream and help the borough keep a closer eye on properties.

Ordinance 1440 repeals chapter 180 about moving permits. It was noted the use of moving permits has changed over the years, but due to a lack of enforcement, it does not seem worth it to continue. Borough Manager Glenn Eckhart said they are no longer beneficial for the borough.

Ordinance 1441 repeals section 265-3, which says the borough adds fluoride in the water. Since council previously voted on removing the fluoride from the borough water, this action keeps the borough ordinances in line with council action.

Ordinance 1442 continues with cleaning up the borough code by updating the handicapped parking additions and removals.

Resolution 12 is for a Keystone Community Development grant application. The borough is requesting $18,000 from Commonwealth Financing Authority to go toward the pool house roof replacement. Since the borough is planning on repurposing the building, a replacement is needed. Engineer Vanessa Nedrick said the estimated cost for the project was $60,000, and this grant would be a 30% match. She noted the remaining funds were budgeted in the capital plan.

Resolution 13 is for a Local Share Account grant application for $25,000 from Commonwealth Financing Authority for upgrades to the water meter equipment and billing software. The borough reportedly already received $20,000 for this project.

Resolution 14 is for a Department of Economic Development Multimodal Transportation Fund grant for $149,550 from Commonwealth Financing Authority for the development of a school zone at Sheckler Elementary School. This would include new traffic signals, reduced speed limits, updated Americans With Disabilities Act-compliant ramps and more.

Resident Sean O’Boyle thanked council for taking steps toward establishing the school zone. He has been a proponent of adding a school zone for years. He also questioned what the exact parameters of the school zone would be and if it could extend up to Catasauqua Middle School as well.

All ordinances and resolutions were approved.

Councilwoman Kim Brubaker shared a concern about making sure the community is aware of the ordinance changes, so they aren’t surprised when the changes hit. It was noted there would be updates sent regarding the rental ordinance changes.

Ray Anthony, emergency management coordinator, recommended council approve the updated street closure permit form and work sheet. His proposed changes and updates were discussed at the June 17 meeting. Council President Howard Cunningham suggested Smith look over the form as well.

Council temporarily approved the changes, pending Smith’s approval.

Anthony also reported he received notice from U.S. Department of Homeland Security. He must submit a 12-page form for each public event in the borough that would draw 500 or more people, including community and school events. He needs to submit the forms for each 2025 event in September.

He said this is a time-consuming endeavor that must happen statewide every year. This is why he added an expected attendance line to the event permit request form.

Nedrick requested council approve awarding the liquid fuels road program project to Bracalente Construction, the low bidder. Council approved the award.

Additional approvals included change orders for the Walnut Street culvert project. The changes are for $2,236 for additional work at an existing inlet and $21,000 for adding a bridge guide rail and replacing an ADA ramp. The extra funds are still covered by the $312,000 grant the borough received for the project.

Other project updates include the influent pump replacement project, expected to begin in January; the waste water treatment plant trickling filter project, which is expected to start in the spring; the inflow and infiltration project to remove stormwater from the sewer system to reduce the flow to the waste water treatment plant, expected to begin in early September; and a meeting is expected shortly for the wastewater treatment plant roof replacement project.

Councilwoman Tara Nicholas made a motion for council to approve the River Central Multimunicipal Comprehensive Plan consultant to update the comprehensive plan.

She also noted there are vacancies on the zoning hearing board and the planning commission. Additionally, at least two people are needed for the borough authority.

Borough Treasurer Catherine VanDyne asked borough council to approve the minimum municipal obligation for the pension fund in the amount of $577,617. Council approved the request.

Mayor Barbara Schlegel requested the annual K-9 yard sale be held Sept. 7 at the George Taylor House, Lehigh and Poplar streets. The event is traditionally held at Fireman’s Field, which is currently under construction. After confirming the GTH volunteers approved of hosting the event, council agreed the location change was a good idea.

Catasauqua Fire Department Chief Richard Hertzog Jr. reported the department has not been operating under its 501(c)3 status for about eight years. This keeps them from applying for grants. He said there had been some effort toward addressing the issue, but it has not been resolved.

“We really need to get this process moving,” Hertzog said.

Resident concerns included people parking too close to corners, which could impede emergency vehicles and reckless drivers in the borough, posing a danger to students with the start of the school year. It was noted there needs to be better enforcement of parking violations to allow for the corner space needed for emergency vehicles.

Catasauqua Area School District Board of Education President Dale Hein reported the district implemented the BusPatrol program, which takes photos of drivers who do not stop for school buses. He noted the district has agreements with local police departments to enforce fines and such for violators.

The next council meetings include a special meeting regarding the police chief hiring process and committee meetings 6 p.m. Sept. 3 and the regular business meeting 7 p.m. Sept. 16. Meetings are held at the municipal complex, 90 Bridge St.