Emmaus Borough Council met Sept. 16, addressing a packed agenda including ordinances, proclamations and community projects.

The meeting began with a personal appeal from a resident living at Colonial Crest Apartments, who said the complex is not suitable for disabled individuals, especially those in a wheelchair. The resident said the pavements are not acceptable and very dangerous, and when the complex’s corporate office was asked, they stated they were not required to do anything about it.

The borough solicitor explained the municipality does not have the authority over Colonial Crest because they are a private entity. Although, if they were to do a major renovation on their property, then the borough would be able to enforce updates to the sidewalk. Borough Manager Shane Pepe said the borough will inspect the area and look at putting a new curb culvert near the new footbridge by the Wawa off Cedar Crest Boulevard.

Next, a special presentation on the Memorial Triangle Project was given by the Emmaus Veterans Committee. They were able to raise $120,000 in the past five months to fully fund the project and were looking for approval by council to move forward. Council unanimously approved. Phase one of the project will start in October.

This was followed by recognition of the Emmaus Police Department’s accreditation premier status. The Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police came up with the accreditation program in 2001 to give acknowledgment to police departments that stand as a standard in best practices. Every three years, Pennsylvania police departments need to show multiple proofs of compliance that they are following these standards and Emmaus has once again met those standards and received premier status. Only about 3% of Pennsylvania police departments have received this status.

In decisions on bids, council approved Penn Community Bank to provide banking services to the borough. “They were by far the number one choice,” Councilman Brent Labenberg said.

In communications, the recreation and entertainment commission submitted its 2025 events request; however, no decision was made and this was sent to committees.

Next, St. Matthew’s EC Church requested to hold a “Light in the Night Trunk or Treat” event 4-9 p.m. Oct. 25. They are requesting to close Fifth Street from Green Street to Ridge Street during that time. This was approved.

In unfinished business, council approved Ordinance 1267, establishing a local economic revitalization tax assistance program. This ordinance amends Chapter 24 of the borough code, providing real estate tax exemptions for new construction and improvements to deteriorated properties. For now, this ordinance will need to be renewed every five years.

Another approval in unfinished business was Ordinance 1270, which amends the residential disabled parking regulations, assigning a permitted parking spot on Adrian Street.

In new business, council introduced Ordinance 1271 for its first reading, proposing to add a residential disabled parking sign and assign a permitted parking space on Ridge Street. Due to a change in Pennsylvania law on disabled parking spots, the borough needs to renew this ordinance every five years.

Mayor Lee Ann Gilbert issued four proclamations during her report, recognizing the Remembrance Garden’s 20th anniversary, September 2024 as Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month, October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Fire Prevention Week occurring Oct. 6-12.

In financial matters, the budget and finance committee adopted the Pension MMO and presented financial statements for the year ending Dec. 31, 2023. Resolution 2024-22, approving the bill list, was also passed. The water tank rehab program was the largest item on the list.

The meeting concluded with reports from various committees and the borough manager. There were no agenda items to highlight from the committees. Pepe said Richard DeFiorre was promoted as a firefighter, having completed the requirements to move up in rank. He continued by informing the borough budgetary planning is coming together and discussions with council will begin soon.

Council President Chad Balliet adjourned the meeting, marking a productive session that addressed both immediate concerns and long-term development strategies for the borough.

The next Emmaus Borough Council meeting will be held 6 p.m. Oct. 7 at 28 N. Fourth St., Emmaus.