At the Northampton Borough Council meeting Sept. 19, Mayor Anthony Pristash said the Main Street Matters program is coming to Northampton. The MSM program is designed to support downtowns and surrounding neighborhoods with tools to create a healthy, vibrant and welcoming community.

MSM funding is available to support revitalization, efforts in planning, business support, aesthetic improvements and the increase in safety and security of a community. Council will have an active role in pursuing any planning and pursuing MSM grant funding.

Pristash also commented on the success of the recent Uptown Northampton Street Fair. Northampton is “on a roll as a borough.”

“The street fair was a fair like no other, as noted in a local weekly newspaper,” Pristash said.

He thanked council and all who attended the fair and those who provided support for the iconic event. Additionally, he thanked the public works department for all it did to have a smooth functioning event.

The mayor’s remarks stimulated an outpouring of accolades and positive statements about the event from all of council.

Council President Julia Kutzler provided accolades to Northampton Regional Emergency Medical Services.

“I am glad they are here (in Northampton),” she said.

Northampton Regional EMS serves Northampton and surrounding areas. Kutzler urged Northampton residents to purchase a subscription for ambulance services when it holds its annual subscription drive. She noted only 21% of Northampton households support the ambulance corps through subscriptions. She wants to see that percentage rise.

The organization is located at 1525 Canal St., Northampton. The website is nrems.org.

In other news, council approved a request to park a vintage Ford Model T car in front of the Roxy Theatre Nov. 2 for a bride and groom to take wedding photos and drive off in the classic car together as they start their new life.

Council noted that due to the Jack Frost parade scheduled for Oct. 17, members voted to change the date of the second October council meeting to Oct. 16.

Nazareth Area Chamber of Commerce received council permission to use the borough’s band trailer Dec. 13 for the Christmas in Nazareth event. The Chamber will pay a $300 rental fee and a $150 delivery and set up fee. It will also provide an insurance certificate that holds Northampton Borough harmless in case of incident.

This request stimulated a discussion on the future viability of maintaining the band trailer, costs and the time involved for public works personnel to deliver, set up and retrieve the trailer. No decision regarding the trailer’s future was made.

Also at the meeting, Councilman Kenneth Hall noted borough Manager Brian Welsko, Jerry Serensits and Keith Knoblach met with a GoGov representative Sept. 17 to discuss its zoning and code enforcement products. More GoGov information is forthcoming.

Hall added there were 394 livestream views on YouTube of the Sept. 5 council meeting.

Councilwoman Judy Haldeman reported the last day of the Northampton Farmers Market 2024 edition was coming up. The season ended Sept. 24.

Haldeman also noted when the public works department went to drain the municipal swimming pool in preparation for winter, they discovered a significant drop in the water level. A pool leak is suspected and will be addressed by next year’s pool season.

Councilman Trevor Stone said civil service testing is tentatively scheduled for Oct. 5. This includes both written and agility testing. He noted the borough police department provided child safety IDs at the Uptown Northampton Street Fair. Contact the borough office for details.

Council Vice President Ronald Glassic reported the hunt for a suitable holiday tree is ongoing. He expects a definitive answer soon. The annual holiday tree lighting occurs in late November at Main Street and Laubach Avenue.

The next borough council meeting is set for 7 p.m. Oct. 3 at the municipal building, 1401 Laubach Ave. It is a hybrid meeting, with both in-person and virtual options. Visit northamptonboro.com to access the meeting virtually.