Emmaus Borough Council met Nov. 18 where former Borough Councilman Chris DeFrain thanked the Emmaus Halloween Parade Committee, as well as the Emmaus Public Works Department for the work they did to make the parade a success. He additionally thanked the Emmaus Emergency Services Departments for providing security and necessary services.

Lastly, he thanked the borough residents for their turnout and for making it such a well-attended event.

In a community minute, Mayor Lee Ann Gilbert highlighted the opening of a new business in the community, Board to Death Games, 338 Main St. A grand-opening ceremony with a ribbon cutting will be held noon Nov. 30.

The evening continued with special presentations and a bittersweet moment as the council bid farewell to Emmaus Fire Chief John Price on his retirement. Following this, Officer Matthew James Hutchens was sworn in as a new member of the Emmaus Police Department.

In the decision on bids, council approved the bid for a new electric supplier, GL Electrical, at a cost increase of 20%. This was the best bid received as electrical services have increased substantially since the previous contract was approved. Additionally, council extended the existing lawn care contract for another year with no cost increase.

Council also gave the green light to the Emmaus Farmers Market’s 2025 event plans, including street closure and banner requests. The Emmaus Farmers Market will run 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday. Fourth Street and Main Street near the Triangle will be closed during that time.

Council received an event request from Faith Presbyterian Church of Emmaus for a Christmas Eve service at Triangle Park 11:15 a.m. Dec. 24. This was sent to the committee level for approval.

Council also approved a driveway crossover extension for a resident wanting to widen their driveway to 29 feet. The maximum crossover width written in the current ordinance only permits 25 feet and the resident needed council’s approval for the allotted extension. There were no zoning issues or concerns with the resident’s request.

In new business, two ordinances were introduced and first reading was passed. Ordinance 1272 amends Chapter 15 of the Consolidated Code of Ordinances, extending residential permit parking areas to additional streets near the high school. The additional streets are Walnut Street from North Ninth Street to North 10th St, as well as North Ninth Street from Chestnut Street to Crest Way.

This was due to the increased concerns from residents of students temporarily parking in residential neighborhoods near Emmaus High School. The ordinance states it shall be unlawful for any person to park, or allow them to remain parked, for more than one hour on weekdays between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Next, council passed Ordinance 1273, which is focused on newly adopted parking restrictions in downtown Emmaus. The ordinance is focused on the parking kiosk zones, off-street unmetered parking, regulations relating to disabled parking, timed parking and eliminating the kiosk at 311 Main St. There will be several changes to downtown Emmaus parking and residents should read through the new ordinance to understand all the changes.

Two action items were approved during the public safety report, the proposed ambulance subscription benefits and the purchase of a new ambulance. The Emmaus ambulance subscription will help to significantly lower the costs of ambulance services in the borough at an affordable annual rate. The new ambulance purchase will cost $365,916.12.

In the general administration report, Christine Snyder was appointed to the nonunion employee pension board.

Resolution 2024-29, approving the bill list, was passed during the budget and finance report, which also reviewed significant revenue and expenses for the first half of November.

In personnel matters, Borough Manager Shane Pepe announced the promotion of Harry Huhn to master firefighter and an employee classification advancement to a Class 4 employee for Christopher Jost in the public works department.

The meeting concluded without an executive session.

The next regular council meeting will be held Dec. 2.