Emmaus Borough Council convened its regular meeting Dec. 2, approving a wide array of agenda items aimed at enhancing the borough’s operations and services. The meeting, held at borough hall, began promptly 6 p.m. with a call to order and the Pledge of Allegiance.

There were no comments during personal appeals, Part I. The community minute followed, where Mayor Lee Ann Gilbert highlighted the upcoming holiday festivities planned for downtown Emmaus Dec. 7, including the annual tree lighting ceremony and Old Fashioned Christmas.

Council approved the minutes from the Nov. 18 meeting, ensuring the official record reflected discussions and decisions from that session. There were no special presentations or decisions on bids.

The communications section featured several updates. Jason Kleckner’s retirement notice was accepted with thanks for his service of over 36 years with the public works department.

There was a request from William Kennedy for a cost-of-living adjustment, which was referred to the budget and finance committee for further consideration.

Council also welcomed Greg Leaming as a new volunteer on the arts commission, following his submission of an application and resume.

The last item under communications was Chris Hoenscheid’s resignation from Emmaus Borough Council. He thanked all the members of the council for welcoming him at the beginning of this year; however, due to time constraints outside of council, he could not continue with his service.

Next, both the borough engineer’s report and the solicitor’s report were accepted without objection.

In new business, council held the first readings for three ordinances:

Ordinance No. 1274, revises water rate schedules and billing procedures.

Ordinance No. 1275, addresses sewer and sewage disposal rates for fiscal year 2025.

Ordinance No. 1276, sets tax rates to 10.4455 mills for Fiscal Year 2025, including allocations for a general fund tax of 8.1204 mills, a fire fund tax of 1.8461 mills, a special roads fund tax of 0.32 mills and a streetlight fund tax of 0.159 mills.

Council approved the first readings of all three ordinances, marking an important step in finalizing the borough’s 2025 budget and service rates.

There were no items in unfinished business, items not on the agenda nor a mayoral report.

During the health, sanitation and codes report, Resolution 2024-34 was passed, approving a lot line adjustment for properties at 413, 435, and 437 S. Fifth Street.

Following this, the general administration committee recommended and received approval to hire Brianna Falko as the fire department’s full-time administrative assistant.

Resolution 2024-30, the bill list, was approved during the budget and finance report, totaling $385,098.67.

Other highlights included the approval of the 2025 budget draft to be displayed, as well as the borough manager’s report, which confirmed the hiring of Joshua Pierce as an EMT.

In the president’s business, the solicitor covered the process of appointing a new member of council. An ad will be placed and members of the public can apply. Council members will interview the candidates and a vote will be taken on who will be selected, with hopes of filling the seat by January 2025.

The meeting was then adjourned. The next Emmaus Borough Council meeting will be held 6 p.m. Dec. 16. Meetings are open to the public and take place at borough hall, 28 N. Fourth St.