At the Dec. 5 Northampton Borough Council meeting, council approved the advertisement of the 2025 Northampton Borough budget and to advertise the tax millage. The budget includes a 1.5-mill tax hike.

Northampton Borough Council President Julia Kutzler made a passionate speech, recognizing borough Manager Brian Welsko and the borough’s department heads and council members for their diligent and “tedious work” in trying to close the budget gap.

“They did an awesome job working together,” Kutzler said. “They struggled to make ends meet. This budget was cut as much as possible.”

Welsko thanked all for the hard work in assembling the successful holiday tree-lighting ceremony at the recreation center grounds Dec. 1.

Council Vice President Ronald Glassic, during his public works and sewer committee report, gave a shout-out to the borough’s public works department’s efforts to help arrange the tree-lighting ceremony.

“We could not have done it without you,” Glassic noted.

Mayor Anthony Pristash and council members complimented the change of venue for the borough holiday tree lighting and its clear success.

In her building, land and recreation committee report, Councilwoman Judy Haldeman also noted the recent tree-lighting ceremony was a huge success. She applauded both the Pennsylvania Classical Ballet Academy and Good Shepherd Catholic School for their performances at the ceremony. Haldeman also offered a special thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Claus for visiting and handing out candy to the children present.

Haldeman said the building, land and recreation committee needs to discuss if there will be any changes to fees for 2025.

In her fire and health committee report, Councilwoman Bonnie Almond reported the annual Northampton Fire Department Santa Run is set for Dec. 14, starting noon. Gifts should be dropped off at the fire station, 4 Lerchenmiller Drive, 6-8 p.m. Dec. 11-13. Gifts should not exceed the size of a shoe box and must include the child’s name, address and a parent’s phone number.

Councilman Trevor Stone, in his code and police committee report, said bags were placed on the borough’s parking meters Dec. 2. They will remain in place until Jan. 2, 2025. Stone noted street cleaning will continue throughout winter, weather permitting. However, parking tickets will be suspended until mid-March 2025.

Council approved the recommendation of preliminary and final approval of the planning commission for the conversion of the former Northampton Brewery into apartments. The future apartments will be at 1249 Newport Ave.

Jerome Kroboth was reappointed to continue serving on the borough’s zoning hearing board. Kroboth’s term is for three years, ending Dec. 31, 2027.

Cindy Miles, a leader in the efforts to improve the Fourth Street Playground, said the team is about to receive approximately $22,000 in grant funding. The team is soliciting business and private sponsors for the park improvement. Miles noted there is an online site being developed to sell items to support the project. A brick-buying fundraising effort is also beginning.

Visit northamptonboro.com on how to get involved or to financially assist the project.

All present gave Welsko a warm congratulation for the recent birth of a child. Welsko offered a “big shout-out to my wife. She did a great job. I cannot be prouder to be her husband.”

The next Northampton Borough Council meeting is set for 7 p.m. Dec. 19 at the municipal building, 1401 Laubach Ave. It is a hybrid meeting, with both in-person and virtual options. Visit northamptonboro.com for information to access the virtual meeting and to review the agenda.