In his public works committee report at the Jan. 16 Northampton Borough Council meeting, Council Vice President Ronald Glassic noted the public works department will examine possible needed repairs for the borough’s portable band trailer in the coming weeks.

The trailer reportedly needs an upgrade for its safe use and to restore it to its original functionality. The band trailer is a popular portable stage venue for Northampton, outside municipalities and other organizations that rent the trailer for festivals, church picnics, street fairs and other events.

Last year, council discussed the rental fee that includes delivery, setup and return to the borough by the public works crew. Council agreed to increase the rental fee at that time. The current rental fee is $300, with a $150 delivery and setup fee. The renter also must provide a certificate of insurance naming the borough of Northampton as additionally insured.

Based on the potential costs to repair the band trailer and apparent growing sentiment to possibly stop renting it out, the trailer’s future is in question.

Finishing his report, Glassic said the public works department completed a sewer line repair at 451 20th St.

He also thanked the public works department for placing the holiday decorations on telephone poles during the recent holiday season. Glassic noted the public works department will install the Valentine’s Day decorations throughout Main Street.

In his administration and finance committee report, Councilman Kenneth Hall said there were 177 livestream views of the Jan. 2 council meeting on YouTube. Hall also reported the borough received $214,653.76 in sanitation fee payments Jan. 13.

Councilwoman Judy Haldeman, in her building, land and recreation committee report, said the piece of playground equipment damaged at Municipal Park will be replaced as soon as possible.

Haldeman added work will begin on the borough swimming pool in the coming weeks. The pool is popular for both Northampton residents and families outside of the borough. The plan is to update the pool pumps, plumbing and filtration system. The pool will also be repainted in the spring.

Councilwoman Bonnie Almond said there were 649 calls to the Northampton Fire Department during 2024. She thanked the fire department for its dedication to serving the residents of Northampton.

Almond also announced the next Northampton Board of Health meeting is set for 7 p.m. Jan. 28 in the municipal building.

In the code and police committee report, Councilman Trevor Stone said the code enforcement office will be moved to a new office in borough hall Jan. 20. The new location will be down the hall from the front lobby to an office adjacent to the Atlas Cement Company Memorial Museum.

Stone added that rental registration renewal fees were mailed to landlords Jan. 3. Stone said the borough had received a total of $3,000 in registration fees.

The next Northampton Borough Council meeting is set for 7 p.m. Feb. 6 in the municipal building, 1401 Laubach Ave. Visit northamptonboro.com to review the agenda and for instructions to access the meeting virtually.