Emmaus Borough Council held its regular meeting Jan. 20 with no personal appeals by community members. A special presentation was led by Mayor Lee Ann Gilbert who issued a proclamation for International Holocaust Remembrance Day. According to the United States Holocaust Museum, the United Nations General Assembly chose Jan. 27 as designated for International Holocaust Remembrance Day. It was on Jan. 27, 1945, that the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp was liberated. This is a time to remember the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust and the millions of other victims of Nazi persecution.

In borough communications, the Emmaus Arts Commission requested approval for the annual FilmFest 2 p.m. Feb. 2 at the Emmaus Theater. Secondary students throughout the Lehigh Valley will showcase their talents in filmmaking. This year’s theme will focus on the intrigue of Edgar Allan Poe. The Emmaus Arts Commission hosts this student film festival annually as a way to promote inclusivity in the community. Be prepared for strange, ghostly and creative films to emerge on the big screen. Winners will be recognized in 14 categories.

Council recognized the resignations of Braden Damitz who served as a part-time EMT and Jennifer Felegy who served on the library board. Council thanked each of them for their service to the borough and wished them well in their future plans.

In committee reports, approval of a compost site plan was approved. The next meeting for public works involving highway, water and sewer concerns will be 4:45 p.m. Feb. 10.

Regarding health, sanitation and codes, council authorized a 30-day review for zoning ordinances and subdivision and land development ordinances.

Neil Valois was appointed to the recreation and entertainment commission. Parks and recreation will hold its next meeting 4:45 p.m. Feb. 20.

For the public safety committee, council authorized the police hiring process and accepted a vehicle donation from Motors Plus. This committee will meet next 9 a.m. Feb. 12.

For budget and finance, Resolution 2025-3 showing the bill list was approved. Significant revenue and expenses were discussed for the first half of January. This committee will meet next 11 a.m. Feb. 5.

Finally, council member Katherine Watt shared the community relations, planning and development committee will establish procedures. Their next meeting will be 4:45 p.m. Feb. 4.

The public is invited to attend all meetings.

Council said the Emmaus Public Library has a new director. Allison Floray assumed her duties Jan. 6.

In the second round of personal appeals, Emmaus resident Megan Behm, speaking via Zoom, requested council provide email blasts for community updates. She said many residents do not refer to the website but would be more inclined to read an email blast. Council appreciated her request and said email blasts in the future could occur. Behm also inquired about the costs involved with Kline’s Island Sewer System. Borough Solicitor Jason Ulrich of Gross & McGinley noted the information will be made public.

Borough Manager Shane Pepe added the information is not public yet. Behm wanted to know if the plan is available from the Department of Environmental Protection. Ulrich informed Behm she could make a Right to Know request to the DEP.

Council President Chad Balliet thanked Behm for her comments and appreciated her involvement. He said, “This is not the first time your name has popped up (online in the Zoom meeting) and it’s nice to see people are reading the information we provide.” Behm added, “I try to encourage my neighbors to do so, too.” Behm shared that she has experience with community outreach and offered her help to the borough in this capacity. Watt said she will reach out to Behm.

The next Emmaus Borough Council meeting will take place 6 p.m. Feb. 3 in borough hall.