During the Jan. 20 Catasauqua Borough Council meeting, council members approved a handful of resolutions. Resolution 1-2025 approved the police pension contribution of 8%, and resolution 3-2025 clarified language in the water and sewer fee documentation. It was reported the increase in water fees is partially to help make up money borrowed from the sewer plant in 2021, which needs to be paid back.

Resolution 2-2025 approved the purchase of a Peterbilt 548 dump truck and related equipment up to $246,624 through the state COSTARS purchasing program. The lease purchase financing agreement with Fidelity Bank has annual payments of $42,912 over seven years.

Resolution 4-2025 approved an intergovernmental agreement with Allen Township for sanitary sewer services. Allen will pay a $186,200 one-time reservation fee to reserve 931 EDUs for properties at Willow Green Condominiums, Willowbrook Farms and the Fuller Trust. Solicitor Charles Smith will check how long the borough is expected to hold the reservation.

Council also approved the 2025-27 yard waste agreement with First Regional Compost Authority. The cost to the borough is $4.15 per capita for 2025, $4.35 per capita for 2026 and $4.55 per capita for 2027. The per capita fee is based on the number of residents living in the borough.

St. Mary’s Catholic Church asked for one location to be removed from the borough garbage pickup list. Cathy’s Creative Catering also asked for an exemption since the business is already paying for a dumpster. Board President Howard Cunningham said Cathy’s has been paying for both since 2017 and hasn’t had an issue with it before.

It was stated there is a procedure for businesses in similar circumstances to get removed from the list, but it needs to be done before the numbers are finalized and bills go out. It was noted the information can be added to rental agreements so businesses have the information they need.

Both requests for relief from the refuse bill were denied. It was reported the properties were factored into the costs, so the borough would have to pay the difference.

In a related matter, council denied a request for an adjustment to the sewer portion of the utility bill for a property on Front Street.

A change in the tax collector’s salary, starting in 2026, was approved. The salary is changing from $950 a quarter to $1,100 a quarter.

Additionally, council appointed Remington and Vernick as the borough engineer, with Keystone Engineering as the auxiliary engineer. The fee schedules for both companies were also approved.

After a unanimous vote of approval, Mayor Barbara Schlegel gave the oath of office to J. Foster to serve as a part-time officer with Catasauqua Police Department.

Borough Engineer Vanessa Nedrick requested a payment certificate for $119,238.64 for the wastewater treatment plant emergency generator replacement project. Eckhart noted he has been unhappy with the progress of the project. He said it’s been going on for two years but is expected to be finished by the end of the month. It was suggested holding off on issuing the payment until they know the Jan. 31 deadline was reached.

Nedrick noted this payment certificate is not the final payment, and more than half of the contract amount is still remaining to be paid, so the borough has some leverage if they need it. It was discussed approving the payment certificate contingent on the work being completed satisfactorily.

The 2024 road program payment of $164,409.57 was approved on the condition Nedrick receive the signed certificate.

Cunningham reported Lehigh Country Redevelopment Authority and VM Development Group are negotiating the agreement of sale for the Iron Works property. They are also considering the best options for using grant funds.

Councilwoman Tara Nicholas was happy to present two residents to be appointed to the borough zoning hearing board. She noted there are still two vacancies on the planning commission, as well as openings on the code board of appeals. Councilwoman Virginia Schlegel noted there were vacancies on the borough authority, and Council Eugene Schlegel reported there are openings on the shade tree commission.

Councilwoman Kim Brubaker said she met with Alice Wanamaker, of Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, regarding the D&L Trail. The trail is expected to be completed in spring 2026, and they are exploring grant opportunities.

Regarding public safety, council approved the 2025 fire department officers and drivers. Eckhart reported fire Chief Rich Hertzog checks the drivers’ licenses every year.

Dale Hein, president of Catasauqua Area School District Board of Education, addressed council about the lack of student representatives. He said none of the students expressed interest in volunteering to serve as representatives for borough council. It was noted there is a similar lack of representation on North Catasauqua Borough Council.

Barbara Schlegel and Virginia Schlegel both shared their appreciation for the public works department and their efforts during the snow emergency Jan. 19. It was noted they worked hard to clear the streets for residents. Barbara Schlegel also reiterated the importance of moving cars off the street during snow emergencies to assist with plowing and street clearing.

It was noted there was an executive session held before the meeting regarding the police chief process.

The next regular meeting of council is set for 7 p.m. Feb. 17 at the municipal complex, 90 Bridge St.