Editor’s Note: This is a corrected version of the story which appeared in the Feb. 26 edition of The Press to correct a name spelling.

Emmaus Borough Council convened for its regular meeting 6 p.m. Feb. 18. The meeting was called to order, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. There were no members of the public in attendance to make a public comment.

In the Community Minute, Mayor Lee Ann Gilbert highlighted the showing of the film, Fries Rebellion, which was shot locally. It was scheduled to be screened at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 501 Chestnut St. Feb. 19.

The meeting began with a special presentation recognizing the Emmaus Police Department with the FBI LEEDA Trilogy Award. Executive Director Jacques Battiste from the FBI presented the award to Police Chief Jason Apgar. The entire Emmaus Police Command Staff completed the leadership classes necessary to receive the Trilogy Award, which only 187 police departments in the country have received since 2018.

Following this, the council then approved the minutes from the Feb. 3 meeting. A large portion of the meeting was dedicated to decisions on bids related to the PFAS construction project, which involved multiple contracts for general construction, plumbing, mechanical and HVAC and electrical work. Additionally, council discussed and approved a construction management contract with Gannett Fleming, a firm specializing in infrastructure development.

Under communications, council reviewed volunteer applications from Megan Brehm and Justin Fulmer for the recreation and entertainment commission. These appointments were not solidified at the meeting, as the applications will be sent to the committee level.

The borough engineer’s report and solicitor’s report did not contain any items.

The agenda then moved to unfinished and new business; however, there were no items to address.

Gilbert announced the Emmaus Police Department National Night Out event planning is underway.

Committee reports provided further insight into the borough’s ongoing operations.

The public works committee shared notes from its Feb. 10 meeting and announced its next session for March 10.

The health, sanitation and codes committee scheduled its next meeting March 18, while the parks and recreation committee planned to convene Feb. 20 and the public safety committee announced a March 12 meeting.

Action items included the budget and finance committee approving Resolution 2025-5, which was the bill list dating back to the previous meeting and scheduled its next meeting for March 5. Additionally, the community relations, planning and development committee recommended the appointment of Greg Leaming and Tea-Grace Roberts to the Emmaus Arts Commission for three-year terms set to expire in February 2027. They were approved by the council.

Reports from various boards and commissions were also showcased, including the pension board minutes from Feb. 13 and updates from the 1803 House, which included meeting minutes and treasurer’s reports for November 2024 through January 2025.

Emmaus Borough Manager Shane Pepe and Council President Chad Balliet did not have any items to address in either of their reports. With no further public business, the council adjourned, concluding another session focused on community development and local governance.

The next Emmaus Borough Council regular meeting will be held 6 p.m. March 3. The borough meetings take place at borough hall, 28 N. Fourth St.