Emmaus Borough Council began with a public hearing for Ordinances 1252 (zoning) and 1253 (SALDO).

Council President Chad Balliet was not present and Council Vice President Shana Baumgartner ran the meeting in his absence. Council member Nathan Brown said the last zoning ordinance was signed in 1984, but it has been reshaped and amended over 25 times. Brown described it as a “living and breathing document.” Changes made include parking requirements for apartments being reduced from two spaces per unit to 1.5 spaces per unit. For example, instead of 20 spaces needed for 10 apartments, it would be reduced to 15 spaces.

Regarding homes, previously 700 square feet was the minimum and this has increased to 1,000 square feet. The height of commercial buildings decreased from 12 feet to 10 feet for first floors and from 10 feet to 8 feet for second floors.

Solicitor Jason Ulrich said the ordinances have been sent to the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission and there should be no additional changes of substance.

In public comment, Marguerite Viola, owner of Switchback Pizza located on Jubilee Street, addressed council regarding zoning of her microbrewery and restaurant. She requested it be considered as downtown zoning. Ulrich noted her business will be “grandfathered in” because its location is “unique.”

Council member Katherine Watt thanked everyone for working together to prepare these two ordinances to help businesses and provide new opportunities for residents as well as protecting South Mountain. Both ordinances were passed unanimously by council.

Resident Scott Seibert addressed council requesting one hour parking signage be placed in the 100 block of Seventh Street between Walnut Street and Ridge Avenue and providing residential permits. Emmaus High School students are parking there all day making the parking situation for the residents who live there difficult. This issue will be referred to the public safety committee to examine.

Kevin Gehman, owner of property on South Sixth Street, addressed council regarding a letter he received from the borough informing him of his responsibility to put in new curbs and sidewalks. According to the letter, he is being given four months to make the necessary changes that could cost approximately $6,000. Council member Roy Anders said the committee is re-evaluating to give residents a year’s notice to prepare and raise money if needed. He admitted this was a lack of communication and council will “fix this.” Gehman said if the residents did not make these changes, could the borough pay for the changes and place liens on the properties?

Borough Manager Shane Pepe said the borough would have to use a bidding process if they did which could result in higher prices; he said it is not fair to ask residents to come up with $6,000 in four months. Council member Brent Labenberg suggested neighbors might want to consider organizing to get one contractor to do the work which could result in saving money. However, Brown interjected with concern for residents who might not be able to pay and wondered what options could be explored for these residents. Pepe said payment plans could be considered, but the price for the borough doing the work will always be more.

Gehman is hoping perhaps “neighbors helping neighbors” could be discussed. Anders said this will be addressed in committee.

Representing the Emmaus Rotary, chair of Celebration Committee Cindy Hornaman and President-elect Nelly Kabiru, addressed council regarding the planned summer festival.

This event will take place 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. May 31 at Emmaus Community Park. Cat Country Radio, WLEV and 99.9 will be there 10 a.m. to noon. From 1-3 p.m.

Scott Marshall and the Highway Souls will perform followed by Flirting with the Mob 3:30 p.m. The Craig Thatcher Band will close the event 6-8 p.m. Shangy’s Beer, Tolino’s Wine and eight food trucks will be available throughout the day.

There will be kids’ activities, arts and crafts, vendors and businesses such as the Master Gardeners. Jaindl Turkey Farms is the major sponsor and the Emmaus Rotary Club is still seeking additional sponsors. Money raised from this event will benefit the East Penn Food Coalition which provides weekly food distributions to families in need. The need has increased this year due to the increasing costs of housing. Over 21,000 bags of food have been distributed so far this year. It costs approximately $15,000 for about 80 pallets of food. More information is available on the Emmaus Rotary Club webpage.

In communications, council approved The Deca Salon’s request for the Emmaus Arts and Vintage event to be held 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 12 in Triangle Park. The approval is contingent upon insurance. The event was a success last year and they are hoping for another great year. Also, the request for the Funk 5 Miler was discussed. The radio purchase contract will be discussed at the next budget and finance committee meeting.

Council accepted a volunteer application from Paul Yoder for the arts commission.

President of the Emmaus Veterans Committee Ben Brown and Vice President John Eyer addressed council regarding the Memorial Day Parade. In an effort to get more veterans involved in the march, they are requesting to have the parade begin at the borough parking lot on Main Street and march to the Veterans Memorial Triangle.

Previously, the veterans would march from Emmaus High School to the downtown Triangle. This was an extensive walk for many veterans. The parade will be held May 26. The march will begin 9:30 a.m. and meet at the Veterans Memorial Triangle 10 a.m.

In case of inclement weather, the parade will be canceled but a short ceremony will take place at the memorial. The Emmaus High School Band will perform at the ceremony. Council approved the change in the parade route and no parking on Third, Fourth and North streets for the event.

In new business, council unanimously approved Ordinances 1252 and 1253. Mayor Lee Ann Gilbert commented “The Fries Rebellion” film is “eye opening” and a “must see” film. She added, “It took place in 1799 in our area, check it out.” Gilbert also attended the open house for The Kindness Project which works with foster families in our area.

In committee reports, Anders said the Sixth Street construction will be discussed at the March 10 meeting.

Council approved Manuel Ferris to the joint environmental advisory committee to a 3-year term to expire March 7, 2028.

Megan Brehm was also appointed to the recreation and entertainment commission to a term to expire May 1, 2026.

Council approved Chase Eiss’s Eagle Scout project to provide for new dugouts at the South Fourth Street field. Eiss provided the committee with plans and designs which include raised roofs and benches. His efforts will be overseen by the public works department.

Council also approved Resolution 2025-7 authorizing Pepe to apply for a Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Grant for Boroline Park.

Council also approved for the borough to host an America 250 Celebration event July 24-26, 2026.

Council approved the sale of a parking kiosk for $1,500 in a vote of 5-1 with Anders as the sole nay vote.

Finally, council accepted the resignation of Vanessa Long and the termination of Jason Eckhert from EMS.

The next meeting will be held at Emmaus Borough Hall 6 p.m. March 17.