Borough treasurer resigns
At the March 20 Northampton Borough Council meeting, David Strain submitted his resignation as the borough’s bookkeeper and treasurer. His last day of employment was set for March 21.
He was publicly thanked by council and administration for his work serving the borough. The position is expected to be filled in the coming weeks.
In other business, council approved resolution 6-25 to pursue a grant application in Northampton County’s Livable Landscapes grant program in the amount of $100,000 for new playground equipment and other improvements at the Fourth Street Park.
The lowest bidder for the Stewart Street pump station general/mechanical work project was approved by council. The low bidder is the Derstine Company, of Souderton, in the amount of $433,500.
The bid for electrical/HVAC work for the Stewart Street pump station was approved by council. The GS Developers Inc., of Doylestown, total bid of $139,730 was accepted by council.
The ordinance covering the criteria for an accessible parking space is planned for review because it was deemed too restrictive.
A number of groups received permission to rent the borough’s band trailer, including Becky’s Drive-In for its 37th annual benefit festival and car show Oct. 5 to benefit Dream Come True, the Laurys Station Volunteer Fire Company for the Laurys Station Community Days noon-8 p.m. Sept. 20 and the Vera Cruz Community Association for an event set for noon-8 p.m. Aug. 17.
All rentals of the band trailer come with a $300 rental fee, a $150 delivery and pickup fee and proof of a certificate of insurance naming Northampton Borough as additionally insured.
The Northampton Liederkranz received permission for temporary no parking signs on Siegfried Avenue from Ninth Street to Birch Street for the fourth annual bike night 6-10 p.m. July 12.
Northampton Regional Emergency Management Services received permission for the closure of the Canal Street Park entrance to 15th Street for its safety day. There will be driver evaluations, car seat installations and safety checks.
A resident from the 300 block of Howertown Road requested an accessible parking space. Northampton Borough Police Chief Bryan Kadingo recommended council reject the request based on the borough’s accessible parking space ordinance. Council overruled the police chief and approved the request.
Council approved the borough fire police to assist Lehigh Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg’s trauma program in holding the traffic lights at 21st Street and Siegfried Avenue and 21st and Main streets for a motorcycle Regroup and Ride May 31. This motorcycle safety event’s ride portion will begin at LVH-Muhlenberg Hospital 12:30 p.m. and will reach the borough around 1 p.m.
Council approved the sale of the borough’s administration office van to the Northampton Area Food Bank for $1. The sale will allow the food bank the ability to travel with more supplies to all of its destinations. The food bank organizers understand they have full responsibility for the maintenance, inspections and any other issues involved with operating the van.
Council approved the appointment of Salvatore Zangari to an open seat on the borough’s health board.
Councilwoman Judy Haldeman said the annual Easter egg hunt is set for 11 a.m. April 12 at Municipal Park, Smith Lane and Laubach Avenue. The Easter Bunny will be present for photos with children and their families.
Councilman Jason Donahue said the annual purse bingo, sponsored by the Northampton Borough Fire Department, will be held March 30 at the fire station, 4 Lerchenmiller Drive. Doors open 11 a.m., and bingo starts 12:30 p.m. Call 610-262-9411 for more details.
During the hearing of persons present, a resident of the neighborhood adjacent to the Tri-Boro Sportsmen Club shooting range reported three more bullets alleged to be from the range were found in three neighbors’ properties. No one was hurt, it was reported. The resident requested more action be taken by the borough to promote safety in the neighborhood.
The issue of bullets allegedly traveling out of the range into the neighboring residential area has been discussed at past meetings.
The next Northampton Borough Council meeting is planned for 7 p.m. April 3 at the municipal building, 1401 Laubach Ave. It is a hybrid meeting, with both in-person and virtual options. Visit northamptonboro.com to view the agenda and how to access the meeting virtually.