At the April 3 Northampton Borough Council meeting, Judith Ackerman, borough treasurer, informed council she is stepping down. She said she is not seeking reelection and will end her treasurer duties at the close of 2025.

The office of treasurer is an elected position.

Ackerman said she has enjoyed her role of treasurer for the borough and appreciated the many people she worked with and the residents she met during her tenure.

In related business, Brian Welsko, Jerry Serensits, Meaghan Case and members of council interviewed several candidates for the position of borough bookkeeper. They recommended James Mehnert be hired to fill the position.

Council approved Mehnert’s hire, pending successfully passing a physical exam and a clean drug test result.

Council approved ordinance 1238 to adopt procedures for issuing violation tickets before the issuance of citations for certain ordinance violations. The ordinance was approved for advertisement at the council meeting March 4. It becomes effective May 1.

Ordinance 1239 was approved to amend Borough Code Part II, Chapter 234, Article IV, regarding parking on borough property. All ordinances are available for public review by contacting the borough office or visiting nothamptonboro.com.

In other business, council and borough administrative leaders applauded Northampton Mayor Anthony Pristash for his selection by the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce as the 2025 Mayor of the Year. Pristash humbly appreciated all the accolades from his elected peers.

Lappawinzo Fish and Game Association received approval to rent the borough’s portable band trailer for the annual Wine Under the Willows event, set for May 10. The association will pay a rental, delivery and setup fee totaling $450 and must provide a certificate of insurance that covers Northampton Borough.

St. Paul’s United Church of Christ received permission, with all fees waived, to use pavilion A at Municipal Park, Smith Lane and Laubach Avenue, Aug. 3 for a church service and picnic.

In his administration and finance committee report, Councilman Kenneth Hall reported the borough received a thank-you letter from Northampton Area Public Library for the borough’s contribution to the library in the amount of $18,000.

Hall said the borough received a Liquid Fuels Tax payment from the state March 26 in the amount of $294,964.01. The Liquid Fuels Tax is governed by legislation from 1931, Act 44 of 2007 and the Liquid Fuels Tax Act 655 of 1956, as amended. The act provides that counties may allocate funds to their political subdivisions for future road and bridge construction, reconstruction and maintenance projects.

Councilwoman Judy Haldeman noted the annual Easter egg hunt is set for 11 a.m. April 12 at Municipal Park. The rain date is April 13.

Haldeman added the preparation of the borough’s public swimming pool is underway. Plans are to repair pool equipment, install new fixtures and repaint the pool walls and pool floor.

Councilman Trevor Stone, in his code and police committee report, said the borough received $36,415 in rental registration and inspection fees to date.

Councilwoman Bonnie Almond noted the fire department is hosting its April breakfast with the Easter Bunny 8-11 a.m. April 13 at the station, 4 Lerchenmiller Drive.

Council Vice President Ronald Glassic, in his public works and sewer committee report, said the blacktop season officially started April 1. He added the previously installed pipe and catch basins on Coventry Court were expected to be blacktopped by the end of the week.

Glassic noted public works and administration staff met with Pennsylvania Department of Transportation officials about the 30-foot box culvert that collapsed at Route 329 and Main Street. The borough received approval to begin repairing the section.

Pristash said the annual Northampton Police Department’s fish derby is planned for April 19 at the Hokendauqua Creek behind the police department. The derby also includes a basket social. Proceeds of the event benefit the police department.

The next Northampton Borough Council meeting will be 7 p.m. April 17 at the municipal building, 1401 Laubach Ave. It is a hybrid meeting, with both in-person and virtual options. Visit northamptonboro.com to access the meeting’s agenda and how to access the meeting virtually.