The new Emmaus Public Library Director Allison Floray opened the April 7 Emmaus Borough Council meeting by thanking the council members for their support as she starts in her position at the library.

Floray accepted the position during a busy time of the year and is currently preparing for numerous summer programs. She mentioned work on the roof of the library has begun and will be completed before the summer. She appreciates all the borough council has done to help her in her new role in the community.

Chairman of the Recreation and Entertainment Committee Allan Sylvestre provided a special presentation about the 2025 Summer Entertainment Series.

“Everything Emmaus,” he said, “is the theme for this year. All the bands, vendors, brewers, and projects such as the Kindness Project and animals projects are all connected to Emmaus.”

Events include Tunes in the Triangle scheduled 6:30-8:30 p.m. June 13 and 27, July 11 and 25 and Aug. 8 and 22 and The Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival set for 6 p.m. June 3. The Concerts in the Park will be May 25, June 1, 8, 22 and 29, July 6, 13, 20 and 27 and Aug. 10, 17, 24 and 31 in Emmaus Community Park. Performances start 6 p.m.

More information can be found at www.emmausent.com.

Council member Roy Anders complimented Sylvestre on securing the sponsors and doing a “phenomenal job” to prepare the summer series for the community.

In other meeting news, Emmaus resident Bruce Carl took the podium, appealing to council members to “speed up the process” for a handicap parking sign outside his residence on Fourth Street.

Carl reported his health has declined and he is limited to walking short distances. Having a garage, church and high-rise located in the vicinity of his home, it is challenging for him to find a spot within walking distance. He has been forced to double park at times.

Carl mentioned the state only needs 10-15 days to provide placards and questioned the borough’s 90-day policy.

Emmaus Borough Manager Shane Pepe shared the request was scheduled to go before the public safety committee April 9 and must be approved by the Emmaus Police Department.

The committee will do a first reading of his paperwork April 21 and the second reading could take place on either May 5, or more likely according to Pepe, May 19.

A sign will need to be secured and planted.

Pepe noted the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation had changed regulations, pushing the process to 90 days.

In communications to council, Lucy McLeod’s request for reappointment to the vacancy board was approved with the contingency on passing a background check. Council member Brent Labenberg stated background checks are required by the state and council needs to follow through on these.

Also, the Emmaus Veterans’ Committee requested the closure of Third and Fourth streets at North Street 9-11 a.m. May 26 for the Emmaus Memorial Day Parade. The veterans will march from the Emmaus Triangle to the Veterans’ Triangle.

The Emmaus Veterans’ Committee also requested the dedication of the new Veterans’ Memorial to be held 1-3 p.m. May 18 with the same street closures.

Both requests were approved by borough council.

Council forwarded the event request from East Penn Instrumental Musicians Club for Sept. 27 to the mayor’s office to handle.

Brittney O’Connor’s volunteer application for the planning commission was approved contingent on passing a background check.

Carl’s request for disabled parking was sent to the public safety committee to address at a meeting April 21.

Emmaus Mayor Lee Ann Gilbert shared her list of activities she attended for the borough from Jan. 5 through April 1.

Resolution 2025-12 was approved to pay the bill list for $124,380.20.

Pepe announced the following individuals as hired for the 2025 season as concession workers: Natalie Curran, Ava DePietro, Evan Shook, Adrianna Theer, Gabriella Ramos, Gianna Lutes and Brody McHugh. Council approved these new hires contingent on background checks.

Council also approved Giovanni Sicurello as a part-time firefighter.

The budget and finance committee meeting scheduled May 7 is canceled. The community relations, planning and development meeting scheduled May 6 may also have to be canceled. Visit the borough website for updated meeting information.

The next Emmaus Borough Council meeting is scheduled 6 p.m. April 21.