Borough Council Meetings

March 7, 2022 28 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL The Emmaus Borough Council met in Regular Session on March 7, 2022 in temporary Council Chambers, located at 139 N. 4th Street, Emmaus, PA 18049 and via Zoom. CALL TO ORDER Mr. Labenberg called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Brent Labenberg, President Present Chris DeFrain, Vice President Present Roy Anders Present Chad Balliet Present via Zoom Shana Baumgartner Present John W. Hart Present Teri Sorg-McManamon Present LeeAnn Gilbert, Mayor Present Jason Ulrich, Solicitor Present Shane Pepe, Borough Manager Present Sara Jarrett-Eaton, Asst. Borough Manager Present Also in attendance, Brad Youst, Hanover Engineering. PERSONAL APPEALS, PART I A. Karri Schreppel and Lindsey Kleinberg, Emmaus Arts Commission – thanked the community and council for their support of the SnowBlast event that was held at Triangle Park. Ms. Schreppel stated that it was the 15th year that the event was held, the weather was nice, and there was a great turn-out for the event. She thanked the Public Works Department for their help in rebuilding the ice rink and thanked all of the sponsors for their support. Ms. Kleinberg thanked the local artists for their donations of art and talent for the art panel scavenger hunt. She stated that there were 18 panels provided, the panels will be installed at local businesses, and will possibly go for auction this summer. She thanked the Emmaus Public Library, the sponsors, and the volunteers. She also thanked the Public Works Department, the Emmaus Police, Fire, and Ambulance Departments, Mayor Gilbert, and Mrs. Sorg-McManamon for attending the event. Mr. Labenberg thanked the Commission for their hard work and all of the businesses for supporting the event. Mrs. Sorg-McManamon stated that the event was a lot of fun and believes that this was one of the best in the 15 years that it has been held. Ms. Kleinberg stated that the Emmaus Arts Commission is in collaboration with Juxathub and she recently spoke at the opening of an art installation at Yergey Brewery. COMMUNITY MINUTE – None. March 7, 2022 29 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Emmaus Public Library – Board Member, Anne Zayaitz and Library Director, Maryellen Kanaar. Ms. Zayaitz reviewed 2 upcoming events for April. She stated that the library will host its 22nd Used Book Sale at the Lower Macungie Middle School on April 22 and 23, 2022. She noted that the event has not been held in 2 years and is very popular. She invited everyone to attend the 2nd Annual Mini Golf event in the Library on Friday, April 29, and Saturday, April 30, 2022. She stated that the event is 18 holes, and the course is designed throughout the library. She explained that the event on Friday is for adults and the event on Saturday is for families. She stated that there are many businesses supporting the event. She thanked the Arts Commission for donating a futuristic hydroponic garden with herbs and produce. She stated that it is a nice partnership with the Arts Commission. Ms. Kanaar explained that the Summer Reading Club, “Oceans of Possibilities” will be held from June 13 through August 13, 2022. She stated that a kick-off event will be held on June 18, 2022 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. She also stated that the library has been fine free for the past year and invited everyone to visit the library. She thanked the Borough for their continued support. Lehigh County Executive Phil Armstrong - introduced himself and thanked the Borough for staying connected with the county. He explained that the county radio switch- over is just starting. READING OF MINUTES Motion by Ms. Baumgartner, seconded by Mr. DeFrain to adopt the February 22, 2022 Council Minutes as drafted. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. DECISION ON BIDS – None. COMMUNICATIONS a. Eva Seibert – Resignation from the Garden Commission. b. Michael Gibson, 230 Ridge Street, Emmaus – Reappointment to the Planning Commission to a term expiring 4/1/2026. Motion by Mrs. Sorg-McManamon, seconded by Mr. Hart to reappoint Michael Gibson to the Emmaus Planning Commission to a term expiring 4/1/2026. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. BOROUGH ENGINEER’S REPORT – None. SOLICITOR’S REPORT Progress. March 7, 2022 30 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL UNFINISHED BUSINESS, PART I Ordinance No. 1224 – An Ordinance of the Borough of Emmaus, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, Amending Chapter 15 §602.3.A of the Emmaus Borough Code, Adding Residential Disabled Parking Sign and Assigning Permitted Parking Space on a Public Street Located Adjacent to 568 Broad Street and in Front of 243 Adrain Street Within the Borough of Emmaus (1st Reading 2/7/2022, 2nd Reading 3/7/2022). Motion by Mr. Hart, seconded by Mrs. Sorg-McManamon to adopt Ordinance No. 1224 - An Ordinance of the Borough of Emmaus, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, Amending Chapter 15 §602.3.A of the Emmaus Borough Code, Adding Residential Disabled Parking Sign and Assigning Permitted Parking Space on a Public Street Located Adjacent to 568 Broad Street and in Front of 243 Adrain Street Within the Borough of Emmaus on its 2nd Reading. Roll call vote: Mr. Balliet, aye; Mr. Hart, aye; Mr. DeFrain, aye; Mr. Anders, aye; Ms. Baumgartner, aye; Mrs. Sorg-McManamon, aye; Mr. Labenberg, aye. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. NEW BUSINESS – None. UNFINISHED BUSINESS, PART II – None. ITEMS NOT ON AGENDA, subject to Rule 9 – None. MAYOR’S REPORT Progress. COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Public Works Committee Motion by Mr. Anders, seconded by Mr. Hart to hire Lawrence Carl as Director of Public Works at a salary of $92,000, with a start date of April 4, 2022, contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Mr. Labenberg stated that Mr. Carl was interviewed by Council, and he is excited for him to start, and for the department to have a fresh start. Mr. Anders reported that the next Committee meeting is Wednesday, March 16, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. Progress. March 7, 2022 31 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL b. Health, Sanitation, and Codes Committee Resolution 2022-11 – A Resolution Conditionally Approving the Revised Preliminary / Final land Development Plan for 300 Furnace St LLC (Iron Works Apartments). Mr. Balliet explained that the plan was originally brought before Council in 2020 and it has been modified. He stated that the plan was reviewed by the Planning Commission. Mr. Pepe stated that the engineer representing the Borough is Brad Youst. Jeffrey Ott and Attorney Erick Schock presented the changes to the project. Attorney Schock explained that there will be the same number of units (144), but the project will now include a clubhouse, a swimming pool, and additional parking. Attorney Schock explained that the applicant was approved by the Zoning Hearing Board to have 4-4 story buildings with elevators. Mr. Ott explained that there was previously parking held in reserve, but now the parking will be built during construction. He stated that there will be a revision to the trail and the parking lot layout changed to meet aerial firefighting requirements. Mr. Labenberg asked how many parking spaces there are per unit. Mr. Ott responded that there will be 2.2 spaces per unit. He stated that there are 317 parking spaces required and they are proposing to have 330 parking spaces and issued concerns regarding sidewalks. Mr. Labenberg questioned where the walking trail will end on Mountain Street. Mr. Pepe explained that the exit to the path did not change from the original plan. Mr. Youst stated that the Planning Commission reviewed the revised plan and Council has now heard a summary of the proposed changes. He stated that the Zoning Hearing Board approved the addition of the clubhouse and the pool with the condition that the full tally of parking should be provided. He stated that the Planning Commission recommended a deferral to construct sidewalks among Mountain Street. He explained that Council has the ability to act on the deferral to add sidewalks when it is deemed necessary. Mr. Youst explained that Hanover Engineering has a continued concern about the number and location of refuse and recycling containers. He noted that the applicant has stated that they will consider additional spaces for refuse and recycling containers. He stated that the plan is consistent with all Borough Ordinances and the County’s stormwater management Ordinances. He stated that the sewage facility plan was submitted for 144 units, but the addition of the clubhouse and pool could increase the usage and may require a revised submission. Mr. DeFrain clarified, moving forward, Council could require sidewalks on Mountain Street. Mr. Ott explained that he met with the postmaster and mail will be delivered to each building. Mr. Pepe asked for the timeline of the project. Mr. Ott responded that the timeline is to have everything permitted by September. Motion by Mr. Balliet, seconded by Mr. DeFrain to adopt Resolution 2022-11. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried Resolution 2022-12 – Resolution for Plan Revision for New Land Development (Sewage Facilities Planning Module) – 303 Franklin Street. Motion by Mr. Balliet, seconded by Mr. Anders to adopt Resolution 2022-12. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. March 7, 2022 32 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL Mr. Balliet entertained questions about the Committee meeting notes and reported that the next Committee meeting is Wednesday, March 30, 2022 at 4:45 p.m. via Zoom. Progress. c. Parks and Recreation Committee Ms. Baumgartner reported that there are no items for official action. She stated that the pool study public meetings will be held on April 20, 2022 and May 18, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. Ms. Baumgartner entertained questions about the Committee meeting notes and reported that the next Committee meeting is April 5, 2022 at 4:45 p.m. via Zoom. Progress. d. Public Safety Committee Mr. Hart entertained questions about the Committee meeting notes and reported that the next Committee meeting is March 31, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. via Zoom. Progress. e. General Administration Committee Motion by Mr. Hart, seconded by Mr. DeFrain to accept the Hillis-Carnes Engineering Associates Materials Testing and Inspections Proposal for Borough Hall, Central Fire and Ambulance Station, and Police Station’s Renovations and Expansion Projects. There were 7 ayes. Mr. Pepe explained that the Borough received 2 proposals to inspect earth work and the quality of materials. He stated that the work is outside the scope of the project manager. He stated that Hillis-Carnes was the least expensive and they are a local Emmaus firm. He explained that the firm has worked successfully with both the architect and the project manager. Mr. Labenberg reported that the next Committee meeting is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, March 17, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. via Zoom. Progress. March 7, 2022 33 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL f. Budget & Finance Committee Resolution 2022-13 authorizing payment of the March 7, 2022 Bill List as follows: Bill List $ 688,465.33 Payroll #4 $ 168,278.96 Payroll Taxes $ 54,360.66 Total $ 911,104.95 Done this 7th day of March 2022. Motion by Mr. DeFrain, seconded by Mr. Hart to adopt Resolution 2022-13. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Mr. DeFrain entertained questions about the Significant Revenue and Expense Items for February 2022, the Budget Performance for February 2022, and the Committee meeting notes. Mr. DeFrain reported that the next Committee meeting is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, March 17, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. via Zoom. Progress. g. Community Relations, Planning and Development Committee Mrs. Sorg-McManamon reported that there is nothing for official action tonight and the next Committee meeting is Monday, March 14, 2022 via Zoom. Progress. PERSONAL APPEALS, PART II – None. BOROUGH MANAGER’S REPORT Mr. Pepe reported that he and Mrs. Jarrett-Eaton will be attending the PELRAS Conference from March 15-18th and the Public Works Committee meeting scheduled for March 16, 2022, the Budget & Finance Committee meeting, and the General Administration Committee meeting both scheduled for March 17, 2022 will be canceled. Progress. March 7, 2022 34 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL PRESIDENT’S BUSINESS Mr. Labenberg referenced the establishment of a “Quiet Zone” in a portion of the Borough, which was included in the Health, Sanitation & Codes Committee notes, and explained that the issue was addressed years ago. He stated that it is extremely expensive to establish a quiet zone. Mayor Gilbert stated that the Public Safety Committee reviewed the item 3 times and was unsuccessful at adding a “Quiet Zone.” Progress. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Mrs. Sorg-McManamon, seconded by Ms. Baumgartner to adjourn the March 7, 2022 Emmaus Borough Council Meeting. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 8:06 p.m. Shane M. Pepe Transcribed by: Paula Weiant Borough Manager Administrative Assistant March 9, 2022