Borough Council Meetings

April 18, 2022 47 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL The Emmaus Borough Council met in Regular Session on April 18, 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 Shana Baumgartner Present John W. Hart Present Teri Sorg-McManamon Present LeeAnn Gilbert, Mayor Absent Jason Ulrich, Solicitor Present Shane Pepe, Borough Manager Present via Zoom Sara Jarrett-Eaton, Asst. Borough Manager Present PERSONAL APPEALS, PART I A. Pamela and Mario Landis – 31 S. 4th Street – Ms. Landis explained that she and Mario are the owners of the property located at 31 S. 4th Street. She stated that her property is located at the end of a paper alley, which is behind the home. She stated that she and Mario have been taking care of the alley because the garage entrance for 31 S. 4th Street is located in the alley. She stated that she would like to take ownership of the paper alley. Solicitor Ulrich stated that there are several options and he will review the matter. Mr. Labenberg referred the item to the Borough Manager, staff, and the Borough Solicitor. COMMUNITY MINUTE – None. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Alan Sylvestre, Chairman of the Emmaus Recreation and Entertainment Commission, presented the flyer for the 2022 Summer Concert Series and explained the various events that will be held and showcased during the summer. He noted that there are many sponsors that are located outside of the Borough. Mr. Labenberg and Mr. Hart thanked Mr. Sylvestre for the Commission’s hard work. Mr. Anders asked Mr. Sylvestre if the Commission is in need of volunteers to work at the park during the events. Mr. Sylvestre responded that he would send out an email shortly asking for volunteers. READING OF MINUTES April 18, 2022 48 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL Motion by Mr. DeFrain, seconded by Ms. Baumgartner to adopt the April 4, 2022 Council Minutes as drafted. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. DECISION ON BIDS – None. COMMUNICATIONS a. April Madonna, 105 Elm Street – Street closure request on Elm Street from Willow Street to 1st Street for a block party to be held on June 25, 2022 from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m., with a rain date of June 26, 2022. Mr. Labenberg referred the item to Mayor Gilbert. b. Pamela Landis, 31 S. 4th Street – Parking Concerns c. James Yoachim – Letter of resignation from the Public Works Department, effective April 21, 2022. BOROUGH ENGINEER’S REPORT – None. SOLICITOR’S REPORT Progress. UNFINISHED BUSINESS, PART I – None. NEW BUSINESS – None. UNFINISHED BUSINESS, PART II – None. ITEMS NOT ON AGENDA, subject to Rule 9 – None. MAYOR’S REPORT Mayor Gilbert read Proclamation 2022-27 proclaiming April 29, 2022 as Arbor Day in the Borough of Emmaus and urged all citizens to support the planting of trees to promote the well-being of this and future generations. Progress. COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Public Works Committee Mr. Anders reported that there is nothing for official action tonight and the next Committee meeting is Wednesday, April 20, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. via Zoom. Progress. April 18, 2022 49 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL b. Health, Sanitation, and Codes Committee Resolution 2022-20: Sewage Planning Module – 322 & 326 Franklin Street Motion by Mr. Balliet, seconded by Mrs. Sorg-McManamon to adopt Resolution 2022-20. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Mr. Balliet reported that the next Committee meeting is Wednesday, April 27, 2022 at 4:45 p.m. via Zoom. Progress. c. Parks and Recreation Committee Resolution 2022-21 – Approving the Application to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development for Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Program Grant Funding. Ms. Baumgartner explained that the Borough of Emmaus will be applying for a grant in the amount of $250,000 for the rehabilitation of Lion’s Field. Motion by Ms. Baumgartner, seconded by Mrs. Sorg-McManamon to adopt Resolution 2022-21. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Ms. Baumgartner thanked Mr. Pepe and Mrs. Jarrett-Eaton for all of their hard work on the grant. Ms. Baumgartner reminded everyone that the public meeting for the Pool Study will be held on April 20, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom and invited everyone to attend. She stated that a second meeting will be held on May 18, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. to finalize everything. Ms. Baumgartner reported the next Committee meeting is May 3, 2022 at 4:45 p.m. via Zoom. Progress. d. Public Safety Committee Mr. Hart stated that Chief of Police Jason Apgar has passed the requirements necessary to obtain Civil Service Protection. Mr. Balliet stated that Chief Apgar obtained a 100% on his tests. Motion by Mr. Hart, seconded by Mr. Anders to grant Chief of Police Jason Apgar Civil Service Protection. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. April 18, 2022 50 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL Motion by Mr. Hart, seconded by Mr. Balliet to table the Borough of Emmaus Emergency Operations Plan for review by the Public Safety Committee. There were 5 ayes, 2 nays. (Anders, Labenberg). Motion carried. Mr. Hart entertained questions about the Committee notes and reported that the next Committee meeting is April 28, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. via Zoom. Progress. e. General Administration Committee Resolution 2022-19 – Approving the Application to Lehigh County and the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development for Community Development Block Grant Fund. Motion by Mr. Hart, seconded by Mr. DeFrain to adopt Resolution 2022-19. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Motion by Mr. Hart, seconded by Mrs. Sorg-McManamon to appoint Fredricka Stringfellow to the Library Board to a term expiring 1/1/2025. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Mr. Labenberg reported that the next Committee meeting is Thursday, April 21, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. via Zoom. Progress. f. Budget & Finance Committee Mr. DeFrain reviewed the 1st Quarter Budget Summary Report and explained that due to the increase in gas prices, the Borough will not meet the Budget. Mr. Pepe stated that the general cost of doing business has skyrocketed and it may be an issue on supply Line Items that are run very tightly. Resolution 2022-22 authorizing payment of the April 18, 2022 Bill List as follows: Bill List $ 483,667.02 Payroll #7 $ 165,811.48 Payroll Taxes $ 54,110.48 Total $ 703,588.98 Done this 18th day of April 2022. April 18, 2022 51 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL Motion by Mr. DeFrain, seconded by Mr. Balliet to adopt Resolution 2022-22. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Mr. DeFrain entertained questions about the Significant Revenue and Expense Items for the 1st half of April. Mr. DeFrain discussed PLGIT investments for Bond proceeds for the renovation projects. He reported that the next Committee meeting is Thursday, April 21, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. via Zoom. He stated that he will not be present for the meeting. Progress. g. Community Relations, Planning and Development Committee Mrs. Sorg-McManamon reported that there is nothing for official action tonight and reminded everyone that the Library Book Sale will be held on Friday, April 22nd from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., and Saturday, April 23, 2022 from 7:00 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. She stated that tickets are still available for Tee Time at the Emmaus Public Library. She explained that the event will be held on Friday, April 29th and Saturday, April 30th. She stated that the Friday night event is for adults only and the ticket price is $30.00. The ticket price includes complimentary food, adult beverages, and live music. She stated that the Saturday event is a family friendly event and the ticket price is $5.00. Mr. Labenberg thanked Mrs. Sorg-McManamon for being the face of the Borough and for her social media posts. Mrs. Sorg-McManamon reported that the next Committee meeting is Monday, May 9, 2022 at 4:30 p.m. PERSONAL APPEALS, PART II – None. BOROUGH MANAGER’S REPORT Mr. Pepe reported that Jason Jesmain has met the requirements to be promoted to Master Firefighter. Motion by Mr. Hart, seconded by Ms. Baumgartner to promote Jason Jesmain to Master Firefighter. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Progress. PRESIDENT’S BUSINESS Progress. April 18, 2022 52 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL ADJOURNMENT Motion by Mr. Hart, seconded by Ms. Baumgartner to adjourn the April 18, 2022 Emmaus Borough Council Meeting. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m. Shane M. Pepe Transcribed by: Paula Weiant Borough Manager Administrative Assistant April 19, 2022