Borough Council Meetings

May 16, 2022 57 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL The Emmaus Borough Council met in Regular Session on May 16, 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 via Zoom 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 Jason Buchta, Borough Engineer Present PERSONAL APPEALS, PART I – None. COMMUNITY MINUTE Mr. Anders reminded everyone that the Community Yard Sales will be held this year. Mr. Labenberg stated that the yard sales are always held the Saturday after Memorial Day and Labor Day. Mr. Pepe reminded everyone that the Memorial Day Parade will be held on Monday, May 30, 2022 beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the Emmaus High School and ending at the Veteran’s Triangle. Mayor Gilbert reminded everyone that ribbon cuttings will be held on Saturday, May 21, 2022 at Hand Made Mystic located on the Triangle and on Sunday, May 22, 2002 at Ultra Ego Salon and Day Spa located at 5th & Broad Street. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS - None. READING OF MINUTES Motion by Mr. Hart, seconded by Mr. Balliet to adopt the May 2, 2022 Council Minutes as drafted. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. May 16, 2022 58 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL DECISION ON BIDS Motion by Mr. DeFrain, seconded by Mrs. Sorg-McManamon to approve the bid from First Columbia Bank and Trust to finance the water service truck at 3.1% for two years with an annual payment of $27,325.00 per year. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. COMMUNICATIONS a. Alan Sylvestre – Request reappointment to the Recreation and Entertainment Commission to a term expiring 6/7/2025. Motion by Mr. Balliet, seconded by Mrs. Sorg-McManamon to reappoint Alan Sylvestre to the Recreation and Entertainment Commission to a term expiring 6/7/2025. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. b. S. 2nd Street & Minor Street – stop sign. Mr. Anders stated that he received a communication concerning bus traffic and safety concerns. Referred to the Public Safety Committee. BOROUGH ENGINEER’S REPORT – None. SOLICITOR’S REPORT Progress. UNFINISHED BUSINESS, PART I – None. NEW BUSINESS Ordinance No. 1228 - An Ordinance of the Borough of Emmaus, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, Amending Chapter 15 §602.2.A of the Emmaus Borough Code, Removing a Residential Disabled Parking Sign on the Public Street Located Across from 628 Ridge Street Within the Borough of Emmaus (1st Reading 5/16/22). Motion by Mr. Hart, seconded by Mr. DeFrain to adopt Ordinance No. 1228 - An Ordinance of the Borough of Emmaus, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, Amending Chapter 15 §602.2.A of the Emmaus Borough Code, Removing a Residential Disabled Parking Sign on the Public Street Located Across from 628 Ridge Street Within the Borough of Emmaus on its 1st Reading. Roll call vote: Mrs. Sorg-McManamon, aye; Ms. Baumgartner, aye; Mr. Anders, aye; Mr. Balliet, aye; Mr. Hart, aye; Mr. DeFrain, aye; Mr. Labenberg, aye. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. May 16, 2022 59 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL Mr. Labenberg stated that the 2nd Reading of Ordinance No. 1228 will be held at the June 20, 2022 Council meeting. UNFINISHED BUSINESS, PART II – None. ITEMS NOT ON AGENDA, subject to Rule 9 – None. MAYOR’S REPORT Progress. COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Public Works Committee Mr. Anders reported that the next Committee meeting is May 18, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. Progress. b. Health, Sanitation, and Codes Committee Resolution 2022-25: A Resolution Conditionally Approving the Revised Preliminary/Final Major Subdivision Plan Proposed by John D. and Diane A. Nonnemacher Located at 303 Franklin Street, Emmaus, Pennsylvania. Motion by Mr. Balliet, seconded by Mr. DeFrain to adopt Resolution 2022-25. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Jason Buchta, Ott Engineering, presented a brief overview of the proposed subdivision for the property located at 303 Franklin Street. He explained that the one existing lot would be subdivided into three lots. He stated that the applicant is proposing to construct a single family detached dwelling on lot #1 and #3 with the current single-family dwelling remaining on lot #2. He stated that setback dimensional variances were granted at the November 22, 2021 Zoning Hearing Board meeting on the existing house. He explained that the plans have been reviewed with minor items remaining to be addressed and the Planning Module was received today. Robin Robertson, Keystone Engineering, stated that she is representing the Nonnemachers. She explained that in lieu of the recreation enhancements, the property owner has offered a donation of $1000 for lots #1 and #3. Mr. Pepe stated that it will be noted on the Development Plan that $2,000 will be allocated to the Lions Playground. Mr. Balliet reported that the next Committee meeting is Wednesday, May 25, 2022 at 4:45 p.m. via Zoom. Progress. May 16, 2022 60 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL c. Parks and Recreation Committee Ms. Baumgartner reported that there is nothing for official action tonight and entertained questions about the Committee notes. She reported that the final Pool Study meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 18, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom and invited everyone to attend. She stated that the next Committee meeting will be held on June 7, 2022 at 4:45 p.m. via Zoom. Progress. d. Public Safety Committee Motion by Mr. Hart, seconded by Mr. DeFrain to hire Timothy Kline as an Emmaus Police Officer contingent upon successful completion of Act 120, eye examination, psychological examination, physical examination, successful completion of probationary period, and authorizing the Borough Manager to contract outside professional services for the examinations. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Mr. Hart stated that Timothy Kline was born and raised in Emmaus and is currently the Downtown Police Officer and an Emmaus Firefighter. Mr. Hart stated that the Public Safety Committee recommends hiring Timothy Kline as an Emmaus Police Officer. Mr. Labenberg stated that he is excited to have a local individual hired as a Police Officer. Motion by Mr. Hart, seconded by Mrs. Sorg-McManamon to promote Kevin Schmidt to Police Sergeant contingent upon the successful completion of a one-year probationary period. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Mr. Hart entertained questions about the Committee notes and reported that the next Committee meeting is May 26, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. via Zoom. Progress. e. General Administration Committee Motion by Mr. Hart, seconded by Mr. Anders to enter into a 5-year contract between the Emmaus Professional Firefighters Local 5004 and the Emmaus Fire Department. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Mr. Pepe thanked the Fire Department for being well prepared and professional and stated that it was a very easy and quick negotiation. May 16, 2022 61 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL Mr. Labenberg entertained questions about the meeting notes and reported that the next Committee meeting is Thursday, May 19, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. via Zoom. Progress. f. Budget & Finance Committee Resolution 2022-26 authorizing payment of the May 16, 2022 Bill List as follows: Bill List $ 610,902.85 Payroll #9 $ 166,263.96 Payroll Taxes $ 54,127.48 Total $ 831,294.29 Done this 16th day of May 2022. Motion by Mr. DeFrain, seconded by Mr. Hart to adopt Resolution 2022-26. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Mr. DeFrain entertained questions about the Significant Revenue and Expense Items for the first half of May and the Committee meeting notes. He reported that the next Committee meeting is Thursday, May 5, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. via Zoom. Progress. g. Community Relations, Planning and Development Committee Mrs. Sorg-McManamon reported that Troy Bower informed her that the picnic tables for Triangle Park were in storage but were not in good condition. She explained that they were not used last year because they were in poor condition and had been vandalized. She stated that the Emmaus Arts Commission has requested permission to restore the picnic tables and place them at Triangle Park for outdoor seating from May through November, coinciding with the Farmer’s Market. Mr. Labenberg asked for a time frame of getting the tables ready and if the Public Works Department would be needed for prepping the tables. Mrs. Sorg-McManamon replied that it would be a matter of a couple of weeks and the logistics would need to be discussed with the Public Works Department. Mr. Pepe responded that the Public Works Department prepped them the last time. He stated that the picnic tables were very heavily used and there is a need for a discussion for a new permanent solution. He stated that he predicts 3 permanent tables would cost approximately $3,500, including 1 ADA table. May 16, 2022 62 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL Motion by Mrs. Sorg-McManamon, seconded by Mr. Hart to authorize the Emmaus Arts Commission to paint and place 3 picnic tables at Triangle Park for outdoor seating from May through November. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Motion by Mrs. Sorg-McManamon, seconded by Mr. Balliet to appoint Rebecca Straus to the Emmaus Garden Commission to a term expiring 1/1/2024. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Mrs. Sorg-McManamon reviewed the Committee notes and thanked the Emmaus Main Street Partners Business Development Committee and Borough resident, Beth Sharpless for helping to mobilize volunteers to revitalize the downtown planters. Mrs. Sorg-McManamon reported that the Visioning 2030 Committee will hold a meeting at the end of August for key stakeholders. Mr. Anders noted that fire hydrants will be painted this weekend throughout the community. Mrs. Sorg-McManamon reported that the next Committee meeting is Monday, June 13, 2022 at 4:30 p.m. via Zoom. Progress. PERSONAL APPEALS, PART II – None. BOROUGH MANAGER’S REPORT Mr. Pepe reported that staff hired the following individuals as lifeguards, contingent upon the successful completion of training and obtaining certifications: Lily McAfee, Keria Walther, Sarah Paulsen, Sofie Laird, Julia Brown, Paisley Wilmer, Mathias Walck, Acacia Walck, Nai Ri Lin (Asst. Pool Manager), Catherine Raynock (Head lifeguard), Tristan Monahan (Head lifeguard), Meadow Hammershock, Sean Laird, Enzo Gualtieri, Tessa Seagreaves, Sarah Kohler, John Vazquez, and Jackson Lakes. Mr. Pepe reported that staff hired the following individuals as cashiers: Emma Durnin, James Raynock, Cain Wessner, and Bridget Danish. Mr. Pepe reported that staff hired the following individuals to work at the concession stand: Ashlyn Mugavero, Hailey Riffel, Chloe Landis, Alexandria Kosalko, Pat Deiter, Sarah Schmeltzle, Sarah Hoch, and Ben Anders. May 16, 2022 63 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL Mr. Pepe reported that 715 applications were received for the Public Works Department position. He stated that he has narrowed the field down to approximately 25 applications and the interview process should begin next week. Progress. PRESIDENT’S BUSINESS Mr. Labenberg recessed the meeting at 7:38 p.m. for an Executive Session to discuss personnel and real estate matters with no action anticipated. Mr. Labenberg reconvened the meeting at 8:24 p.m. with no action necessary. Progress. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Mr. Balliet, seconded by Mrs. Sorg-McManamon to adjourn the May 16, 2022 Emmaus Borough Council Meeting. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 8:24 p.m. Shane M. Pepe Transcribed by: Paula Weiant Borough Manager Administrative Assistant May 18, 2022