Borough Council Meetings

August 15, 2022 81 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL The Emmaus Borough Council met in Regular Session on August 15, 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 Absent 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 PERSONAL APPEALS, PART I – None. COMMUNITY MINUTE Mayor Gilbert thanked everyone who volunteered and attended the Emmaus Police Department Open House. She stated that the event was well-attended and successful. Mr. Anders stated that the EYA wiffle ball tournament was held over the weekend and the event was very successful. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Gene Clock, Knauss Homestead, invited everyone to attend the Peach Festival on Saturday, August 20, 2022 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. He stated that Wesley Works will provide entertainment, Grubnight Food Truck will provide food, and Hausman’s Fruit Farm will provide the fruits and vegetables. He stated that there will be approximately 20 vendors at the event. He also stated the Knauss Homestead received a $20,000 donation last fall and because of the donation, the asbestos siding was removed from the barn. He stated that more work will occur on the barn and that Council was provided with the plans for restoring it. Mr. Labenberg reminded Mr. Clock that any plans for the building will need to be reviewed at the Committee level so that Council can approve any items that are needed. Mr. Labenberg asked Mr. Clock if there is anything that is needed for the festival. Mr. Clock responded that additional trash barrels are needed. Mr. Clock stated that he will attend the Public Works Committee meeting on Wednesday to discuss the event. Mr. Labenberg thanked Mr. Clock for his work at the Knauss August 15, 2022 82 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL Homestead and congratulated him on the progress made. Mrs. Sorg-McManamon asked Mr. Clock if there will be alcohol offered at the Peach Festival. Mr. Clock responded that there will not be. READING OF MINUTES Motion by Mr. Hart, seconded by Mr. DeFrain to adopt the July 18, 2022 Council Minutes as drafted. There were 5 ayes, 1 abstention (Anders). Motion carried. DECISION ON BIDS – None. COMMUNICATIONS a. Gene Clock, Knauss Homestead Peach Festival Event Request – Mr. Labenberg referred the item to staff. b. Kathy Mintzer, Emmaus Halloween Parade Committee Event Request – Mr. Labenberg stated that there is a new start time of 7:00 p.m. for the Parade and Council will need to approve the change. Motion by Mrs. Sorg-McManamon, seconded by Mr. Anders to approve the change of the start time of the Halloween Parade to 7:00 p.m. There were 3 ayes, 3 opposed (Baumgartner, Hart, Labenberg). Mayor Gilbert cast the deciding vote and voted aye. Motion carried. Mr. Anders questioned whether the new start time would affect the Halloween 5K race. Mrs. Jarrett-Eaton provided clarification on the motivation for the change and explained that Ms. Mintzer reached out to Mr. Barrett prior to the decision to change the time. Mr. Labenberg voiced concern and stated that he believes that changing the start time from 7:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. could affect participation in the race and the parade. He stated that he will not support the motion. Mrs. Sorg-McManamon responded that people line up early for the parade and does not believe that the earlier start will affect participation. c. Cyclocross Race Event Request – Mr. Labenberg stated that the item will be discussed during the Committee report. d. Kelly Anderson, Train Noise Quiet Zone Reconsideration – Mayor Gilbert stated that she spoke to the individual about the request. Mr. Labenberg stated that the item will be sent to a Committee. Mr. Pepe responded that if Council is not serious about considering the matter it should not be sent to a Committee for discussion. Mr. Labenberg directed Mr. Pepe to mail Ms. Anderson a letter explaining that the item has been discussed in the past. e. Stacey Gehringer, Planning Commission Volunteer Application – Mr. Labenberg referred the item to the Health, Sanitation & Codes Committee. f. Reach LV Youth Recovery Center Event Request – Mr. Labenberg stated that the item will be discussed during the Committee report. August 15, 2022 83 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL BOROUGH ENGINEER’S REPORT – None. SOLICITOR’S REPORT Progress. UNFINISHED BUSINESS, PART I Ordinance No. 1229 – An Ordinance of the Borough of Emmaus, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, Amending Chapter 15 §602.2.A of the Emmaus Borough Code, Removing Residential Disabled Parking Signs on the Public Streets Located at 529 Minor Street and 234 Adrain Street Within the Borough of Emmaus (1st Reading 6/20/22, 2nd Reading 8/15/22). Motion by Mr. Hart, seconded by Mr. DeFrain to adopt Ordinance No. 1229 - An Ordinance of the Borough of Emmaus, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, Amending Chapter 15 §602.2.A of the Emmaus Borough Code, Removing Residential Disabled Parking Signs on the Public Streets Located at 529 Minor Street and 234 Adrain Street Within the Borough of Emmaus on its 2nd Reading. Roll call vote: Mrs. Sorg-McManamon, aye; Ms. Baumgartner, aye; Mr. Anders, aye; Mr. Hart, aye; Mr. DeFrain, aye; Mr. Labenberg, aye. There were 6 ayes. Motion carried. NEW BUSINESS – None. UNFINISHED BUSINESS, PART II – None. ITEMS NOT ON AGENDA, subject to Rule 9 – None. MAYOR’S REPORT Mayor Gilbert reported that her quarterly report for June 16, 2022 through August 8, 2022 is the Ipads. She also reported that she attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for Nowhere Coffee on Saturday, August 13, 2022. Progress. COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Public Works Committee Mr. Anders reported that the next Committee meeting is Wednesday, August 17, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. Progress. August 15, 2022 84 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL b. Health, Sanitation, and Codes Committee Mr. Hart reported that there is no official action needed at tonight’s meeting. He reported that the Committee is working on updating the Borough Ordinance governing the Planning Commission. He explained that the update would transfer the duties of the Planning Commission Secretary from the Borough Manager to the Code/Zoning Officers. Mr. Hart reported that the next Committee meeting is August, 31, 2022 at 4:45 p.m. via Zoom. Progress. c. Parks and Recreation Committee Ms. Baumgartner reported that there are three items for official action tonight. Motion by Ms. Baumgartner, seconded by Mr. Anders to approve the Sunday Cyclocross event on September 11, 2022. There were 6 ayes. Motion carried. Mr. Labenberg stated that this is a major event with over 300 participants expected. He stated that he is excited for the event but believes there should be a fee of $180 applied to cover the costs that will be incurred. Mr. Pepe responded that the cyclocross group pays $490.00 a year for all their events, which is significantly less than other groups pay. Mr. Pepe stated that an additional motion would need to be made for the fee. Motion by Ms. Anders, seconded by Mrs. Sorg-McManamon to charge a fee of $180.00 for all day use of the soccer field for the Sunday Cyclocross event. There were 5 ayes, 1 opposed (Baumgartner). Motion carried. Motion by Ms. Baumgartner, seconded by Mr. Hart to amend the agenda to move the Reach LV Youth Recovery Center Event Request discussion to the Parks and Recreation Committee. There were 6 ayes. Motion carried. Ms. Baumgartner explained that Mr. Anders saw the event advertised online and the organization reserved the Arts Pavilion for August 26, 2022. Ms. Baumgartner stated that flyers were also handed out for the event. She stated that Mrs. Jarrett-Eaton reached out to the organization. Motion by Ms. Baumgartner, seconded by Mr. Anders to approve the Reach LV Youth Recovery Center Event on August 26, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Emmaus Community Park basketball court. There were 3 ayes, 3 opposed (Anders, DeFrain, Hart). Mayor Gilbert cast the deciding vote and voted aye. Motion carried. August 15, 2022 85 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL Mr. Anders asked why the event is not being held at the Williams Street playground. Mr. Pepe responded that very little information was provided to the Borough, but the group reserved the Arts Pavilion, including the sound system. Mr. Pepe stated that flyers were being handed out at the Police Department Open House and that the organization is anticipating 150-200 people in attendance. Mr. Labenberg stated that he believes the organization should be given the option to reserve the basketball court. Motion by Ms. Baumgartner, seconded by Mr. Anders to allow the Reach LV Youth Recovery Center the option to reserve the basketball court for $50.00 for a 4-hour window. There were 6 ayes. Motion carried. Motion by Ms. Baumgartner, seconded by Mr. Anders to appoint Bernadette Patterson to the Recreation and Entertainment Commission to a term expiring 6/7/2025. There were 6 ayes. Motion carried. Progress. d. Public Safety Committee Mr. Hart reported that the Borough began a search for an Ambulance Chief very quickly after the departure of the previous Chief. He stated that there were 20+ candidates that applied for the position. Mr. Hart stated that he believes the Borough found the right candidate and the Committee recommends hiring Adam Priest. He stated that Mr. Priest lives locally and is currently a paramedic with the Emmaus Ambulance Corps and was previously an EMT. Mr. Hart stated that Mr. Priest is currently working on his bachelor’s degree in Health Care Administration. He explained that the Committee felt strongly that Adam provides leadership, however, feels that it would be appropriate for him to mentor under Deputy Director of Emergency Services, Keith Miller for 2 years. Mr. Hart cautioned, however, that Mr. Priest would serve as Assistant EMS Chief until he reaches certain developmental goals. At that point, he would transition into the Chief position. Motion by Mr. Hart, seconded by Mrs. Sorg-McManamon by to hire Adam Priest as the Assistant EMS Chief at a prorated salary of $76,000 per year, 2 week’s vacation, and reimbursement for his future bachelor’s degree, with established benchmarks. There were 6 ayes. Motion carried. Mr. Priest thanked Council for the opportunity to lead the Borough’s emergency personnel into the future. Mr. Pepe responded that the Borough is excited for Mr. Priest to do so. He reported that the next Committee meeting is August 25, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. via Zoom. Progress. August 15, 2022 86 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL e. General Administration Committee Resolution 2022-31 – A Resolution in Accordance with the Municipal Records Act of January 18, 1968 (P.L. 961, No. 428) as Approved for Local Government Records by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission Bureau of Archives and History, as Approved by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on December 18, 2008 and Amended July 23, 2009, Authorizing the Borough of Emmaus to Dispose of Certain Municipal Records. Motion by Ms. Baumgartner, seconded by Mrs. Sorg-McManamon to adopt Resolution 2022-31. There were 6 ayes. Motion carried. Progress. f. Budget & Finance Committee Resolution 2022-32 authorizing payment of the August 15, 2022, Bill List as follows: Bill List $ 1,800,682.58 Payroll #15 & #16 $ 365,157.99 Payroll Taxes $ 118,288.33 Total $ 2,284,128.90 Done this 15th day of August 2022. Motion by Mr. DeFrain, seconded by Mr. Hart to adopt Resolution 2022-32. There were 6 ayes. Motion carried. Mr. DeFrain entertained questions about the Significant Revenue and Expense Items for July 2022, the Committee meeting notes, and the July Budget Performance Report. He reported that the next Committee meeting is Thursday, August 18, 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. She stated that there will be a Vision 2030 stakeholders presentation via Zoom on September 1, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. August 15, 2022 87 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL Mrs. Sorg-McManamon entertained questions about Committee notes and reported that the next Committee meeting is Monday, September 12, 2022 at 4:30 p.m. via Zoom. Progress. PERSONAL APPEALS, PART II – None. BOROUGH MANAGER’S REPORT Mr. Labenberg asked Mr. Pepe to provide an update on the construction project and the revenue for the community pool. Mr. Pepe responded that the pool revenue through yesterday is $138,520 compared to the same time in 2021 of $127,668. He stated that some of the increase was due to raising the rates slightly, but he believes a lot of it has to do with how hot the summer has been. He stated that the season pass holder revenue was lower, but the daily pass purchase was much higher. He reported that the concession stand revenue in 2021 was $52,581. As of today, the revenue is $61,082. Mr. Pepe provided an update on the construction project. He reported that the framing for the rear garage is up. He stated that he has not been inside the building lately, but the duct work for the HVAC system is completed, but date for delivery of the rooftop generators is still unknown. He stated that the roof work will begin towards the end of September and will be completed by the end of October. He also stated that the elevator will be completed in the winter and roof work to the shaft will be completed in the spring. He stated that footers at Central Station have been poured. He explained that the project is still 3 weeks behind due to the additional asbestos removal that was needed. He reported that the electric and plumbing ruff ins are completed. He stated that a May 2023 date is anticipated to move back into the buildings. Mr. Pepe reported that the project is still within the scope of the budget including the allowances. He stated that the bi-weekly meetings continue. Mr. Pepe stated that hiring a project manager has helped the project move smoothly. Mr. DeFrain thanked Mrs. Eaton-Jarrett for leading the MBI meeting while Mr. Pepe was on vacation. Progress. PRESIDENT’S BUSINESS Mr. Labenberg recessed the meeting at 8:04 p.m. for an Executive Session to discuss union negotiations with no action anticipated. Mr. Labenberg reconvened the meeting at 8:46 p.m. with no action necessary. Progress. August 15, 2022 88 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL ADJOURNMENT Motion by Mr. Anders, seconded by Ms. Baumgartner to adjourn the August 15, 2022 Emmaus Borough Council Meeting. There were 6 ayes. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 8:46 p.m. Shane M. Pepe Transcribed by: Paula Weiant Borough Manager Administrative Assistant August 18, 2022