Borough Council Meetings

October 3, 2022 102 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL The Emmaus Borough Council met in Regular Session on October 3, 2022 in temporary Council Chambers, located at 420 S. 10th 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 Absent 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 via Zoom Sara Jarrett-Eaton, Asst. Borough Manager Present PERSONAL APPEALS, PART I A. Thomas Ruhe, 504 S 6th Street – voiced concern about tractor trailers parking on the 200 block of S. 6th Street across from Mark’s Pool Service and asked Council what the Borough Ordinance is for tractor trailers parking on the road. Mayor Gilbert responded that tractor trailers are not allowed to park on streets in the Borough. She stated that she will speak to the Chief of Police about the issue. COMMUNITY MINUTE Mr. Anders stated that Mayor Gilbert, Mrs. Sorg-McManamon, Mr. Labenberg, and he attended a special event at the Shelter House and complimented the Shelter House on the work that has been done there. Mr. Labenberg responded that he was very happy to attend, and he learned more about the history of Emmaus. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS – None. READING OF MINUTES Motion by Ms. Baumgartner, seconded by Mr. Anders to adopt the September 19, 2022 Council Minutes as drafted. There were 5 ayes. Motion carried. DECISION ON BIDS – None. October 3, 2022 103 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS a. Alan Sylvestre – Resignation from Emmaus Arts Commission – Mr. Labenbeg directed Mr. Pepe to mail Mr. Sylvestre a letter of thanks. b. Sips & Stems Borough Event Request. Mayor Gilbert explained that if they are going to serve alcohol on the Triangle and an auxiliary officer is not available, she will schedule a full-time officer for the event and the cost is much higher. She stated that Council needs to let her know if they want an officer on the Triangle if alcohol is going to be served during events. Mr. Pepe explained that the policy has always been that if alcohol is going to be served on Borough property a police officer must be present and if an auxiliary officer is not available a full-time officer will be scheduled. Mrs. Jarrett-Eaton stated that she and Mrs. Wessner will follow up for more information on the request for alcohol. Mr. Labenberg responded that a date is needed for the event. Motion by Mr. Hart, seconded by Mrs. Sorg-McManamon to grant the Sips & Stems Event request for an event to be held in October contingent upon the fee being paid for police coverage at the event. There were 5 ayes. Motion carried. BOROUGH ENGINEER’S REPORT – None. SOLICITOR’S REPORT Progress. UNFINISHED BUSINESS, PART I Ordinance No. 1231 – An Ordinance of the Borough of Emmaus, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, Amending Chapter 1, Adding Subsection 302 of the Code of Ordinances, Amending the Appointed Secretary of the Planning Commission (1st Reading 9/6/22) (2nd Reading 10/3/22). Motion by Mr. Hart, seconded by Mr. Anders to adopt Ordinance No. 1231 - An Ordinance of the Borough of Emmaus, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, Amending Chapter 1, Adding Subsection 302 of the Code of Ordinances, Amending the Appointed Secretary of the Planning Commission on its 2nd Reading. Roll call vote: Mr. Hart, aye; Mr. Labenberg, aye; Mr. Anders, aye; Ms. Baumgartner, aye; Mrs. Sorg-McManamon, aye. There were 5 ayes. Motion carried. Ordinance No. 1232 – An Ordinance of the Borough of Emmaus, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, Amending Chapter 15 §404.1 of the Codified Ordinances, Amending the School Bus Zone for Seven Generations Charter School (1st Reading 9/6/22) (2nd Reading 10/3/22). Motion by Mr. Hart, seconded by Mrs. Sorg-McManamon to adopt Ordinance No. 1232 - An Ordinance of the Borough of Emmaus, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, Amending October 3, 2022 104 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL Chapter 15 §404.1 of the Codified Ordinances, Amending the School Bus Zone for Seven Generations Charter School on its 2nd Reading. Roll call vote: Mr. Hart, aye; Mr. Labenberg, aye; Mr. Anders, aye; Ms. Baumgartner, aye; Mrs. Sorg-McManamon, aye. There were 5 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 read Proclamation 2022-551 proclaiming October 9th – 15th, 2022 as Fire Prevention Week with the theme, “Fire Won’t Wait, Plan Your Escape,” which effectively serves to remind us it is important to have a home fire escape plan. Mayor Gilbert read Proclamation 2002-552, proclaiming Friday, October 28, 2022 as “Trick or Treat Night” in the Borough with all trick or treat activities to be conducted between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., and requests that all household indicate their willingness to welcome children by keeping their porch or exterior lights on and that youngsters only call on homes so lighted. Mayor Gilbert reminded everyone that candy will be handed out and hot dogs will be served at the Emmaus Police Station on Trick or Treat Night. Progress. COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Public Works Committee Mr. Anders reported that the Committee met on September 21st and there is one item for official action. Motion by Mr. Anders, seconded by Mrs. Sorg-McManmon to grant the Knauss Homestead request to add a terrace addition. There were 5 ayes. Motion carried. Progress. b. Health, Sanitation, and Codes Committee October 3, 2022 105 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL Motion by Mrs. Sorg-McManamon, seconded by Mr. Hart to appoint Christian Didra to the Emmaus Planning Commission to a term expiring 4/1/2026. There were 5 ayes. Motion carried. Motion by Mr. Hart, seconded by Mrs. Sorg-McManamon to appoint Georgine Snyder to the Emmaus Board of Health to a term expiring 1/1/2027. There were 5 ayes. Motion carried. Mr. Labenberg asked if there is a residency requirement for the Board of Health. Mr. Pepe responded that he researched the Pennsylvania Borough Code, the Department of Health Rules, and The Borough’s Code and there are no residency requirements for the Board of Health. Mrs. Sorg-McManamon reported that the next Committee meeting is October 26, 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 next Committee meeting is October 4, 2022 at 4:45 p.m. via Zoom, but the November meeting will be cancelled due to budget meetings. d. Public Safety Committee Mr. Hart explained that there was an issue with the stop sign at the southeast corner of the intersection of S. 7th Street and Broad Street. The Public Works Department and Police Department worked together to resolve the issue and are proposing to eliminate parking of no less than three cars’ lengths from the intersection. Motion by Mr. Hart, seconded by Mrs. Sorg-McManamon to remove the parking of within 3 cars’ lengths at the intersection of S. 7th Street & Broad Street. There were 5 ayes. Motion carried. Mr. Hart explained that there is an ongoing issue with parking at Jefferson Elementary School during student pick-up and drop-off. Due to the relocation of buses from North Street to Elm Street, the signage will need to be updated to reflect the change. Motion by Mr. Hart, seconded by Mrs. Sorg-McManamon to approve the relocation of bus parking at Jefferson School with the condition that the school district pay for the signage. There were 5 ayes. Motion carried. Mr. Hart reported that the next Committee meeting is October 27, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. via Zoom. October 3, 2022 106 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL Progress. e. General Administration Committee Mr. Labenberg reported that the next Committee meeting is October 6, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. via Zoom. Progress. f. Budget & Finance Committee Resolution 2022-36 authorizing payment of the October 3, 2022, Bill List as follows: Bill List $ 725,123.94 Payroll #19 $ 182,134.32 Payroll Taxes $ 59,527.05 Total $ 966,785.31 Done this 3rd day of October 2022. Motion by Mr. Hart, seconded by Mr. Anders to adopt Resolution 2022-36. There were 5 ayes. Motion carried. Mr. Hart reported that the next Committee meeting is October 6, 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 thanked fellow Council members, Mayor Gilbert, and Mrs. Jarrett-Eaton for attending the Shelter House event. Mrs. Sorg-McManamon entertained questions about Committee notes and reported that the next Committee meeting is Monday, October 10, 2022 at 4:30 p.m. via Zoom. Progress. PERSONAL APPEALS, PART II October 3, 2022 107 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL A. Thomas Ruhe, 504 S. 6th Street – thanked Council for their prompt action on his previous appeal about parking at St. Ann’s School. He stated that his neighbor found an article with St. Ann’s resolution for 1992 and asked Council if they would be interested in a copy. B. Gene Clock, Knauss Homestead – provided an update on the Harvest Festival to be held on October 22, 2022 at the Knauss Homestead and invited Council to attend the event for a ribbon cutting for the terrace addition. Mr. Clock requested that Council make a motion on the Knauss Homestead’s tree trimming request. Mr. Pepe responded that a motion is not needed because the Borough is not paying for the tree trimming. BOROUGH MANAGER’S REPORT Mr. Pepe reported that an Executive Session is needed tonight. He also reported that the preliminary budget will be submitted to Council at the next Council meeting. He reported that the issue with the Borough’s website has been remediated. He stated that 6 different worms were found, and the remediating process has caused other issues with the website. Progress. PRESIDENT’S BUSINESS Mr. Labenberg recessed the meeting at 7:32 p.m. for an Executive Session to discuss union negotiations with no action anticipated. Mr. Labenberg reconvened the meeting at 8:03 p.m. with no action necessary. Progress. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Mr. Hart, seconded by Mr. Anders to adjourn the October 3, 2022 Emmaus Borough Council Meeting. There were 6 ayes. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 8:03 p.m. Shane M. Pepe Transcribed by: Paula Weiant Borough Manager Administrative Assistant October 6, 2022