Borough Council Meetings

October 16, 2023 116 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL The Emmaus Borough Council met in Regular Session on October 16, 2023, in Borough Council Chambers, located at 28 S. 4th Street, Emmaus, PA 18049 and via Zoom. CALL TO ORDER Mr. Labenberg called the meeting to order at 6:00 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 Sara Jarrett-Eaton, Asst. Borough Manager Present PERSONAL APPEALS, PART I A. Dan Weidenhammer, 639 Harrison Street - voiced concern about the volume and speed of traffic between 6th and Harrison Street as well as Macungie Avenue. He proposed that the Emmaus Police make their presence known 2 to 3 times a week at 7th Street and Harrison Street as well as Franklin Street and Harrison Street. Mr. Labenberg stated that this is a police issue, and he will forward Mr. Weidenhammer’s concern to the Mayor. Mr. Pepe thanked Mr. Weidenhammer for his concern and stated that the Public Safety Committee has been discussing the issue. B. John Belin, 1256 PA Avenue – introduced himself and stated that he is running for Council. He stated that traffic and speeding is also an issue on Pennsylvania Avenue. COMMUNITY MINUTE Mr. DeFrain reminded everyone that the Emmaus Halloween Parade will be held on Saturday, October 21, 2023, beginning at 7:00 p.m., with a rain date of Sunday, October 22, 2023, beginning at 6:30 p.m. He stated that the Halloween Parade Committee is still looking for volunteers and will hold their last meeting on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. at Borough Hall. Mr. Labenberg stated that the Emmaus 5K race will be held on Saturday, October 21, 2023, beginning at 6:30 p.m. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS – None. October 16, 2023 117 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL READING OF MINUTES Motion by Mr. Hart, seconded by Mr. Balliet to adopt the October 2, 2023, Council Minutes as drafted. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. DECISION ON BIDS – None. COMMUNICATIONS - None. BOROUGH ENGINEER’S REPORT – None. SOLICITOR’S REPORT Solicitor Ulrich explained that there have been modifications to the Ordinance pertaining to the East Penn School District crossing guard contract. He stated that the Borough Manager and Assistant Borough Manager did an excellent job drafting the Ordinance and it will be discussed later in the meeting. Progress. UNFINISHED BUSINESS, PART I Ordinance No, 1248 – 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 in Front of the Address at 414 Keystone Avenue Within the Borough of Emmaus (1st Reading 9/5/2023, 2nd Reading 10/16/2023). Motion by Mr. Hart, seconded by Mr. DeFrain to adopt Ordinance No, 1248 – 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 in Front of the Address at 414 Keystone Avenue Within the Borough of Emmaus on its 2nd 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. NEW BUSINESS Ordinance No. 1251 – An Ordinance of the Borough of Emmaus, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, Allowing the East Penn School District to Assume Hiring and Oversight of the School Crossing Guards (1st Reading 10/16/23). Solicitor Ulrich explained that he spoke to the East Penn School District Solicitor, Mark Fisher, and the School District recently passed a Resolution on October 9th, pursuant to Section October 16, 2023 118 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL 1127 of the Borough Code. He stated that an Ordinance was drafted by the Borough Manager and Assistant Borough Manager and stated that he made minor modifications to the Ordinance. He entertained Council’s questions about the Ordinance. Mr. Pepe stated that the Ordinance is required by law and Section 1127B of the Borough Code is also required to be included in the Ordinance. Mr. Pepe stated that the Ordinance was drafted similar to Lower Macungie’s Ordinance. Mr. Labenberg asked if the Borough is responsible for crossing guards for St. Ann’s and the Charter School. Solicitor Ulrich responded that the Borough is not responsible. Motion by Mr. DeFrain, seconded by Mr. Anders to adopt Ordinance No. 1251 - An Ordinance of the Borough of Emmaus, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, Allowing the East Penn School District to Assume Hiring and Oversight of the School Crossing Guards 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. Mr. Labenberg reported that the 2nd Reading of the Ordinance will be held on November 20, 2023. UNFINISHED BUSINESS, PART II – None. ITEMS NOT ON AGENDA, subject to Rule 9 – None. MAYOR’S REPORT Mr. Labenberg, in Mayor Gilbert’s absence, announced that the Emmaus Police Department will serve hot dogs on Trick or Treat night, October 27, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Progress. COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Public Works Committee Motion by Mr. Anders, seconded by Mrs. Sorg-McManamon to hire Taylor Vandergrift as a full-time Public Works mechanic contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and probationary period. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Motion by Mr. Anders, seconded by Mr. DeFrain to hire Tyler Llewellyn as a full- time Public Works employee contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and probationary period. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Mr. Anders stated that both candidates are very well qualified for their positions. October 16, 2023 119 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL Mr. Anders reported that that the next Committee meeting is Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. via Zoom. Progress. b. Health, Sanitation, and Codes Committee Motion by Mr. Balliet, seconded by Mr. Hart to grant the Emmaus Commerce Center’s request for a reduction of financial security in the amount of $675,508.32. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Mr. Balliet reminded everyone that Household Hazardous Waste Day will take place on Saturday, October 21, 2023, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Emmaus Community Park and that the event will be held rain or shine. Mr. Labenberg stated that the acceptable and non-acceptable items for the event are listed on the Borough’s website and Facebook page. Mr. Pepe stated that latex paint is not considered household hazardous waste and can be disposed of by drying it out and throwing the cans in recycling bins. He also stated that the Police will have a medication drop off box at the event. Mr. Balliet reported that the next Committee meeting is Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at 4:45 p.m. Progress. c. Parks and Recreation Committee Ms. Baumgartner reported that there is nothing for official action tonight and that the next Committee meeting will be held live and via Zoom on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at 4:45 p.m. Progress. d. Public Safety Committee Mr. Hart reported that the next Committee meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 26, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. via Zoom. Progress. e. General Administration Committee Mr. Labenberg reported that the next Committee meeting will be held on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. via Zoom. October 16, 2023 120 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL Progress. f. Budget & Finance Committee Resolution 2023-27 authorizing payment of the October 16, 2023, bill list as follows: Bill List $ 1,505,041.73 Payroll #20 $ 173,422.83 Payroll Taxes $ 55,662.20 Total $ 1,734,126.76 Done this 16th day of October 2023. Motion by Mr. DeFrain, seconded by Mr. Hart to adopt Resolution 2023-27. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Mr. DeFrain explained that a large portion of the Bill List was for pension obligations. Mr. DeFrain entertained questions about the Quarterly Budget Summary Report for September 2023, and the Significant Revenue & Expense Items for the 1st half of October. He stated that the Financial Statements will be discussed at the next Council meeting. Resolution 2023-28 – A Resolution of the Council of the Borough of Emmaus, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, Establishing Procedures for Compliance with the Professional Service Contract Provisions of Act 44 of 2009. Mr. Pepe explained that the Resolution is required in accordance with Act 44 of 2009 when procuring professional pension investment and actuarial services for the Borough. Motion by Mr. DeFrain, seconded by Mr. Balliet to adopt Resolution 2023-28. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Mr. DeFrain entertained questions about the Committee notes and reported that the next Committee meeting is Thursday, October 19, 2023, 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 that the next Committee meeting is Monday, October 23, 2023, at 4:30 p.m. via Zoom. Progress. October 16, 2023 121 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL PERSONAL APPEALS, PART II – None. BOROUGH MANAGER’S REPORT Mr. Pepe reported that he hired Craig Godusky and Gerald Fehnel as part-time Auxiliary Police Officers. Mr. Pepe reported that he has given Council the budget binders and the first budget meeting is Thursday, October 19, 2023. Mr. Anders asked for a status update on Comcast. Mr. Pepe responded that Comcast is beginning to map out their installations, are waiting for permits through PPL, and they will begin their work in the winter. Mr. DeFrain asked for a status update on the S. 2nd Street reconstruction project. Mr. Pepe responded that UGI is waiting for permits from the railroad and hopes to finish their part of the project in the winter. Mr. DeFrain clarified that the delay will not cost the residents any money. Mr. Pepe responded that there will be additional costs, but not to the Borough residents. Progress. PRESIDENT’S BUSINESS Mr. Labenberg said, “Go Phils!” ADJOURNMENT Motion by Mr. DeFrain, seconded by Mrs. Sorg-McManamon to adjourn the October 16, 2023, Emmaus Borough Council Meeting. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 6:40 p.m. Shane M. Pepe Transcribed by: Paula Weiant Borough Manager Administrative Assistant October 19, 2023