Borough Council Meetings

November 20, 2023 125 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL The Emmaus Borough Council met in Regular Session on November 20, 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 Present Jason Ulrich, Solicitor Present Shane Pepe, Borough Manager Present Sara Jarrett-Eaton, Asst. Borough Manager Present PERSONAL APPEALS, PART I A. Michael Gibson, 230 Ridge Street – thanked Borough Council for their support and patience during the drafting of the proposed Zoning Ordinance, SALDO Ordinance, and Official Borough Map. He stated that there were many challenges with the project and thanked Council, the Borough Manager, staff, and the Borough Solicitor for working with the Planning Commission during the process. Mr. Gibson voiced his concerns about the Ordinances. B. Edwin Cruz, 525 Broad Street - voiced concerns about speeding in the 500 Block of Broad Street and believes that there should be speed bumps placed on Broad Street. He also voiced concerns about the noise when individuals leave Volpe’s Bar. Solicitor Ulrich explained that Broad Street is a state road and PennDOT would be responsible for placing speed bumps on the street. C. Matthew Spangenberg, 58 Township Road, Macungie, PA 18062 – stated that he does not live in the Borough but owns many properties in the Borough. Mr. Spangenberg voiced his concerns about the proposed Zoning Ordinance, including parking issues. D. Todd Ackerman, 520 Turner Street – voiced concerns about the proposed Zoning Ordinance and clarified points that were made during the presentation at the November 6, 2023 Council meeting. He stated that he is against many of the proposed changes to the Ordinance. November 20, 2023 126 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL COMMUNITY MINUTE Mrs. Sorg-McManamon reminded everyone that Saturday, November 25, 2023 is Small Business Saturday and stated that there are many discounts and specials happening around town. She encouraged everyone to shop locally. Mr. Anders congratulated the Emmaus High School Field Hockey Team for winning their 15th State title this week. Mrs. Sorg-McManamon introduced Hayden Rinde, Lehigh County Chamber of Commerce, via Zoom. Ms. Rinde invited everyone to attend the Old-Fashioned Christmas Event on Saturday, December 2, 2023 from 12:00 to 7:00 p.m. She stated that there will be many vendors, food, drink, holiday characters, reindeer, and more at the event. She stated that the Emmaus Theatre will be offering a viewing of a free movie, The Grinch, beginning at 3:00 p.m. and is suggesting a donation of a canned item. She also stated that the tree lighting ceremony will be held at 6:30 p.m. Mr. Pepe stated that the Borough will host an open house for Borough Hall on Saturday, December 2, 2023 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with a ribbon cutting at 3:00 p.m. He also stated that the ribbon cutting and open house for Central Station will be held on December 9, 2023. Mr. Labenberg congratulated Mr. Pepe for obtaining his ICMA Certification and read a letter highlighting Mr. Pepe’s credentials. He thanked Mr. Pepe for his continued success and commitment to the Borough. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Liesel Gross, LCA Sewer Presentation – Kline’s Island Sewer System, Regional Sewer Plan. Mrs. Gross presented a power point presentation highlighting upcoming sewer system projects and the potential costs associated with them. She explained that there are grant opportunities available for help funding the projects. Mr. Labenberg stated that he does not believe that municipalities will be able to afford the projects without funding. Mr. Anders asked Mr. Pepe to discuss the Borough’s sewer projects. Mr. Pepe responded that it has been suggested by a consultant that the Borough should consider building a short parallel interceptor. He explained that the west end of town is the biggest contributor to rainwater entering the sewer system. He stated that the Borough is working on obtaining a $4 million dollar loan with Penn Vest. He explained that interest rates through Penn Vest are 2.5% and the Borough is working with the engineer to begin the process. Mrs. Gross entertained Council’s questions. READING OF MINUTES Motion by Mrs. Sorg-McManamon, seconded by Mr. DeFrain to adopt the November 6, 2023, Council Minutes as drafted. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. November 20, 2023 127 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL DECISION ON BIDS – None. COMMUNICATIONS a. Faith Presbyterian Church – Request for Use of Triangle Park on December 24, 2023 for Christmas Eve Service. Mr. Labenberg referred the item to staff. b. Stacy Foley - Letter of Appreciation for EMS staff. c. Monkey Knife Fight – 2024 Charity Bike Ride Request. Mr. Labenberg referred the item to staff. BOROUGH ENGINEER’S REPORT – None. SOLICITOR’S REPORT Solicitor Ulrich reported that he continues to work with the East Penn School District regarding the Crossing Guard Agreement. UNFINISHED BUSINESS, PART I 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 School Crossing Guards (1st Reading 10/16/23, 2nd Reading 11/20/23). Motion by Mr. DeFrain, seconded by Mrs. Sorg-McManamon 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 School Crossing Guards 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. 1252: Amending Zoning Ordinance. Motion by Mr. Balliet, seconded by Mr. Hart to Table Ordinance No. 1252. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Ordinance No.1253: Amending SALDO Ordinance. Motion by Mr. Balliet, seconded by Mr. Anders to Table Ordinance No. 1253. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Ordinance No. 1254: An Ordinance of the Borough of Emmaus, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, Amending the Municipal Code of Ordinances of the Borough of Emmaus to November 20, 2023 128 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL Create a New Chapter Entitled Official Map; Establishing and Adopting an Official Map of the Whole Borough of Emmaus Pursuant to the Municipalities Planning Code of the Commonwealth (1st Reading 11/20/23). Motion by Mr. Anders, seconded by Mrs. Sorg-McManamon to adopt Ordinance No. 1254: An Ordinance of the Borough of Emmaus, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, Amending the Municipal Code of Ordinances of the Borough of Emmaus to Create a New Chapter Entitled Official Map; Establishing and Adopting an Official Map of the Whole Borough of Emmaus Pursuant to the Municipalities Planning Code of the Commonwealth 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. Solicitor Ulrich explained that the Ordinance is to pass the Official Borough Map, not the proposed Zoning District Map. Mr. Labenberg stated that the 2nd Reading of Ordinance No. 1254 will be held at the December 18, 2023 Council meeting. UNFINISHED BUSINESS, PART II – None. ITEMS NOT ON AGENDA, subject to Rule 9 Motion by Mr. DeFrain, seconded by Mr. Hart to amend the Agenda to include a transfer of $850,000 from the Capital Fund to the Special Road Fund. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. MAYOR’S REPORT Mayor Gilbert reported that No-Shave November has begun and will continue through December. She stated that the Emmaus Police Department has partnered with the Emmaus Historical Society to collect gloves and scarves at the December 1st and 2nd events that the Historical Society is hosting. Progress. COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Public Works Committee Mr. Anders reported that the Committee met on November 15, 2023. He reported that the Borough is continuing to accept applications for 2 Public Works Department positions. November 20, 2023 129 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL Mr. Anders reported that the next Committee meeting will be held on December 20, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. Progress. b. Health, Sanitation, and Codes Committee Motion by Mr. Balliet, seconded by Mrs. Sorg-McManamon to grant the request to release the Escrow account for the 1267 Tilghman Street project. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Motion by Mr. Balliet, seconded by Mrs. Sorg-McManamon to grant the Letter of Credit Release for the Seven Generations Charter School. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Mr. Pepe explained that there was a letter of recommendation from the Borough Engineer to grant the release. Mr. Balliet reported that there is nothing for official action tonight and the next Committee meeting is Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at 4:45 p.m. via Zoom. Progress. c. Parks and Recreation Committee Ms. Baumgartner reported that there is nothing for official action tonight. She stated that the Committee met on November 13th and 15th and entertained questions about the Committee notes. Ms. Baumgartner reported that the next Committee meeting is December 5, 2023 at 4:45 p.m. Progress. d. Public Safety Committee Mr. Hart reported that the next Committee meeting is November 30, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. via Zoom. Progress. e. General Administration Committee Mr. Labenberg reported that there is nothing for official action tonight, and the next Committee meeting will be held on Thursday, December 7, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. via Zoom. November 20, 2023 130 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL Progress. f. Budget & Finance Committee Resolution 2023-30 authorizing payment of the November 20, 2023, bill list as follows: Bill List $ 479,538.85 Payroll #23 $ 182,760.35 Payroll Taxes $ 62,611.04 Total $ 724,910.24 Done this 20th day of November 2023. Motion by Mr. Balliet, seconded by Mr. Balliet to adopt Resolution 2023-30. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Mr. DeFrain entertained questions about the Significant Revenue & Expense Items for st the 1 half of November 2023. Motion by Mr. DeFrain, seconded by Mr. Hart to transfer $850,000 from the Capital Fund to the Special Road Fund. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Mr. DeFrain entertained questions about the Committee meeting notes and reported that the next Committee meeting is Thursday, December 7, 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 reported that the next Committee meeting is Monday, November 27, 2023, at 4:30 p.m. via Zoom. She stated at the next meeting, the Committee will be discussing and reviewing the Historical Commission Ordinance. Progress. PERSONAL APPEALS, PART II – None. BOROUGH MANAGER’S REPORT Mr. Pepe reported that the next budget workshop will be held on November 30, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. He stated that he will forward the proposed fee schedule for Council’s review and encouraged Council to review the Budget & Finance Committee notes. Mr. DeFrain suggested November 20, 2023 131 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL that the Zoning and Codes officers are present at the budget meeting to answer questions. Mr. Pepe stated that once the fees are decided he will update the format and flow of the fee schedule so that it is easier to read and follow. Mr. Labenberg asked Mr. Pepe for an update on the Turkey Hill project. Mr. Pepe responded that Turkey Hill has reached out to him and are planning to continue the project in the spring. Mr. Pepe stated that he informed them that their current permits expire in January. Progress. PRESIDENT’S BUSINESS Mr. Labenberg said, “Go EAGLES!” ADJOURNMENT Motion by Mr. Balliet, seconded by Mr. DeFrain to adjourn the November 20, 2023, Emmaus Borough Council Meeting. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 7:29 p.m. Shane M. Pepe Transcribed by: Paula Weiant Borough Manager Administrative Assistant November 21, 2023