Borough Council Meetings

April 15, 2024 41 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL The Emmaus Borough Council met in Regular Session on April 15, 2024, in Council Chambers and via Zoom. CALL TO ORDER Council President Chad Balliet called the Council meeting to order at 6:00PM. Roy Anders Present Chad Balliet, Council President Present Shana Baumgartner, Council Vice President Present Nathan Brown Present Chris Hoenscheid Absent Brent Labenberg Present Kate Watt Present LeeAnn Gilbert, Mayor Present Jason Ulrich, Solicitor Present Shane Pepe, Borough Manager Present PERSONAL APPEALS, PART I – None. COMMUNITY MINUTE Mr. Anders stated that the Shave for the Brave event will be at Emmaus High School on Friday, April 26, 2024. Mr. Balliet congratulated Paula Weiant on passing her Building Code Official (BCO) certification exam. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS – None. READING OF MINUTES Motion by Mr. Labenberg, seconded by Ms. Baumgartner to adopt the April 1, 2024, Council Minutes as drafted. There were 6 ayes. Motion carried. DECISION ON BIDS – None. COMMUNICATIONS a. St. Ann’s Church Fall Fest Event Request – Event is 9/5/2024 – 9/7/2024, referred to staff. b. Fifth Street Cross Event Request – referred to the Parks and Recreation Committee BOROUGH ENGINEER’S REPORT – None. SOLICITOR’S REPORT April 15, 2024 42 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL Progress. UNFINISHED BUSINESS, PART I – None. NEW BUSINESS a. ORDINANCE 1261: AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF EMMAUS, LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 15 §406 AND § 602.3 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES, AMENDING SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE BOROUGH OF EMMAUS PARKING REGULATIONS Mr. Labenberg questioned the parking restriction time change. Mr. Pepe clarified the amendment would delete the 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM restriction time and add the 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM restriction. Mr. Brown stated he felt the parking time limit should be 2 hours, not 1 hour, and that it should match the downtown area. Mr. Pepe stated that there are various parking time limits in the downtown area. Ms. Baumgartner reported that the Committee discussed the parking time limit and based the proposed 1-hour parking on typical duration of time spent doing Borough business and for cohesion on both sides of Jubilee Street. Motion by Mr. Labenberg, seconded by Ms. Baumgartner to adopt Ordinance 1261 – An Ordinance of the Borough of Emmaus, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, amending Chapter 15 §406 and §602.3 of the codified ordinances, amending several sections of the Borough of Emmaus parking regulations on its first reading. Roll call vote: Mrs. Watt, aye; Mr. Anders, aye; Mr. Labenberg, aye; Mr. Brown, aye; Ms. Baumgartner, aye; Mr. Balliet, aye. There were 6 ayes. Motion carried. b. ORDINANCE NO. 1263: AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF EMMAUS, LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 15 §405.1.1 and §405.1.2.A OF THE EMMAUS BOROUGH CODE, TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF COMMERICAL MOTOR VEHICLE Mr. Pepe explained that the current definition of a commercial motor vehicle in the Emmaus Borough Code of Ordinances was determined by using the Federal Vehicle Code definition. He stated that at the time this section of the Ordinance was written the Borough was having issues with tractor trailer parking. Mr. Pepe reported that the Chief of Police and the Deputy Chief of Police stated that there are some challenges with commercial vehicles that don’t meet the criteria as defined and are causing safety concerns. Mr. Pepe gave examples of such commercial vehicles as box trucks, bread trucks, landscaping trucks, and dump trucks rated under 24,0001 pounds. Motion by Mr. Labenberg, seconded by Ms. Baumgartner to adopt Ordinance 1263 – An Ordinance of the Borough of Emmaus, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, amending Chapter 15 §405.1.1 and §405.1.2.A of the Emmaus Borough Code, to amend the definition of commercial motor vehicle on its first reading. Roll call vote: Mrs. Watt, aye; Mr. Anders, aye; Mr. Labenberg, aye; Mr. Brown, aye; Ms. Baumgartner, aye; Mr. Balliet, aye. There were 6 ayes. Motion carried. c. ORDINANCE 1264: AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF EMMAUS, LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 15 §214 OF THE EMMAUS BOROUGH CODE, ESTABLISHING A STOP SIGN AT MULTIPLE INTERSECTIONS WITHIN THE BOROUGH OF EMMAUS April 15, 2024 43 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL Mr. Pepe stated that included in this Ordinance is the addition of a stop sign on either side of the underpass on South Second Street. He added that when Council approved the Second Street project, because the underpass had to be narrowed to one lane of traffic, Council also approved the addition of the stop signs. The remainder of the Ordinance is based on the previously agreed upon plan to update stop signs on side streets. Motion by Ms. Baumgartner, seconded by Mrs. Watt to adopt Ordinance 1264 – An Ordinance of the Borough of Emmaus, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, amending Chapter 15 §214 of the Emmaus Borough Code, establishing a stop sign at multiple intersections within the Borough of Emmaus on its first reading. Roll call vote: Mrs. Watt, aye; Mr. Anders, aye; Mr. Labenberg, aye; Mr. Brown, aye; Ms. Baumgartner, aye; Mr. Balliet, aye. There were 6 ayes. Motion carried. UNFINISHED BUSINESS, PART II – None. ITEMS NOT ON AGENDA, subject to Rule 9 – None. MAYOR’S REPORT a. Proclamation 2024 – 587: Arbor Day Progress. COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Public Works Committee Motion by Mr. Anders, seconded by Mr. Labenberg to approve Resolution 2024 – 12: A Resolution Approving the Sale of a Pace Trailer to Coopersburg Borough. There were 6 ayes. Motion carried. Mr. Anders stated that one of the new employees hired for the Public Works Department did not accept the position. Mr. Anders stated that Earth Day was coming up. Mr. Anders stated that the next Committee meeting is Monday, May 13, 2024, at 4:45 PM via Zoom and in-person. Progress. b. Health, Sanitation, and Codes Committee Mr. Brown reported that the next Committee meeting is Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at 4:45 PM via Zoom and in-person. Progress. c. Parks and Recreation Committee April 15, 2024 44 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL Mr. Anders reported that the next Committee meeting is Thursday, April 18, 2024 at 4:45 PM via Zoom. Progress. d. Public Safety Committee Motion by Ms. Baumgartner, seconded by Mrs. Watt to hire Andrew Lopez as a full-time Paramedic contingent upon a background check. There were 6 ayes. Motion carried. Motion by Ms. Baumgartner, seconded by Mr. Labenberg to approve the Crossing Guard Agreement between the Borough of Emmaus and the East Penn School District. There were 6 ayes. Motion carried. Motion by Mr. Anders, seconded by Mr. Labenberg to approve the definition of the term Household as 2 adults and any dependents living at the same address as it pertains to the Ambulance subscription program. There were 6 ayes. Motion carried. Ms. Baumgartner stated that the Borough has a replacement schedule for emergency vehicles. She explained that due to extended lead times brought on by the pandemic, and the impact on cost, scheduled replacements have been delayed. Ms. Baumgartner reported that according to the schedule, the rescue truck would have already been purchased. She added that, due to wait times and a difference in the expected pricing, the Committee requested a presentation and proposal prior to making the purchasing decision. Mr. Pepe reported that Deputy Chief Miller was in attendance to present for Council, proposed options and supporting details for a replacement rescue truck. He added that Deputy Chief Miller’s presentation would evoke questions and asked that they be held until the end for discussion. Mr. Pepe stated that he would then conduct a presentation regarding financial requirements for funding the purchase of a rescue truck. Upon completion of the presentation Council held a discussion. Several council members had questions about the information presented and requested further clarification on the matter. The Public Safety Committee will work with Chief Miller and the Fire Department regarding the creation of a new long-term apparatus replacement plan and future finance needs. Ms. Baumgartner reported that the next Committee meeting is Wednesday, May 8, 2024, 9:00 AM in-person and via Zoom. Progress. e. General Administration Committee Mr. Labenberg reported that the Committee is requesting Council approval of the DEP Clean Drinking Water Consent and Agreement. Mr. Pepe stated that the Consent Agreement Amendment would update the timeline for completing the required steps in the remediation of PFAS. Motion by Mr. Labenberg, seconded by Ms. Baumgartner to approve the DEP Clean Drinking Water Consent and Agreement There were 6 ayes. Motion carried. April 15, 2024 45 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL Mr. Labenberg reported that the next Committee meeting is Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at 9:00 AM via Zoom. Progress. f. Budget & Finance Committee Mr. Balliet entertained questions about the Significant Revenue and Expense Items for 1st half of April 2024. Resolution 2024 - 13 authorizing payment of the April 15, 2024 Bill List as follows: Bill List $ 402,254.61 Payroll #1 $ 196,523.19 Payroll Taxes $ 65,774.62 Total $ 664,552.42 Done this 15th day of April 2024. Motion by Mrs. Watt, seconded by Mr. Labenberg to adopt Resolution 2024 - 13. There were 6 ayes. Motion carried. Mr. Balliet reported that the next Committee meeting is Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at 11:00 AM via Zoom. Progress. g. Community Relations, Planning and Development Committee Motion by Mrs. Watt, seconded by Mr. Brown to appoint Ken Biles to the Historical Commission as a representative for the Shelter House to a 2- year term expiring January 1, 2026. There were 6 ayes. Motion carried. Motion by Mrs. Watt, seconded by Mr. Anders to appoint Gene Clock to the Historical Commission as a representative for the Knauss Homestead to a 3- year term expiring January 1, 2027. There were 6 ayes. Motion carried. Motion by Mrs. Watt, seconded by Mr. Brown to appoint Maryellen Iobst to the Historical Commission as a representative for the Knauss Homestead to a 2- year term expiring January 1, 2026. There were 6 ayes. Motion carried. Motion by Mrs. Watt, seconded by Mr. Brown to appoint Marian Schneck to the Historical Commission as a representative for the 1803 House to a 3- year term expiring January 1, 2027. There were 6 ayes. Motion carried. Motion by Mrs. Watt, seconded by Mr. Brown to appoint Walter Lewis III to the Historical Commission as a representative for the 1803 House to a 2- year term expiring January 1, 2026. There were 6 ayes. Motion carried. April 15, 2024 46 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL Mrs. Watt reported that the next Committee meeting is Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at 5:00 PM, via Zoom. Progress. PERSONAL APPEALS, PART II – None. EXECUTIVE SESSION – None. BOROUGH MANAGER’S REPORT Mr. Pepe reported that there is a lot going on including hiring for several positions, preparing RFPs, and that committees are working on large items to bring to Council in the near future. Progress. PRESIDENT’S BUSINESS – None. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Ms. Baumgartner seconded by Mr. Brown to adjourn the April 15, 2024 Emmaus Borough Council Meeting. There were 6 ayes. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 7:39 PM. Shane M. Pepe Transcribed by: Jessica Wessner Borough Manager Administrative Assistant April 29, 2024