Borough Council Meetings

May 6, 2024 47 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL The Emmaus Borough Council met in Regular Session on May 6, 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 via Zoom Chris Hoenscheid Present 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 Mayor Gilbert stated that a ribbon cutting was held to kick off the Emmaus Farmers’ Market opening. She stated that the market was now open through December. Mrs. Gilbert reported that the Emmaus Veterans Committee’s Memorial Day parade will be on Monday, May 27, 2024, beginning at 9:30AM at the high school parking lot. Mr. Anders reported that the swimming pool season passes are for sale. He stated that the pool was still in need of lifeguards and encouraged people to apply. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Emmaus Veterans Committee members Ben Brown and John Eyer, along with Andrew Carpenter, owner of Stillwaters, presented a design concept for the Memorial Triangle. Mr. Eyer reported that the Committee has long wanted to update the Triangle to incorporate the flags and give the community an area to memorialize Veterans. He added that the Committee would be looking for funding through fundraising and grants. Mr. Eyer stated that the project would take approximately 4 weeks with an estimated cost of $120,000.00 to complete. Mr. Pepe stated that should Council approve the project he would request that Council also approve allowing him to research and apply for any grants to help fund the redesign project. Mr. Brown reported that there is currently a tree planted at the Memorial Triangle in honor of John Reiss. He added that he and Mr. Pepe had spoken about relocating the tree to Lions Park, which due to its proximity to Central Station, would showcase Mr. Reiss’ dedication to the Fire Department. Mr. Pepe stated that Council would need to vote on 3 items for this project: the design concept, the official park name, and authorization to apply for a grant. He suggested that these items be placed on the May 20, 2024, Council meeting agenda. President Balliet recessed the Council meeting 6:25PM for photos and reconvened the meeting at 6:28PM. READING OF MINUTES May 6, 2024 48 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL Motion by Mrs. Watt, seconded by Mr. Labenberg to adopt the April 15, 2024, Council Minutes as drafted. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. DECISION ON BIDS – None. COMMUNICATIONS Emmaus Arts Commission volunteer application for Patricia Mayo. – referred to the Community Relations, Planning, and Development Committee. BOROUGH ENGINEER’S REPORT – None. SOLICITOR’S REPORT Progress. UNFINISHED BUSINESS, PART I – None. 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 Motion by Ms. Baumgartner, seconded by Mr. Anders 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 second reading. Roll call vote: Mr. Brown, aye; Mrs. Watt, aye; Mr. Anders, aye; Mr. Labenberg, aye; Mr. Hoenscheid, aye; Ms. Baumgartner, aye; Mr. Balliet, aye. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. b. ORDINANCE NO. 1262: AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF EMMAUS, LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 15 §602.3.A OF THE EMMAUS BOROUGH CODE, AMENDING THE RESIDENTIAL DISABLED PARKING SIGN AND CONTINUING TO ASSIGN A PERMITTED PARKING SPOT ON THE PUBLIC STREET LOCATED IN FRONT OF 611 WALNUT STREET WITHIN THE BOROUGH OF EMMAUS Motion by Mr. Hoenscheid, seconded by Mrs. Watt to adopt Ordinance 1262 – An Ordinance of the Borough of Emmaus, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, amending Chapter 15 §602.3.A of the Emmaus Borough Code, to amending the residential disabled parking sign and continuing to assign a permitted parking spot on the public street located in front of 611 Walnut Street within the Borough of Emmaus on its second reading. Roll call vote: Mr. Brown, aye; Mrs. Watt, aye; Mr. Anders, aye; Mr. Labenberg, aye; Mr. Hoenscheid, aye; Ms. Baumgartner, aye; Mr. Balliet, aye. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. c. 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 May 6, 2024 49 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL Motion by Ms. Baumgartner, seconded by Mr. Labenberg 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 second reading. Roll call vote: Mr. Brown, aye; Mrs. Watt, aye; Mr. Anders, aye; Mr. Labenberg, aye; Mr. Hoenscheid, aye; Ms. Baumgartner, aye; Mr. Balliet, aye. There were 7 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 Motion by Ms. Baumgartner, seconded by Mr. Anders 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: Mr. Brown, aye; Mrs. Watt, aye; Mr. Anders, aye; Mr. Labenberg, aye; Mr. Hoenscheid, aye; Ms. Baumgartner, aye; Mr. Balliet, aye. There were 7 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 2024 – 58: International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW); Proclamation 2024 – 590: Police Week, Proclamation 2024 – 591; Emergency Medical Services Week; and Proclamation 2024 – 592: National Public Works Week. Ms. Gilbert reported that she has begun planning this year’s National Night Out event. Progress. COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Public Works Committee Mr. Anders stated that the next Committee meeting is Monday, May 13, 2024, at 4:45PM via Zoom and in-person. Progress. b. Health, Sanitation, and Codes Committee Mr. Brown stated that the Committee has been working with the Task Force on the Zoning Ordinance. He stated that there will be another Task Force meeting at the end of May with plans to bring it to Council in June. Mr. Brown reported that the Committee is working on the refuse and recycling May 6, 2024 50 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL collection bid specifications. He requested feedback from Council on both automated refuse and recycling collection options. Mr. Pepe clarified that based on a meeting with our current hauler, automated refuse and recycling collection, including a hybrid option, would result in a cost reduction for refuse and recycling collection. Ms. Baumgartner reported that the cost for refuse and recycling collection is rising and automated pick up would lessen the impact of the cost increase. Mr. Brown reported that the next Committee meeting is Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at 4:45PM in person and via Zoom. Progress. c. Parks and Recreation Committee Mr. Hoenscheid reported that the Committee discussed the Memorial Triangle redesign project at their last meeting. He stated that the Committee will meet with the coordinator of Fifth Street Cross to discuss their event requests. Mr. Hoenscheid reported that the next Committee meeting is Thursday, May 16, 2024 at 4:45PM via Zoom. Progress. d. Public Safety Committee Ms. Baumgartner reported that the next Committee meeting is Wednesday, May 8, 2024, 9:00AM in person and via Zoom. Progress. e. General Administration Committee Mr. Labenberg reported that the next Committee meeting is Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at 9:00AM. Progress. f. Budget & Finance Committee Mr. Balliet stated that the current lead time for delivery of a new rescue truck is 3 years. He requested that Council approve the purchase of the rescue truck to lock in the purchase price to prevent potential cost increases. Motion by Mr. Labenberg, seconded by Mrs. Watt to purchase a rescue truck. There were 6 ayes and 1 nay (Brown). Motion carried. Mr. Balliet entertained questions about the Significant Revenue and Expense Items for April 2024. Resolution 2024 - 14 authorizing payment of the May 6, 2024 Bill List as follows: May 6, 2024 51 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL Bill List $ 455,476.72 Payroll #1 $ 376,016.42 Payroll Taxes $ 118,706.16 Total $ 950,199.30 Done this 6th day of May 2024. Motion by Mr. Labenberg, seconded by Ms. Baumgartner to adopt Resolution 2024 - 14. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Mr. Balliet reported that the next Committee meeting is Wednesday, June 5, 2024 at 11:00AM via Zoom. Progress. g. Community Relations, Planning and Development Committee Mrs. Watt reported that the next Committee meeting is Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at 5:00PM in person and via Zoom. Progress. PERSONAL APPEALS, PART II – None. EXECUTIVE SESSION – None. BOROUGH MANAGER’S REPORT Mr. Pepe reported that the following individuals have been hired as lifeguards for the 2024 season contingent upon successful completion of Red Cross Lifeguard Certification: Max Zientara, Corie Campbell, Harper Jones, Isabella Jimenez-Fuentes, Emelia Pechulis Mr. Pepe reported that the following individual has been hired for the concession stand for the 2024 season: Dawn Kidd, Concession Stand Assistant Manager Mr. Pepe reported that the following individuals have been hired for a combined park, concession, and cashier position for the 2024 season: Mary Rabold, Alex Dise, Adrianna Frankenfield, Jonah Nemitz, Keaton White, Connor Jones, Seamus Daly, Lindsay Vargo, Samantha Kerkusz, Kaitlin Wolf, Julian Borkowski Mr. Pepe reported that the following individuals are returning for the 2024 season: Lifeguards Molly Behr, Miel Orrison, Catherine Raynock, James Raynock, Sara Treaster, Will Reichert, Enzo Gualtieri May 6, 2024 52 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL Cashiers Emma Durnin, Cain Wessner Concession Ashlyn Mugavero Mr. Pepe stated that most of the new hires for the 2024 season are minors. He further stated that, because they are minors, there are limits to the number of hours a day they are permitted to work and restrictions on the time of day they are permitted to work. Mr. Pepe explained that, due to these restrictions, adult volunteers are needed in the concession stand during Flick n’ Float and Movie in the Park events. Mr. Pepe stated that he will send Council a sign-up sheet for them to choose the events and times they are working at the concession stand. Mr. Pepe reported that the second-round interviews for the Assistant Borough Manager position are taking place tomorrow, Tuesday, May 7, 2024, with the General Administration Committee. Mr. Pepe stated that Christopher Jost will complete his probationary period tomorrow, Tuesday, May 7, 2024, and that the Public Works Director is recommending retaining Mr. Jost as a full-time Public Works employee. Motion by Mr. Anders, seconded by Ms. Baumgartner to retain Christopher Jost as a full- time Public Works Department employee. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Progress. PRESIDENT’S BUSINESS – None. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Ms. Baumgartner seconded by Mr. Anders to adjourn the May 6, 2024 Emmaus Borough Council Meeting. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 7:15PM. Shane M. Pepe Transcribed by: Jessica Wessner Borough Manager Administrative Assistant May 14, 2024