Borough Council Meetings

August 19, 2024 73 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL The Emmaus Borough Council met in Regular Session on August 19, 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 Present Brent Labenberg Present Kate Watt Present LeeAnn Gilbert, Mayor Present Jason Ulrich, Solicitor Present Shane Pepe, Borough Manager Absent Cristen McTamney, Assistant Borough Manager Present PERSONAL APPEALS, PART I Ronald Schwartz, 400 S 10th Street, Chestnut Ridge at Rodale, inquired about the Ambulance Subscription being reinstated. He stated that according to his Director the Emmaus Ambulance Corps no longer offers the program, and he wanted to know if that was true. Ms. Baumgartner, as the chair of the Public Safety Committee explained to Mr. Schwartz that there have been many discussions about reinstating the Ambulance Subscription. She reported that it was decided that Emmaus Ambulance Corps will offer an ambulance subscription in the future. Chris DeFrain, 181 Harrison Street, requested that UGI be held to a minimum standard regarding the state in which they leave the roads after completing their work. Mr. DeFrain gave several examples of roads within the Borough depicting a substandard state. Mr. DeFrain stated that he submitted a request on behalf of the Halloween Parade Committee, to permit food truck vendors to be stationed in the Municipal parking lot on Main Street for the Parade. He asked Council if they had any questions regarding the request. Mr. Labenberg asked if the request was for a fundraising event. Mr. DeFrain stated that this year will be a trial year for food truck vendors and therefore will not be utilized as a fund-raising event. He further stated that the Committee is requiring a minimum donation of $25.00 for food truck vendors to be permitted at the Parade. Mr. Anders asked if food trucks would be placed in other locations along the Parade route. Mr. DeFrain explained that the Committee wants to start small this year to see how it goes. COMMUNITY MINUTE Mayor Gilbert reported that National Night Out was a success with approximately 500 people in attendance. She extended her gratitude to all the volunteers that helped with the event. Mayor Gilbert gave special thanks to Julie Niebell and Sherry Palinkas for their hard work. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS – None. READING OF MINUTES August 19, 2024 74 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL Motion by Mrs. Watt, seconded by Ms. Baumgartner to adopt the July 15, 2024, Council Minutes as drafted. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. DECISION ON BIDS Motion by Mr. Brown, seconded by Mr. Labenberg to approve the purchase of a cardiac monitor from Stryker in the amount of $42,354.71. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. COMMUNICATIONS a. Teri McManamon Volunteer Application for Historical Commission Motion by Mrs. Watt, seconded by Mr. Anders to appoint Teri Sorg-McManamon to the Historical Commission to a 3-year At-Large Term to Expire January 1, 2027. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. b. Emmaus Lioness Lions Club "Chase the Chill" Scarf Shower Event Request – referred to staff c. Karri Schreppel Letter of Resignation from the Emmaus Arts Commission Effective August 15, 2024 d. Emmaus Public Library Community Heroes Day Event Letter of Invitation e. Sergeant Adam Polster Letter of Resignation from Emmaus Police Department Effective Aug 1, 2024 f. Public Works Employee Sean Lawrence Letter of Intent to Retire Effective August 6, 2024 g. Joint Environmental Advisory Council Storm Drain Adoption Program – referred to the Health, Sanitation, and Codes Committee h. Maggie Fischer Volunteer Application for Historical Commission Motion by Mrs. Watt, seconded by Mr. Hoenscheid to Appoint Maggie Fischer to the Historical Commission to a 3-year At-Large Term to Expire January 1, 2027. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. i. Emmaus Halloween Parade Committee Request use of Borough Parking Lot Motion by Mr. Labenberg, seconded by Mr. Brown to approve the use of the Borough parking lot for food truck vendors for the Halloween Parade. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. j. Meals on Wheels Donation Letter BOROUGH ENGINEER’S REPORT – None. SOLICITOR’S REPORT – None. Progress. UNFINISHED BUSINESS, PART I ORDINANCE 1266: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 15, §210 OF THE EMMAUS BOROUGH CODE, RESTRICTING LEFT TURNS FROM KLINES LANE TO MAIN STREET DURING CERTAIN SCHOOL HOURS (1st Reading 7.15.2024) (2nd Reading 8.19.2024) August 19, 2024 75 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL Motion by Ms. Baumgartner, seconded by Mr. Labenberg to adopt Ordinance 1266 – An Ordinance of the Borough of Emmaus, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, amending Chapter 15 §210 of the Emmaus Borough Code, restricting left turns from Klines Lane to Main Street during certain school hours on its second reading. Roll call vote: Mr. Watt, aye; Mr. Anders, aye; Mr. Labenberg, aye; Mr. Hoenscheid, aye; Mr. Brown, aye; Ms. Baumgartner, aye; Mr. Balliet, aye. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. ORDINANCE NO. 1267: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF EMMAUS BY ADDING A PART 6, LOCAL ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION TAX ASSISTANCE, TO CHAPTER 24 TAXATION; PROVIDING FOR REAL ESTATE TAX EXEMPTION FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION AND IMPROVEMENTS TO DETERIORATED PROPERTY PURSUANT TO THE PENNSYLVANIA LOCAL ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION TAX ASSISTANCE ACT AND ESTABLISHING STANDARDS AND QUALIFICATIONS FOR OBTAINING SUCH EXEMPTION (1st Reading 7.15.2024) (2nd Reading 8.19.2024) Motion by Mr. Brown, seconded by Mrs. Watt to adopt Ordinance 1267 – An Ordinance amending the Code of the Borough of Emmaus by adding a Part 6, Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance, to Chapter 24 Taxation; providing for real estate tax exemption for new construction and improvements to deteriorated property pursuant to the Pennsylvania Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance Act and establishing standards and qualifications for obtaining such exemption on its first reading. Mr. Labenberg questioned the omission of a sunset clause in Ordinance 1267. He reported that the Ordinance was discussed with Council voting to include a sunset clause. Mr. Labenberg referred to the July 15, 2024, Council Meeting Minutes for validation. Attorney Ulrich stated the omission was an error on his part and he would redraft the Ordinance to include the clause and have it for ready for the September 3, 2024, Council Meeting. Motion by Mr. Labenberg, seconded by Mr. Anders to table Ordinance 1267 – An Ordinance amending the Code of the Borough of Emmaus by adding a Part 6, Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance, to Chapter 24 Taxation; providing for real estate tax exemption for new construction and improvements to deteriorated property pursuant to the Pennsylvania Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance Act and establishing standards and qualifications for obtaining such exemption. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. ORDINANCE NO. 1268: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 15, SECTION 209, RESTRICTING TRAFFIC FROM TURNING ONTO HOWARD STREET FROM LONG STREET AND ESTABLISHING A NO THRUWAY ON HOWARD STREET (1st Reading 7.15.2024) (2nd Reading 8.19.2024) Motion by Mrs. Baumgartner, seconded by Mr. Labenberg to adopt Ordinance 1268 – An Ordinance amending Chapter 15, Section 209, Restricting traffic from turning onto Howard Street from Long Street and establishing a no thruway on Howard Street on its second reading. Roll call vote: Mrs. Watt, aye; Mr. Anders, aye; Mr. Labenberg, aye; Mr. Hoenscheid, aye; Mr. Brown, aye; Ms. Baumgartner, aye; Mr. Balliet, aye . There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. ORDINANCE NO. 1269: AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF EMMAUS, LEHIGH COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 15 §602.3.A OF THE EMMAUS BOROUGH CODE, REVOKING A RESIDENTIAL PERMITTED DISABLED PARKING SPACE AND ASSIGNING A NEW RESIDENTIAL PERMITTED DISABLED PARKING SPACE ON THE PUBLIC August 19, 2024 76 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL STREET LOCATED IN FRONT OF 38 N 6TH STREET WITHIN THE BOROUGH OF EMMAUS (1st Reading 7.15.2024) (2nd Reading 8.19.2024) Motion by Mr. Hoenscheid, seconded by Mr. Labenberg to adopt Ordinance 1269 – An Ordinance of the Borough of Emmaus, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, amending Chapter 15 §602.3.A of the Emmaus Borough Code, revoking a residential permitted disabled parking space and assigning a new residential permitted disabled parking space on the public street located in front of 38 N 6th Street within the Borough of Emmaus on its second reading. Roll call vote: Ms. Baumgartner, aye; Mr. Brown, aye; Mr. Hoenscheid, aye; Mr. Labenberg, aye; Mr. Anders, aye; Mrs. Watt, aye; Mr. Balliet, aye. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. NEW BUSINESS ORDINANCE 1270: 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 ASSIGN A PERMITTED PARKING SPOT ON THE PUBLIC STREET LOCATED IN FRONT OF 224 ADRAIN STREET WITHIN THE BOROUGH OF EMMAUS (1st Reading 8.19.2024) Motion by Ms. Baumgartner, seconded by Mrs. Watt to adopt Ordinance 1270 – 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 assign a permitted parking spot on the public street located in front of 224 Adrain Street within the Borough of Emmaus on its first reading. Roll call vote: Mr. Labenberg, aye; Mr. Brown, aye; Mr. Anders, aye; Mr. Hoenscheid, aye; Mrs. Watt, aye; Ms. Baumgartner, aye; Mr. Balliet, aye. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. UNFINISHED BUSINESS, PART II – None. ITEMS NOT ON AGENDA, subject to Rule 9 – None. MAYOR’S REPORT Mayor Gilbert reported that the Emmaus Police Department earned reaccreditation. She stated that the Police Department is now 33rd in the state and have achieved Premier Agency Status. Mr. James Adams, Accreditation Coordinator, will attend the September 16, 2024, Council Meeting to present the Police Department with the Reaccreditation Certificate and Plaque. Progress. COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Public Works Committee Motion by Mr. Anders, seconded by Mr. Labenberg to approve the purchase of a GAC Vessel from Calgon Carbon Corporation in the amount of $848,870. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Motion by Mr. Anders, seconded by Mr. Labenberg to hire Charles Wesch as a full-time Public Works Department employee contingent upon a successful background check. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. August 19, 2024 77 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL Motion by Mr. Anders, seconded by Mr. Labenberg to hire Taylor Branciforte as a full-time Public Works Department employee. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Mr. Anders reported that he will not be available for the next Committee meeting. He stated that the Committee meeting will be held in his absence on Monday, September 9, 2024, at 4:45PM via Zoom and in-person. Progress. b. Health, Sanitation, and Codes Committee Mr. Brown reported that the Zoning Ordinance has been delayed due to discrepancies with the design standards. He stated the Committee hopes to have the Ordinance in front of Council in December. Mr. Brown reported that the next Committee meeting is Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 4:45PM in person and via Zoom. Progress. c. Parks and Recreation Committee Motion by Mr. Hoenscheid, seconded by Mr. Labenberg to approve Charlie’s 2nd Annual Charity Fishing Derby at Furnace Dam on September 7, 2024, contingent upon supplying the Borough with their Certificate of Insurance. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Mr. Hoenscheid reported that the Recreation and Entertainment Commission needs volunteers and encouraged everyone to spread the word. Mr. Hoenscheid reported that the next Committee meeting is Thursday, September 19, 2024, at 4:45PM via Zoom. Progress. d. Public Safety Committee Ms. Baumgartner reported that the next Committee meeting is Wednesday, September 11, 2024, 9:00AM in person and via Zoom. Progress. e. General Administration Committee Mr. Labenberg reported that the Committee has not met since the last Council Meeting and that the next Committee meeting is Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at 9:00AM. Progress. f. Budget & Finance Committee August 19, 2024 78 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL Mr. Balliet reported that Waterworth gave a presentation to the Committee. He stated that Waterworth is a program that compiles expenses to calculate short-term and long-term water rates. Mr. Labenberg questioned where the money to pay for the software program would be coming from since the item was not in the budget for this year. Ms. Baumgartner inquired whether the agreement would be automatically renewed. She stated that to use this program for this budget season training would have to happen soon. Mr. Anders stated that the software program is priced under the bidding threshold and because of that Council wouldn’t need to vote on the purchase. Attorney Ulrich confirmed that the cost is under bidding threshold. Mrs. Watt stated that the cost is menial if it will help get the rates correct. Motion by Mr. Labenberg to table the Waterworth agreement. The Motion did not receive a second. Motion died. Motion by Mr. Labenberg, seconded by Ms. Baumgartner to enter into an agreement with Waterworth from August 29, 2024 through December 31, 2024, at a prorated fee of $4,984. There were 6 ayes and 1 nay (Labenberg). Motion carried. Resolution 2024 - 20 authorizing payment of the August 19, 2024 Bill List as follows: Bill List $ 1,015,783.20 Payroll #15 & #16 $ 426,393.30 Payroll Taxes $ 135,509.57 Total $ 1,577,686.07 Done this 19th day of August 2024. Motion by Mr. Balliet, seconded by Mrs. Watt to adopt Resolution 2024 - 20. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Mr. Balliet entertained questions about the Significant Revenue and Expense Items for the first half of July 2024. Mr. Balliet reported that the next Committee meeting is Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at 11:00AM via Zoom. Progress. g. Community Relations, Planning and Development Committee Mrs. Watt reported that the next Committee meeting is Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at 5:00PM in person and via Zoom. Progress. PERSONAL APPEALS, PART II – None. EXECUTIVE SESSION – None. BOROUGH MANAGER’S REPORT August 19, 2024 79 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL Public Works Department Group Leader Promotion – Ms. McTamney stated that Robert Leanch has been named as the new Streets Group Leader. Recommendation to Advance Public Works Employee Matthew Bachert to Class 4 Motion by Mr. Labenberg, seconded by Mr. Anders to advance Matthew Bachert to a Class 4 Public Works Department employee. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Recommendation to Advance Public Works Employee Tyler Llewellyn to Class 4 Motion by Mr. Labenberg, seconded by Mr. Anders to advance Tyler Llewellyn to a Class 4 Public Works Department employee. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Progress. PRESIDENT’S BUSINESS – None. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Ms. Baumgartner seconded by Mr. Hoenscheid to adjourn the August 19, 2024 Emmaus Borough Council Meeting. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 6:57PM. Shane M. Pepe Transcribed by: Jessica Wessner Borough Manager Administrative Assistant August 30, 2024