Borough Council Meetings

September 3, 2024 80 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL The Emmaus Borough Council met in Regular Session on September 3, 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 Present Cristen McTamney, Assistant Borough Manager Present PERSONAL APPEALS, PART I – None. COMMUNITY MINUTE Mr. Pepe stated that the Chief of Emergency Services, John Price, has his last physical day of work on Thursday, September 5, 2024, and that his retirement will take effect in November 2024. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS – None. READING OF MINUTES Motion by Mr. Labenberg, seconded by Mrs. Watt to adopt the August 19, 2024, Council Minutes as drafted. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. DECISION ON BIDS Mr. Pepe reported that for the purchase of a 2024 Braun Ambulance, the Budget and Finance Committee made the recommendation to request bidding financial institutions to submit 3- and 4-year leases with monthly and annual payment options for consideration. Mr. Pepe stated that based on the overall cost of the loan, his recommendation is for Council to contract Tax-Exempt Leasing Corporation for a 3-year lease with annual payments. Motion by Mr. Labenberg, seconded by Mr. Anders to contract Tax-Exempt Leasing Corporation for a 3-year lease with annual payments for the purchase of a 2024 Braun Ambulance. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. COMMUNICATIONS a. Joe Fritz Letter of Resignation From Emmaus Arts Commission Effective September 1, 2024 September 3, 2024 81 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL b. Emmaus Rotary Club Event Request - "Tastes of East Penn" – referred to the Parks and Recreation Committee BOROUGH ENGINEER’S REPORT – None. SOLICITOR’S REPORT – None. Progress. UNFINISHED BUSINESS, PART I – None. NEW BUSINESS – None. UNFINISHED BUSINESS, PART II – None. ITEMS NOT ON AGENDA, subject to Rule 9 – None. MAYOR’S REPORT – None. Progress. COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Public Works Committee Motion by Mr. Labenberg, seconded by Mrs. Watt to hire Benjamin Harrison as a full-time Public Works Department employee contingent upon a successful background check. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Mr. Anders reported that the next Committee meeting is Monday, September 9, 2024, at 4:45PM via Zoom and in-person. Progress. b. Health, Sanitation, and Codes Committee Mr. Brown reported that he met with the Codes Department to discuss the Zoning and SALDO Ordinance rewrites. He stated that there will be a meeting to discuss the SALDO Ordinance on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at 2:00PM. Mr. Brown reported that the next Committee meeting is Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at 4:45PM in person and via Zoom. Progress. c. Parks and Recreation Committee Mr. Hoenscheid reported that the Laura Street playground project has been completed and that it looks great. September 3, 2024 82 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL Mr. Hoenscheid reported that the pool season ended on Monday, September 2, 2024. He stated that this season’s pool revenue of $175,310 set an all-time record. Mr. Hoenscheid further stated that the concession stand revenue for this season was $64,311.25. He thanked Mrs. Reed, Mr. White, and the seasonal staff for a successful season. 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 at the next meeting, the Committee will interview potential banking institutions to provide services for the Borough. Mr. Labenberg reported that the next Committee meeting is Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at 9:00AM. Progress. f. Budget & Finance Committee Mr. Balliet reported that the budget performance for August 2024 was attached for Council’s review. Mr. Labenberg questioned the nonemergency transport revenue. Mr. Pepe explained that there is an issue with the software to the billing company and that transports are still taking place. Mr. Balliet entertained questions about the Significant Revenue and Expense Items for August 2024. Resolution 2024 - 21 authorizing payment of the September 3, 2024 Bill List as follows: Bill List $ 156,434.54 Payroll #17 $ 204,892.18 Payroll Taxes $ 64,608.53 Total $ 425,935.25 Done this 3rd day of September 2024. Motion by Mr. Labenberg, seconded by Ms. Baumgartner to adopt Resolution 2024 - 21. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. September 3, 2024 83 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL Mr. Labenberg questioned a purchase, under clerical, of air tags and their use by the clerical staff. Pepe responded that the purchase was not for an air tag but rather a protective case for an air tag. He stated that the staff uses the case to protect their Borough issued key fobs for the building. Mr. Labenberg asked Mr. Pepe about the electric bill since returning to Borough Hall. Mr. Pepe responded that the 2024 budgeted amount was an estimate and way off. He stated that the building has been occupied for a year and that the amount budgeted for 2025 will be based on the usage. Mr. Labenberg inquired about the status of the electric and gas rate contracts. Mr. Pepe stated that the contract term for gas expires next month and the term for electric expires next year. He stated that the Borough will most likely use an auction to find the lowest gas rate contract. Mr. Labenberg questioned a purchase, page 21, of annual fire extinguishers was made by credit card rather than by check. Mr. Pepe responded that he was not aware of the reasoning and will research the item further. 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. Mr. Anders reported that construction for the apartment complex to be built on S 4th has begun. He stated that most of the buildings in the area have been cleared and the land is being stripped. Mr. Anders commented that the development of the formerly blighted area is progress. Mr. Anders commented on the clean-up at the Turkey Hill property. PERSONAL APPEALS, PART II – None. EXECUTIVE SESSION – None. BOROUGH MANAGER’S REPORT Mr. Pepe reported that Robert Lewullis has completed his probationary period and will be retained as a part-time firefighter. Mr. Pepe reminded Council that department managers submit their requests for the 2025 Budget on Monday, September 9, 2024. Progress. PRESIDENT’S BUSINESS – None. ADJOURNMENT September 3, 2024 84 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL Motion by Mr. Labenberg seconded by Mr. Anders to adjourn the September 3, 2024, Emmaus Borough Council Meeting. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 6:21PM. Shane M. Pepe Transcribed by: Jessica Wessner Borough Manager Administrative Assistant September 11, 2024