Borough Council Meetings

December 16, 2024 115 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL The Emmaus Borough Council met in Regular Session on December 16, 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 PERSONAL APPEALS, PART I Thomas Ruhe, owner of 504 S. 6th St., had concerns about the proposed Real Estate Tax increase. He stated that he could not afford an increase and that the roads have been terrible for years. Jonathan Wilhite of 5476 Hiestand Rd., Zionsville, reported that the effect of the proposed Real Estate Tax increase for the rental properties he owns within the Borough, is approximately $6.00 per week per household. He gave recognition to Council for keeping services while keeping the budget in check. Mr. Wilhite stated that Borough departments should be fully funded. Tim Riccaboni, 1346 Shimerville Rd., had concerns about the proposed Real Estate Tax increase. He stated that he could not afford an increase and questioned the need for a paid Fire Department. Chelsea Kehs, 327 S. 6th St., had concerns about the proposed Real Estate Tax increase. She questioned the salary increase for the Borough Manager and for the Codes Director. Sarah Dagnall, 627 Furnace St., had concerns about the proposed Real Estate Tax increase. She stated that rents will increase, and that homelessness is out of control. Jon Lefferts, 301 Delong Ave., had concerns about the proposed Real Estate Tax increase. He questioned the Borough’s needs, the change, and the occurrence that merited the amount of the increase. Bruce Kohler, 405 Weiders Ln., stated that expenses are up and that the Borough Manager works hard but the Borough cannot operate with those expenses and no additional revenue. Chris DeFrain, 181 Harrison St., had concerns about the proposed Real Estate Tax increase. He stated that the Borough can no longer afford to support the structure of a Fire Department, a Police Department, an Ambulance Corps., and a water system. Mr. DeFrain stated that the proposed increase will affect the quality of life for the Borough. He recommended that Council begin the conversation in regard to the potential for another large tax increase in the future. December 16, 2024 116 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL Motion by Mr. Brown, seconded by Ms. Baumgartner to grant a 5-minute extension for Mr. DeFrain’s Personal Appeal. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Nora Corcoran, Greenleaf St., had concerns about the proposed Real Estate Tax increase. She stated that Council will be held accountable and voted out for their poor choices such as salary increases and an increase of $12,000 for the exercise building. John Hammel, 807 Fernwood St., had concerns about the proposed Real Estate Tax increase. He stated that people are scraping by, and that creative thinking was needed to spread out the increase more evenly. David Hudnall, 1215 Macungie Ave., had concerns about the Real Estate Tax increase. He stated that the Borough was the least transparent government he had ever seen as he was made aware of the increase by the news and that the Council Meeting agenda packets should be posted online. Matt Spangenberg, 58 Township Rd., Macungie, owner of rental properties within the Borough, stated that the School Real Estate Taxes are higher than the proposed increase each year and thanked Mr. Pepe and Council for the cuts that were made. He further stated that he loves Emmaus, does not want services cut, and that the water needs to be fixed, trucks need to be purchased, etc. Thomas Gorguski, 326 Franklin St., had concerns about the proposed Real Estate Tax increase. He stated that he paid $5,000 in taxes last year and that his taxes will increase by $100 a month. Tim Gesicki, 617 Glenwood St., had concerns about the proposed Real Estate Tax increase. He stated that New Jersey taxes are $10,000 and to get rid of everyone on Council. Letecia Garcia, 308 N. 5th St., had concerns about the proposed Real Estate Tax increase. She stated that there is no transparency, that she was unaware of the increase and suggested text notifications. Michael Felegy, 742 Spruce St., had concerns about the proposed Real Estate Tax increase. He stated that the increase was ridiculous, outrageous, and that it will be an additional $40 to $45 per month for his home. Madeline Valois, 606 Broad St., had concerns about the proposed Real Estate Tax increase. She stated that more can be done to work together with the help from volunteers and the power of social media. Megan Brehm, 944 N. 7th St. Cir., had concerns about the proposed Real Estate Tax increase. She stated that the increase will hurt and suggested not printing the newsletter, find grants, hire grant, assessments to plan for the next five years, and more effort put forth by Council. Tim Riccaboni,1346 Shimerville Rd., had concerns about the proposed Real Estate Tax increase. He stated that he was not against any Borough department. Mr. Riccaboni further stated that he tried to volunteer for the Fire Department for 4 months but was not welcomed. He stated that the Police Department is extremely talented and good and that the Fire Department finances are mismanaged. Motion by Mr. Anders, seconded by Mr. Labenberg to grant a 1-minute extension for Mr. Riccaboni’s Personal Appeal. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. December 16, 2024 117 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL Kelly Charters, 324 S. 6th St., had concerns about the proposed Real Estate Tax increase. She stated that she was not happy about the increase, that the salary increases are not reasonable, and suggested looking into ways to lower the increase. Mr. Pepe gave a presentation detailing key points of the 2025 Budget. He reported increases in fixed budgetary costs, necessary infrastructure repair and remediation, decrease in building permit revenue, ambulance revenue, increase in wages, increase in employee and retiree benefits, decreases made by eliminating the Deputy Director of Emergency Services position, the Assistant Borough Manager position, the Parks and Facilities Director position, a full-time Public Works position, hiring of a full-time Police Officer, a full-time Ambulance Department position, and the second Ambulance. Mr. Pepe explained the factors and the difficult decisions made by Council necessary to try to balance the budget for 2025. Mr. Labenberg stated that he was not happy about the increase and that he cares about the community. Mr. Hoenscheid stated that citizens need to be engaged to come together in decisions about the community. Mr. Brown stated that the tax increase will be felt by renters and well as property owners. He further stated his appreciation for people coming to the Council Meeting. Mr. Brown stated that “you get what you pay for” and inquired on which services provided by the Borough the Community wants. He further stated that certain services are mandated. Mr. Pepe referred to the 3-year plan for PFAS remediation which will cost millions of dollars to comply with the EPA mandates. He added that we need ideas from the Community in terms of what services are important. Ms. Baumgartner stated that everyone is working hard, that she has 6 jobs herself, and is not excited about the increase. She further stated that there wasn’t much that could be done in short term and expressed the need for long-term on-going dialogue from the Community. Ms. Baumgartner reported that there were many split votes on issues the Council Committees discussed. She stated her encouragement for the Community to continue to be engaged and invited them to apply for the vacant seat on Council. Mr. Anders thanked each person for stating their comments and concerns. He encouraged the Community to apply for the open seat on Council. Mr. Anders spoke about Mr. Pepe’s budget message, the original budget draft, and the need to cut the deficit. He reported that Council had to vote in front of the department managers whose positions were eliminated. Mr. Anders explained that there were many debates, hard decisions, and 4 to 3 votes. He stated that more will be posted online and that the Borough follows all advertisement laws. Mrs. Watt reported that the Borough carries a lot of weight for other communities. She stated the importance of looking into regionalization and her willingness to spearhead a survey regarding the matter. Motion by Mr. Brown, seconded by Mr. Hoenscheid to amend the order of the agenda making Personal Appeals Part II the next item on the agenda followed by the second reading of Ordinances 1274, 1275, and 1276. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. PERSONAL APPEALS, PART II December 16, 2024 118 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL Chelsea Kehs, 327 S. 6th St., stated that she has gone through the 2024 budget and had questions regarding rental property owned by the Borough. She inquired about raising rents for those properties. Mrs. Kehs stated that she works in the healthcare industry and questioned whether or not Borough employees have any incentives to have a workout center or a health program that would lower the cost of premiums. She further inquired about the Library’s need for a new roof and whether or not the roof was taken into consideration when the addition was added. Mrs. Kehs stated that she was interested in helping to raise money for the Library and questioned whether or not that was an option. She questioned if the Police Department pays towards their pension. Mrs. Kehs reported that there was a Federal mandate for drug testing and CDL and questioned if the increase for that line item was also mandated. John Hart, 157 Spruce St., explained the purpose of the Emmaus Community Foundation. Tim Gesicki, 617 Glenwood St., stated his appreciation for Council for educating them on what had been going on and the challenges that they face in the role they serve. He stated that he would be willing to gather volunteers to help with the Library’s roof and questioned if that was possible and if the Borough would pay for the materials. Mr. Gesicki reported that he would volunteer his time to assist in any way that he could. Devin Dice, 105 Elm St., inquired on the status of the contaminated well. Tim Riccaboni, 1346 Shimerville Rd., inquired on the number of budget meetings that are held. He stated that the Borough does not need new dump trucks or fire trucks. Mr. Riccaboni further stated that he would be willing to sit down with Mr. Brown. Chris DeFrain, 181 Harrison St., stated that decisions on bids, having to accept the lowest bid, needs to be fixed on a government level. He reported that costs will not go down unless something structural changes. Mr. DeFrain stated that residents need to be involved and come to meetings. Jonathan Wilhite, 5476 Hiestand Rd., Zionsville, explained that real estate taxes are divided between school, county, and Borough. He stated that the Borough taxes are well below the school taxes. Mr. Wilhite explained that the media misled people to believe that the increase would affect all real estate taxes rather than just the Borough’s portion. David Hudnall, 1215 Macungie Ave., stated that his concern is not based solely on the Borough tax increase but because school and county tax increases are coming as well. Richard Litzenberger, 512 Fernwood St., stated that he came to the meeting to be educated and thanked Council for all the information. He further stated that he is the current President of the Lions Club and that the Club can help the Library. Mr. Litzenberger explained that service organizations are another funding avenue because they give a lot. Letecia Garcia, 308 N. 5th St., stated that people need to be invited to attend meetings and that reminders need to be sent through the system. She stated that information needed to be distributed more broadly and more accessible for transparency. Mr. Hoenscheid stated that it was not his intention to shame anyone for not attending meetings. He explained that on the Borough website you can click on “notify me” to receive updates. Mr. Balliet stated that information is also available on the website calendar. Solicitor Ulrich reported that the Zoom meeting information and meeting link, are also available on the website calendar. December 16, 2024 119 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL Lisa O’Boyle, 719 Ridge St., stated that there have been increases across the board for food, electric, gas, etc. She further stated that people are having trouble putting food on the table and that this was not the right time for this Real Estate Tax increase. Motion by Mr. Brown, seconded by Mr. Anders to approve a 2-minute extension for Ms. O’Boyle’s personal appeal. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Ms. Boyle stated that Council was appointed to do what is right for the community and that voices do matter. She further stated that there is not enough road funding. Ordinance 1274: An Ordinance of the Borough of Emmaus amending Chapter 26, Sections 105 and 106 of the Consolidated Code of Ordinances, dealing with the water rate schedule and the billing and collection procedures for the Borough of Emmaus, Pennsylvania (1st Reading 12.2.2024) (2nd Reading 12.16.2024) Motion by Ms. Baumgartner, seconded by Mr. Anders to adopt Ordinance 1274: An Ordinance of the Borough of Emmaus amending Chapter 26, Sections 105 and 106 of the Consolidated Code of Ordinances, dealing with the water rate schedule and the billing and collection procedures for the Borough of Emmaus, Pennsylvania 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 1275: An Ordinance amending Chapter 18, Sewer and Sewerage disposal rates of the Code of Ordinances of the Borough or Emmaus, Pennsylvania for the fiscal year 2025. (1st Reading 12.2.2024) (2nd Reading 12.16.2024) Motion by Mr. Hoenscheid, seconded by Mr. Labenberg to adopt Ordinance 1275: An Ordinance amending Chapter 18, Sewer and Sewerage disposal rates of the Code of Ordinances of the Borough or Emmaus, Pennsylvania for the fiscal year 2025 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 1276: An Ordinance levying taxes for the fiscal year 2025 for the Borough of Emmaus the rate of 10.4455 mills pursuant to Section 1310 of the Borough Code of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and a revenue neutral levy based on the 2013 Lehigh County Tax Reassessment, split between the General Fund Tax of 8.1204 mills, a Fire Fund Tax of 1.8461 mills, a Special Roads Fund Tax of 0.32 mills, and a Street Light Fund Tax of 0.159 mills. (1st Reading 12.2.2024) (2nd Reading 12.16.2024) Motion by Mr. Hoenscheid, seconded by Mr. Labenberg to adopt Ordinance 1276: An Ordinance levying taxes for the fiscal year 2025 for the Borough of Emmaus the rate of 10.4455 mills pursuant to Section 1310 of the Borough Code of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and a revenue neutral levy based on the 2013 Lehigh County Tax Reassessment, split between the General Fund Tax of 8.1204 mills, a Fire Fund Tax of 1.8461 mills, a Special Roads Fund Tax of 0.32 mills, and a Street Light Fund Tax of 0.159 mills on its second reading. Roll call vote: Mrs. Watt, aye; Mr. Labenberg, aye; Mr. Hoenscheid, nay; Mr. Brown, aye; Ms. Baumgartner, aye; Mr. Balliet, aye. There were 6 ayes and 1 nay (Anders). Motion carried. COMMUNITY MINUTE – None. December 16, 2024 120 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS – None. READING OF MINUTES Motion by Mrs. Watt, seconded by Mr. Brown to adopt the December 2, 2024, Council Minutes as drafted. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. DECISION ON BIDS – None. COMMUNICATIONS William Huber Jr. Request for Reappointment to the Civil Service Commission for a 6-Year Term to Expire January 1, 2031 Wendy Bartkus Request for Reappointment to the Community Garden Commission for a 3-Year Term to Expire January 1, 2028 Jennifer Macharsky Request for Reappointment to the Emmaus General Authority for a 5-Year Term to Expire January 1, 2030 Frederica Stringfellow Request for Reappointment to the Library Board for a 3-Year Term to Expire January 1, 2028 Christopher Carter Request for Reappointment to the Library Board for a 3-Year Term to Expire January 1, 2028 John Stover Request for Reappointment to the Zoning Hearing Board (Alternate) for a 3-Year Term to Expire January 1, 2028 Susan Schmidt Request for Reappointment to the Zoning Hearing Board for a 3-Year Term to Expire January 1, 2028 John Hart Request for Reappointment to the Board of Health for a 5-Year Term to Expire January 1, 2030 Motion by Mr. Labenberg, seconded by Mr. Brown to approve the following Board and Commission reappointments. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried.  William Huber Jr. to the Civil Service Commission for a 6-Year Term to Expire January 1, 2031  Wendy Bartkus to the Community Garden Commission for a 3-Year Term to Expire January 1, 2028  Jennifer Macharsky to the Emmaus General Authority for a 5-Year Term to Expire January 1, 2030  Frederica Stringfellow to the Library Board for a 3-Year Term to Expire January 1, 2028 December 16, 2024 121 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL  Christopher Carter to the Library Board for a 3-Year Term to Expire January 1, 2028  John Stover to the Zoning Hearing Board (Alternate) for a 3-Year Term to Expire January 1, 2028  Susan Schmidt to the Zoning Hearing Board for a 3-Year Term to Expire January 1, 2028  John Hart to the Board of Health for a 5-Year Term to Expire January 1, 2030 Ken Biles Letter of Resignation from the Historical Commission Effective December 4, 2024 Emmaus General Authority Ending Grant Program Matthew Hutchins Letter of Resignation BOROUGH ENGINEER’S REPORT – None. SOLICITOR’S REPORT – None. Progress. UNFINISHED BUSINESS, PART I Ordinance 1272: An Ordinance of the Borough of Emmaus amending Chapter 15 of the Consolidated Code of Ordinances, extending residential permit parking areas to additional streets throughout the Borough of Emmaus. (1st Reading 11.18.2024) (2nd Reading 12.16.2024) Motion by Ms. Baumgartner, seconded by Mr. Hoenscheid to adopt Ordinance 1272: An Ordinance of the Borough of Emmaus amending Chapter 15 of the Consolidated Code of Ordinances, extending residential permit parking areas to additional streets throughout the Borough of Emmaus on its second reading. Roll call vote: Mrs. Watt, aye; Mr. Labenberg, aye; Mr. Hoenscheid, aye; Mr. Brown, aye; Ms. Baumgartner, aye; Mr. Balliet, aye. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Ordinance 1273: An Ordinance of the Borough of Emmaus, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, amending Chapter 15 Part 5: Parking Kiosk Zones and Part 6: off-street unmetered parking of the Emmaus Borough Code to establish amended regulations relating to disabled parking, timed parking, and eliminating the kiosk located at 311 Main Street. (1st Reading 11.8.2024) (2nd Reading 12.16.2024) Motion by Mr. Hoenscheid, seconded by Mrs. Watt to adopt Ordinance 1273: An Ordinance of the Borough of Emmaus, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, amending Chapter 15 Part 5: Parking Kiosk Zones and Part 6: off-street unmetered parking of the Emmaus Borough Code to establish amended regulations relating to disabled parking, timed parking, and eliminating the kiosk located at 311 Main Street on its second reading. Roll call vote: Mrs. Watt, aye; Mr. Labenberg, nay; Mr. Hoenscheid, aye; Mr. Brown, aye; Ms. Baumgartner, aye; Mr. Anders, nay; Mr. Balliet, aye. There were 5 ayes and 2 nays (Labenberg, Anders). Motion carried. NEW BUSINESS – None. December 16, 2024 122 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL UNFINISHED BUSINESS, PART II – None. ITEMS NOT ON AGENDA, subject to Rule 9 – None. MAYOR’S REPORT Mrs. Gilbert reported her 2024 4th quarter and yearly Mayoral activities. She reported that the Police Department partnered with Dan Brown, home and school visitor for East Penn School District, for the No Shave November and Double Down December events and that $1,260 was raised to purchase Christmas gifts for families in need. Progress. COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Public Works Committee Mr. Anders reported that the next Committee meeting is to be determined. Progress. b. Health, Sanitation, and Codes Committee Mr. Brown reported that the next Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at 4:45PM is cancelled. Progress. c. Parks and Recreation Committee Mr. Hoenscheid thanked Mr. Brown and Mr. Anders for serving on the Committee with him and that they accomplished a lot of good things but there is still more to be done. He thanked Council, Mr. Pepe, and Solicitor Ulrich for the enjoyable experience. Mr. Hoenscheid stated that it is difficult to step away, but it is in the best interest of his family. Mr. Hoenscheid reported that the next Committee meeting is Thursday, December 19, 2024, at 4:45PM. Progress. d. Public Safety Committee Ms. Baumgartner reported that the next Committee meeting is to be determined. Progress. e. General Administration Committee Mr. Labenberg reported that the next Committee meeting is Wednesday December 18, 2024, at 9:00AM, but may be canceled if nothing is on the agenda. December 16, 2024 123 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL Progress. f. Budget & Finance Committee Resolution 2024 – 31: Establishing Refuse Collection and Compost Site Assessment Fees in the Borough of Emmaus, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, for the Calendar Year 2025. Motion by Mr. Brown, seconded by Mrs. Watt to adopt Resolution 2024 - 31. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Resolution 2024 – 32: A Resolution adopting the Budget of the Borough of Emmaus for the 2025 Fiscal Year and Appropriating from Fund Equities, Revenues, and other Financing Sources Available for the Year of 2025 for the Specific Purposes Set Forth Within. Motion by Mr. Labenberg, seconded by Mr. Hoenscheid to adopt Resolution 2024 – 32. There were 6 ayes and 1 nay (Baumgartner). Motion carried. Resolution 2024 – 33: A Resolution of the Council of the Borough of Emmaus, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, Amending the Schedule of Fees and Charges for Permits and Services. Motion by Mr. Brown, seconded by Mr. Labenberg to adopt Resolution 2024 – 33. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Resolution 2024 – 35: authorizing payment of the December 16, 2024, Bill List as follows: Bill List $ 1,353,618.19 Payroll #25 $ 206,854.61 Payroll Taxes $ 66,991.98 Total $ 1,627,464.78 Done this 16th day of December 2024. Motion by Mr. Hoenscheid, seconded by Mr. Anders to adopt Resolution 2024 – 35. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Mr. Balliet entertained questions about the Significant Revenue and Expense Items for November 2024. Mr. Balliet reported that the next Committee meeting is to be determined. Progress. g. Community Relations, Planning and Development Committee Progress. BOROUGH MANAGER’S REPORT Motion by Mr. Labenberg, seconded by Mr. Anders to retain Taylor Branciforte as a full- time Public Works employee. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. December 16, 2024 124 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL Motion by Mr. Anders, seconded by Mrs. Watt to reopen Public Comment. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. John Hart, 157 Spruce St., requested that Council accept the bid for the sale of a truck. Motion by Mr. Labenberg, seconded by Mr. Hoenscheid to accept the bid received on Munibid of $14,025 for the sale of a 2006 F550. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Progress. PRESIDENT’S BUSINESS Mr. Balliet thanked everyone for coming to the meeting. He reported on the accomplishments for the year. Mr. Balliet wished everyone a Merry Christmas. Progress. EXECUTIVE SESSION – None. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Mr. Hoenscheid, seconded by Mr. Brown to adjourn the December 16, 2024, Emmaus Borough Council Meeting. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 9:59PM. Shane M. Pepe Transcribed by: Jessica Wessner Borough Manager Administrative Assistant January 3, 2025