Borough Council Meetings

April 21, 2025 42 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL The Emmaus Borough Council met in Regular Session on April 21, 2025, in Council Chambers and via Zoom. CALL TO ORDER Council President Chad Balliet called the Council meeting to order at 6:01PM. Roy Anders Present Chad Balliet, Council President Present Shana Baumgartner, Council Vice President Present Nathan Brown Present Chris DeFrain Present Brent Labenberg Present Kate Watt Present Lee Ann Gilbert, Mayor Present Jason Ulrich, Solicitor Present Shane Pepe, Borough Manager Absent PERSONAL APPEALS, PART I – None. COMMUNITY MINUTE Mayor Gilbert stated that Prescription Drug Take Back Day will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 10:00AM to 2:00PM at the Police Station. Mayor Gilbert reminded everyone that Saturday, April 26, 2025 is also the Earth Day clean-up event at Community Park. Mayor Gilbert invited everyone to attend the ribbon cutting on May 1, 2025 at 6:00PM for the new business, Swine Design, at 244 Main Street. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Taylor Rojek, Emmaus Arts Commission, gave a brief description of a “volunteer paint by number” mural project for the concession stands at Community Park. She stated that the mural would be painted on 3 exterior walls of the concession stand building. Ms. Rojek explained that the Commission planned to use paint left over from the hydrant project for the mural and that the colors on the proposed design do not depict the true colors that will be used. Ms. Baumgartner inquired about the timeline for completion of the concession stand mural project. Ms. Rojek responded that they hope to start the project in early June, before the pool is fully open for the season, and that it should only take a few days to do. Mr. Labenberg questioned how long the paint would last and whether the Commission planned to maintain the mural with touch ups or would a new mural be painted. Ms. Rojek stated that the same paint has been used on several other murals and the have not required touch-ups to date. READING OF MINUTES April 21, 2025 43 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL Motion by Mr. Labenberg, seconded by Mr. Brown, to adopt the April 7, 2025, Council Meeting Minutes as drafted. There were 7ayes. Motion carried. DECISION ON BIDS COMMUNICATIONS The Deca request to postpone an event at Triangle Park for a later date Motion by Ms. Baumgartner, seconded by Mr. Brown to allow The Deca to reschedule their event at Triangle Park for May 10th. Motion amended by Ms. Baumgartner, seconded by Mr. Brown to state that the approval is contingent upon no conflicts with other events at Triangle Park. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Mr. Brown inquired about the need for background checks to be done for commission reappointments. Attorney Ulrich stated that a background check must be done for all volunteers. Motion by Mr. Brown, seconded by Mr. Anders to reappoint JP Raynock and Josh Grice to the Planning Commission for a 4-year term to expire April 1, 2029 contingent upon a background check. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. BOROUGH ENGINEER’S REPORT – None. SOLICITOR’S REPORT – None. 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 Mayor Gilbert read Proclamation 2025 – 612: Arbor Day. Progress. COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Public Works Committee Mr. Anders stated that the Committee discussed residents’ concerns about the UGI work and its effect on the roads. He stated that UGI will begin repaving the streets late this summer. Mr. Anders reported that the Public Works Department would also be working on some paving projects this summer. Mr. Anders reported that the next Committee meeting is Monday, May 12, 2025, at 4:45PM via Zoom and in-person.. April 21, 2025 44 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL Progress. b. Health, Sanitation, and Codes Committee Mr. Brown stated that the Committee recommends Council to approve the agreement for Sugar Cycle LLC owner, Taren Kobyra, to sell prepackaged novelties from a tricycle cart during sporting events at 5 locations within the Borough. Mr. Balliet inquired about the necessity of an agreement since Hank’s Italian Ice, which vends italian ice in a like manner, was not required to have such an agreement. Attorney Ulrich stated that Hank’s Italian Ice is requested by the event organizer where as Ms. Kobyra would be soliciting business. Motion by Mr. Labenberg, seconded by Mr. Brown to approve the Agreement to allow Sugar Cycle LLC to conduct sales transactions during sporting events at 5 locations: Williams Street fields; S 4th Street fields; Klines Lane multipurpose field; Furnace Dam Park; and Triangle Park Monday through Sunday 8:00AM to 9:00PM. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Mr. Brown reported that the property at 306 Broad Street was slated for a 6-unit apartment building in order to be compliant with the 2 parking spots per unit as stated in the zoning ordinance. He stated that the recently approved zoning ordinance only requires 1.5 parking spots per unit. Mr. Brown further stated that the property owner has decided to construct a 3-story, 12-unit apartment building. Mr. Brown reported that the next Committee meeting is Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 4:45PM. Progress. c. Parks and Recreation Committee Mr. Balliet reported that the Public Works Department has been working at the pool making necessary repairs and painting. Mr. Anders reminded everyone to beat the rush and long lines on opening day. This season’s pool memberships can be purchased on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, 5:00PM to 7:00PM and Saturday, May 10, 2025, 10:00AM to 12:00PM in the Community Room at Borough Hall. Mr. Labenberg stated his gratitude to the Public Works Department for taking on the pool repairs and saving the Borough a large amount of money. Mr. Balliet reported that the next Committee meeting is Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 4:45PM. Progress. d. Public Safety Committee Ms. Baumgartner reported that there are continuing parking issues involving high school students. She stated that East Penn School District will be addressing parking issues. Ms. Baumgartner congratulated Chief Priest for recently earning is bachelor’s degree, Ms. Baumgartner reported that the next Committee meeting is Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 9:00AM. April 21, 2025 45 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL Progress. e. General Administration Committee Mr. Labenberg stated that, on April 16, 2025, a Workers’ Compensation audit was performed and went extremely well. Mr. Labenberg reported that the next Committee meeting is Wednesday May 7, 2025, at 9:00 AM via Zoom. Progress. f. Budget & Finance Committee Mr. DeFrain entertained questions about the Significant Revenue and Expense Items for April 2025. Mr. DeFrain reported that the budget performance report was in Council’s iPad for review. Resolution 2025 – 13, authorizing payment of the April 7, 2025, Bill List as follows: Bill List $ 490,189.61 Payroll #8 $ 198,642.38 Payroll Taxes $ 63,235.05 Total $ 752,067.04 Done this 21st day of April, 2025. Motion by Mr. DeFrain, seconded by Mr. Labenberg to adopt Resolution 2025 - 13. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Mr. DeFrain reported that the next Committee meeting is Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at 11:00AM via Zoom and in-person. Progress. g. Community Relations, Planning and Development Committee Mrs. Watt stated that the Committee will begin meeting with the department heads the week of April 28th. She further stated that Mr. DeFrain would not be able to attend the next CRD meeting and thar Mr. Anders agreed to step in for the meeting. Mrs. Watt reported that the next Committee meeting is Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 4:45PM. Progress. BOARDS and COMMISSIONS April 21, 2025 46 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL The Friends of the 1803 House March 25, 2025 meeting minutes and the treasurer’s March and February reports are available for review. PERSONAL APPEALS, PART II – None. BOROUGH MANAGER’S REPORT Mr. Balliet stated that, contingent upon successful completion of Lifeguard Training and Red Cross Lifeguard Certification, the following individuals have been hired as lifeguards for the 2025 Season: Cameron Martinez, Bryce King, Brian Brown, Gavin Fleck, Christian Pisani, Nora Roberts, and Chloe Dobson. Mr. Balliet stated that the following individuals have been hired for the concession stand and front desk: Natalie Curran, Evan Shook, Brody McHugh, Ava DePietro, Gianna Lutes, Adrianna There, and Gabriella Ramos. Mr. Balliet reported that the following individuals are returning lifeguards: Molly Behr, Catherine Raynock, Max Zientara, Brady McKechnie, Keira Martino, Ashlyn Mugavero, Miel Orrison, James Raynock, Isabella Jimenez-Fuentes, Kya Vandersluis, Megan Martino, Nick Campano, Will Reichert, Corie Campbell, Harper Jones, Dante Squalls, and Sophia Harmon. He stated that the following individuals worked in the concession stand last season but will be lifeguards for the 2025 season contingent upon successful completion of Lifeguard Training and Red Cross Lifeguard Certification: Jonah Nemitz and Keaton White. Mr. Balliet stated that the following individuals are returning concession stand and front desk seasonal employees: Dawn Kidd, Lindsay Vargo, Ashlyn Mugavero, Kaitlin Wolf, Adriana Frankenfield, and Samantha Kerusz. Progress. PRESIDENT’S BUSINESS – None. Progress. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Mr. Labenberg, seconded by Ms. Baumgartner to adjourn the April 21, 2025, Emmaus Borough Council Meeting. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 6:49PM. Shane M. Pepe Transcribed by: Jessica Wessner Borough Manager Administrative Assistant April 24, 2025