Borough Council Meetings

May 5, 2025 47 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL The Emmaus Borough Council met in Regular Session on May 5, 2025, in Council Chambers and via Zoom. CALL TO ORDER Council Vice President Shana Baumgartner called the Council meeting to order at 6:00PM. Roy Anders Present Chad Balliet, Council President Absent 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 Present PERSONAL APPEALS, PART I Dan Wider, 639 Harrison Street, reminded everyone that the presale of season pool memberships begins Wednesday. He requested that Council keeps the pool open for the last week of the season, rather than shutting down during the week. Mr. Pepe responded that most lifeguards are college and high school students, which makes staffing very difficult during the week once school is in session. He stated that this is a matter that can be discussed with Council. Olga Bacon, 446 S. 7th Street, stated that she purchased a home in 2022 in hopes of living in a safer environment for her grandchildren. She stated it has been chaos because of her next-door neighbor. The neighbor needs to cut a dead tree that is a danger to her property. She stated that the neighbor illegally trimmed the tree because he isn’t a professional, resulting in damage to her trampoline. Solicitor Ulrich urged Ms. Bacon to consult a private attorney, as this matter is a civil matter between neighbors. Ms. Bacon stated that she is trying to put a fence up and buy a new roof, however, the branches keep falling in her yard. Solicitor Ulrich once again urged her to consult a private attorney, who could guide her in taking certain matters into her own hands, if the tree is hanging over her property. Ms. Bacon stated that the tree is leaning but not hanging over her property. She has a concern with health hazards and dangers. Motion by Mr. Labenberg, seconded by Mr. Anders to grant a 5-minute extension for Ms. Bacon’s Personal Appeal. There were 6 ayes. Motion carried. Ms. Bacon continued to state that her neighbor is an issue, as he is a drug dealer and argues with her. She re-stated her previous concerns and stated that other neighbors are afraid to attend the meetings, however, she felt it was necessary. Mr. Pepe and Solicitor Ulrich stated that the Borough could address the tree issue only if it poses an immediate public risk. Mr. Pepe asked for permission to enter the rear of the property through her property to examine the tree. Ms. Bacon agreed to allow the Codes Department to enter her property. Motion by Mr. DeFrain, seconded by Mrs. Watt to grant a 5-minute extension for Ms. Bacon’s Personal Appeal. There were 6 ayes. Motion carried. May 5, 2025 48 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL Ms. Bacon stated that the United States President is now stopping the Narcan program. She wondered if the middle school would continue supplying Narcan. Solicitor Ulrich stated that we are unsure of many things from the federal government at this point, however, we do not control the school district. He urged Ms. Bacon to contact the school district regarding this concern. COMMUNITY MINUTE Mayor Gilbert announced that she attended the Emmaus Farmers Market ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday, May 3rd. Mayor Gilbert announced the ribbon cutting ceremony for Move Forward Counseling on May 13th from 11:00AM to 1:00PM and encouraged everyone to attend. Mr. Anders announced that the Kiwanis Club 50th Anniversary Pancake Breakfast will be on June st 1 . SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS – None. READING OF MINUTES Motion by Ms. Watt, seconded by Mr. Labenberg, to adopt the April 21, 2025 Council Meeting Minutes as drafted. There were 6 ayes. Motion carried. DECISION ON BIDS – None. COMMUNICATIONS Website Request: 4-way stop at N 3rd and Berger Streets – Referred to the Public Safety Committee. 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 – 615: International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW), Proclamation 2025 - 616: Police Week, Proclamation 2025 – 617: Emergency Medical Services Week, and Proclamation 2025 – 618: National Public Works Week. Progress. COMMITTEE REPORTS May 5, 2025 49 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL a. Public Works Committee Mr. Anders announced that the compost site is open and stated its hours of operation. Mr. Anders reported that the next Committee meeting is Monday, May 12, 2025, at 4:45PM via Zoom and in-person. Progress. b. Health, Sanitation, and Codes Committee Resolution 2025 – 14: A resolution conditionally approving the revised preliminary/final land development plan for David Real Estate Holdings, LLC regarding 306 Broad Street, Emmaus, Pennsylvania. Solicitor Ulrich informed Council that the plan was originally approved in 2022, however, there are slight modifications to increase the density from 6 units to 12 units. In addition, there were minor parking changes. He stated that the plan is in compliance with the new Zoning Ordinance, and that the design of the new Ordinance works, as the project increases density. Motion by Mr. Brown, seconded by Mr. DeFrain to adopt Resolution 2025 – 14: A resolution conditionally approving the revised preliminary/final land development plan for David Real Estate Holdings, LLC regarding 306 Broad Street, Emmaus, Pennsylvania. There were 6 ayes. Motion carried. Mr. Brown reported that the next Committee meeting is Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 4:45PM. Progress. c. Parks and Recreation Committee Mr. Labenberg reported that the next Committee meeting is Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 4:45PM. Mr. Anders reminded everyone that season pool pass sales are starting. Progress. d. Public Safety Committee Ms. Baumgartner reported that the next Committee meeting is Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 9:00AM. Progress. e. General Administration Committee Mr. Labenberg reported that the next Committee meeting is Wednesday May 7, 2025, at 9:00 AM via Zoom. Progress. May 5, 2025 50 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL f. Budget & Finance Committee Resolution 2025 – 15, authorizing payment of the May 5, 2025, Bill List as follows: Bill List $ 343,377.96 Payroll #9 $ 192,448.19 Payroll Taxes $ 61,971.20 Total $ 597,797.35 Done this 5th day of May, 2025. Motion by Mr. DeFrain, seconded by Mr. Labenberg to adopt Resolution 2025 - 15. There were 6 ayes. Motion carried. Mr. DeFrain entertained questions about the Significant Revenue and Expense Items for April 2025. Mr. DeFrain announced that we will not vote on the financial services proposal from Birch Benefits Group at this meeting, as they are preparing a formal proposal for June or July. We previously believed that there was a deadline for certain healthcare financial incentives, however, that is no longer the case. Mr. Labenberg stated that he was happy to see ambulance revenue is above budget and questioned the reasoning. Mr. Pepe stated that he would have to investigate but surmised that it could either be due to coding or receiving 2024 funds in early 2025. 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 she attended the most recent Arts Commission meeting. The Arts Commission is asking Council what they would expect for murals in the town to be. They hoped for a warmer reception for their last idea. Mrs. Watt asked Council to think about it and respond back to her. Mr. Pepe and Mr. Anders both suggested that the Commission submit several separate types of designs for buildings, and not just the same design with a different color scheme. Mrs. Watt reported that the next Committee meeting is Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 4:45PM. Progress. BOARDS and COMMISSIONS Emmaus Public Library Board Meeting Minutes PERSONAL APPEALS, PART II - None BOROUGH MANAGER’S REPORT May 5, 2025 51 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL Mr. Pepe informed Council that we have officially closed on the PENNVEST loan and grant. Additionally, the preconstruction meeting for the PFAS facility has been scheduled. Mr. Pepe announced that he recently held the preconstruction meeting for the CDBG grant project. Zgura Concrete will be starting curb and ADA ramp work on the streets adjacent to Main and Chestnut by the end of May and plan to be finished by the end of June. Mr. Pepe announced that the Borough is prepping for road work to begin in the next few weeks. Mr. Pepe announced that there are issues with PPL poles in the community and stated that we will be pursuing PPL regarding these issues. Mr. Anders questioned the timeline for Comcast to be serving the community. Mr. Pepe responded that they are still installing lines and that it would be a few months before services would begin. Progress. PRESIDENT’S BUSINESS – None. Progress. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Mr. Brown, seconded by Mr. Labenberg to adjourn the May 5, 2025, Emmaus Borough Council Meeting. There were 6 ayes. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 6:41PM. Shane M. Pepe Transcribed by: Jessica Wessner Borough Manager Administrative Assistant