Borough Council Meetings

May 19, 2025 52 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL The Emmaus Borough Council met in Regular Session on May 19, 2025, 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 DeFrain Present Brent Labenberg Present Kate Watt Present Lee Ann Gilbert, Mayor Present Jason Ulrich, Solicitor Present Shane Pepe, Borough Manager Present via Zoom PERSONAL APPEALS, PART I Kyle Suecz – 223 S. 2nd Street – Discussed the flooding issues on S. 2nd Street from the storm last week. He stated that between 0.8 and 1.1 inches of rain fell on Friday, and the flooding was similar to the August 2020 storm that generated 5” of rain. He stated that the water was muddy, and that our retention pond was at its maximum capacity. Mr. Pepe stated that the water was run-off from the Iron Works Apartment project. The developer has received notification of a MS4 violation and will be paying fines and costs associated with clean-up. Mr. Pepe stated that the Borough engineer, Codes Department, and Public Works are all working on addressing the matter with the developer, as this is unacceptable. Mr. Suecz expressed his appreciation for our efforts. Brittney O’Connor – 223 S. 2nd Street – Thanked the Borough for its Earth Day clean-up efforts and partnership with the Joint Environmental Advisory Council (EAC). She stated that the EAC is comprised of very talented individuals that would love to be part of the conversation about matters such as street flooding. The members have a wealth of underutilized knowledge. Mr. Labenberg thanked the EAC and asked about the storm drain adoption program. Ms. O’Connor responded that the program is underway, and individuals can go to the EAC website or Facebook page and encouraged community members to sign up. COMMUNITY MINUTE Mayor Gilbert reported that Ms. Baumgarter and she attended the Veterans’ Committee Memorial Triangle Park dedication event over the weekend. She stated that the work that was completed at the park is amazing. Mr. Labenberg agreed that the transformation is very impressive. Mayor Gilbert reported that the Memorial Day Parade is on Memorial Day, beginning at 9:45AM. The service is at 10:00AM. Mayor Gilbert reported that the Kiwanis Club Pancake Breakfast is June 1st. Mr. Anders reported that the Rotary Club event is on May 31st at Emmaus Community Park. May 19, 2025 53 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL Mr. Balliet reported that Tuesday is Election Day and encouraged everyone to vote for their favorite candidate. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Hattie Freye presented a proposed mural on behalf of the Arts Commission. The Commission is proposing to paint a mural on the Kiwanis building at Williams Street Park. The design was previously approved by the Kiwanis Club, and it largely represents the K-Kids program graphics from the Kiwanis Club. Mr. Balliet commented that the Parks and Recreation Committee of Council reviewed the proposed mural. He stated that the biggest pushback was the rainbow on one side of the building, as it is felt that, unfortunately, a certain population of the community will take issue with it. The committee is requesting something more community neutral. Mr. Anders agreed with Mr. Balliet’s assessment. He stated that the park is largely used for kids’ sports. Recently, the Kiwanis Club paid for new picnic tables as well as replacing the bridge at the park. As their mission notes, it’s all about the kids. Ms. Baumgartner stated that she was in favor of the rainbow design. Ms. Freye questioned how difficult it would be to paint the building a light blue color to reflect the color of Kiwanis, if the power wash flakes the paint off. She stated that the Kiwanis Club would be willing to pay for the paint. Mr. Pepe stated that the Public Works Department can help the Arts Commission prepare the building, however, it would take some time to plan for the department. Ms. Freye stated that the Commission was hoping to paint in late June and early July. Motion by Mr. Labenberg seconded by Mr. Brown to approve the Arts Commission design contingent upon an amended design being approved by the Parks and Recreation Committee. Voting Aye were Council members Anders, Balliet, Brown, DeFrain, Labenberg, and Watt. Voting Nay was Councilwoman Baumgarter. There were 6 ayes and 1 nay. Motion carried. READING OF MINUTES Motion by Mr. DeFrain, seconded by Mr. Labenberg, to adopt the May 5, 2025 Council Meeting Minutes as drafted. There were 6 ayes, 1 abstention (Balliet). Motion carried. DECISION ON BIDS Motion by Mr. Labenberg, seconded by Mr. Anders, to award the 2025 Sanitary Sewer Manhole Rehabilitation Project bid to Environmental Service Corp of PA in the amount of $611,531.55, contingent upon satisfactory review from the Borough Solicitor and confirmation of no objections by the project funding grant administrator. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Mr. Pepe informed Council that this project is within the projected budget, as we have a $425,000 grant for the project, which is a 70/30 matching grant. COMMUNICATIONS St. Ann’s Fall Fest Event & Banner Request – Referred to Staff. May 19, 2025 54 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL Alan Sylvestre Request for Reappointment to the Recreation and Entertainment Commission Motion by Ms. Baumgartner seconded by Mr. Labenberg, to appoint Alan Sylvestre to the Recreation and Entertainment Commission to a term expiring June 7, 2028. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Fifth Street Cross (FSX) Event Request – Referred to Staff and the General Administration Committee. Mr. Labenberg stated that the organization’s race fees have greatly increased. Mayor Gilbert asked if the Police Department would be required for alcohol at the event. This will be discussed at committee. Friends of the 1803 House Passport to History Event Request – Referred to Staff. BOROUGH ENGINEER’S REPORT – None. SOLICITOR’S REPORT – None. UNFINISHED BUSINESS, PART I – None. NEW BUSINESS Ordinance 1278: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 15 § 602.3 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES, AMENDING SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE BOROUGH OF EMMAUS PARKING REGULATIONS (1st Reading 5.19.2025)(2nd Reading 6.16.2025) Motion by Ms. Baumgartner seconded by Mrs. Watt, to adopt Ordinance 1278: An Ordinance amending Chapter 15 § 602.3 of the codified Ordinances, amending several sections of the Borough of Emmaus parking regulations on its first reading. Roll call vote: Mr. DeFrain, aye; Mr. Brown, aye; Ms. Baumgartner, aye; Mr. Labenberg, aye; Mr. Anders, aye; Mrs. Watt, aye; Mr. Balliet, aye. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried Ms. Baumgartner asked Mr. Pepe about the progress regarding some other parking provisions near St. John’s UCC. Mr. Pepe responded that he and Chief Apgar are concerned that the code codification company made several mistakes recently that require further investigation. That will not affect the contents of this particular ordinance. UNFINISHED BUSINESS, PART II – None. ITEMS NOT ON AGENDA, subject to Rule 9 – None. MAYOR’S REPORT Mayor Gilbert read Proclamation 2025 – 621: Memorial Day, and Proclamation 2025 – 622 National Preservation Month. Progress. May 19, 2025 55 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Public Works Committee The Public Works Committee did not meet in May. Mr. Anders encouraged Council to read the memorandum referencing the most recent updates in the Public Works operations, as the department has been very busy. Mr. Anders discussed the 2025 road projects. UGI will be completing 15 partial and full-road restoration projects in 2025. The Borough will be completing several milling & overlays, as well as oil & chip projects this year as well. Mr. Anders reported that the next Committee meeting is Monday, June 9, 2025, at 4:45PM. Progress. b. Health, Sanitation, and Codes Committee Mr. Brown reported that the next Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, May 20, 2025 has been cancelled. Progress. c. Parks and Recreation Committee Mr. Balliet reviewed the Committee notes from the May 15, 2025 Committee meeting. Emmaus Community Pool will be open next weekend. The Public Works Department has worked very hard to fix the pool and reduce the 100,000 gallon per day leak. He also stated that pool pre-sales over two days generated 56 pool pass sales. Mr. Balliet stated that the Emmaus Community Foundation recently applied for an approximately $8,000 grant to repair two walking bridges at Community Park. Mr. Pepe explained the grant and encouraged Council to view the park demographic statistics, as we had approximately 100,000 visits to the park in 2024. Mr. DeFrain stated that we will find out within the next three months if we receive the grant from Wingstop. Borough Council requested that Mr. Pepe give a public presentation at the next Council meeting, showing the community how the See My Legacy program works, as the Summer Concert Series campaign is our first use of the program. Mr. Pepe responded that this program can be used by organizations across the community as well. Mr. Balliet reported that the next Committee meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 19, 2025 at 4:45PM. Progress. d. Public Safety Committee May 19, 2025 56 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL Motion by Ms. Baumgartner seconded by Mr. Labenberg to retain Tyler Wiik as a full-time Police Officer, contingent upon completing his one-year probation. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Motion by Ms. Baumgartner seconded by Mr. Labenberg to adopt Resolution 2025-16: Lehigh Valley 2024 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Ms. Baumgartner reviewed the May 14, 2025 Committee notes. Ms. Baumgartner reported that the next Committee meeting is Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at 9:00AM. Progress. e. General Administration Committee Mr. Labenberg reviewed the May 7, 2025 Committee meeting notes. He stated that the notes include the timeline for the Director of Emergency Services hiring process. Mr. Labenberg reported that the next Committee meeting is Wednesday May 21, 2025, at 9:00AM. Progress. f. Budget & Finance Committee Resolution 2025 – 17, authorizing payment of the May 19, 2025, Bill List as follows: Bill List $ 651,366.48 Payroll #9 $ 195,649.83 Payroll Taxes $ 63,211.48 Total $ 910,227.79 Done this 19th day of May, 2025. Motion by Mr. DeFrain, seconded by Mr. Anders to adopt Resolution 2025 - 17. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Mr. DeFrain stated that the Borough has received a proposal from UCS Holdings, In. dba Valenz to conduct an audit of our 5 most expensive healthcare claims. Mr. DeFrain has reiterated several times that nothing is changing with our health insurance, and this will not affect our employees in any way. He stated that the Borough is currently searching to possibly hire an insurance broker. Several brokers recommended that we conduct this audit, as there is money that could possibly be reimbursed to the Borough. The base charge for the audit is $3,750, however, if the company finds any savings, they will receive a percentage of the savings. He stated that we were informed that, on average, 30% of bills are not billed correctly. Historically, healthcare insurance companies have refunded up to 70%. The company would begin immediately upon approval. It would take 10 – 12 weeks to complete the audit. May 19, 2025 57 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL Mr. Pepe stated that this is a no-brainer, as the risk vs. reward is very small, as we have a lot to gain for very little cost. Motion by Mr. DeFrain seconded by Mr. Labenberg to hire UCS Holdings, Inc. dba Valenz and to enter into a Master Services Agreement and Business Associate Agreement. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Mr. DeFrain stated that we are in the process of receiving final proposals from three health insurance brokers. The Budget and Finance Committee will hopefully review the proposals at the June 4th committee meeting. Mr. DeFrain entertained questions about the Significant Revenue and Expense Items for the first half of May 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 thanked all of the Department Managers for their efforts and cost savings proposals. They have worked very hard on this project. Council should see something in the near future from the committee. Mrs. Watt reviewed the May 6, 2025 Committee notes. Mrs. Watt reported that the next Committee meeting is Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at 4:45PM. Progress. BOARDS and COMMISSIONS Friends of the 1803 House April Meeting Minutes. Pension Board May 14, 2025 Meeting Minutes. PERSONAL APPEALS, PART II Kevin Gehman – 416 N. 3rd Street – Owns the property at 31 S. 6th Street. He stated that he was still awaiting the letter from the Codes Department regarding sidewalks and curbs on S. 6th Street. Mr. Pepe informed Mr. Gehman that he had approved the letter last week, however, he had requested some additional details to be added to the letter. The Codes Department should be sending the letters out this week. Kyle Suecz – 223 S. 2nd Street – Stated that he used to have a gutter that ran under the sidewalk. When the new sidewalks were installed, they installed a channel with a U-shaped grate. The grate is very May 19, 2025 58 EMMAUS BOROUGH COUNCIL smooth and gets very slippery. Mr. Pepe responded that Jeff Ott, the Borough Engineer, will examine the grate. BOROUGH MANAGER’S REPORT Motion by Mr. Labenberg seconded by Anders to promote Robert Leanch to a Class 4 Public Works employee. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Motion by Mr. Labenberg seconded by Mrs. Watt to promote Ben Harrison to a Class 3 Public Works employee. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Motion by Mrs. Watt seconded by Mr. Labenberg to promote Taylor Branciforte to a Class 4 Public Works employee. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Mr. Pepe reported that he has hired Jeremy Yeakel-Mendez as a part-time seasonal Public Works employee for the Summer. Mr. Pepe reported that he has hired Phillip Doherty as a part-time employee. Mr. Pepe thanked Mr. Anders and Mr. Labenberg for interviewing Mr. Doherty. Mr. Pepe reported that the has hired William Raab as a part-time Public Works Employee. Mr. Pepe thanked Mr. Anders and Mr. Labenberg for interviewing Mr. Raab. Mr. Pepe reported that he hired Isabel Corso as a lifeguard. Progress. PRESIDENT’S BUSINESS – None. Progress. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Mr. DeFrain, seconded by Ms. Baumgartner to adjourn the May 19, 2025, Emmaus Borough Council Meeting. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 7:07PM. Shane M. Pepe Transcribed by: Jessica Wessner Borough Manager Administrative Assistant