Borough Council Meetings

June 16, 2025 59 The Emmaus Borough Council met in Regular Session on June 16, 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 Alisa Bowman – 33 W. Berger Street – Thanked Borough Council for installing the flashing yellow signal at Harrison and N. Second Streets. She expressed her concerns with Mr. Balliet’s statement at the last Council meeting regarding the Kiwanis mural, when he referenced “It’s a shame what the rainbow has come to represent.” She stated that people take the Council President at his word, and now people are boycotting his business as well as other downtown businesses. People are wondering if they are welcomed in our community. She encouraged him to apologize, as Council leadership represents our town. Louise Dillensnyder – 699 Berger Street – Questioned the rumor that Mr. Balliet was arrested for DUI and requested a response from him. She wants the public to know if this rumor is true. Solicitor Ulrich reminded the audience that Personal Appeals are an opportunity for the public to make comments, and Council is not required to respond. COMMUNITY MINUTE Mr. Anders noted that the Lions Club clam chowder sale was on April 26th and was very successful. He also congratulated the Emmaus Rotary Club for their 1st annual Summer Festival. Although the weather was not cooperative, there was still a good turnout for the event. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Lions Club 80th Anniversary – Mayor Gilbert presented Proclamation 2025 – 624, honoring the Emmaus Lions Club’s 80th anniversary. Mr. Balliet recessed the meeting at 6:12 PM. The meeting was reconvened at 6:14 PM. See My Legacy – Mr. Pepe presented the See My Legacy platform to Council. The software has the ability to assist with fundraisers, sponsorships, scheduling volunteers for events, and can create legacy platforms for individuals and businesses. Mr. Pepe explained that the software allows organizations to create various June 16, 2025 60 types of platforms to assist with fundraising. For example, an organization can sell a park bench. The purchaser can have a small plaque placed on the bench with a QR Code that links to a website that will include a story board honoring an individual, a business, or an organization. Photographs, as well as additional links can be included. Mr. Pepe stated that the Borough is currently assisting with has three ongoing campaigns through See My Legacy. One of the campaigns is to support the Recreation and Entertainment Commission and includes an opportunity for individuals to donate to the Summer Concert Series. As part of the America 250 celebration, the 2nd campaign allows individuals to volunteer for the Borough’s event next July. The 3rd campaign is a fundraiser for local Eagle Scout candidate, Chase Eiss, to help fund his Eagle Scout project. He plans to build new dugouts for the ballfields on the South 4th Street ballfields and is trying to raise $7,300 for the project. Mr. Pepe stated that non-profit organizations across the Borough can use the platform and create a special campaign with its own weblink and QR Code and can be set up, so the funds go directly to the organization’s bank account, rather than being filtered through the Borough. He encouraged local organizations to take advantage of this opportunity. Payments can be made online. If someone gives cash or a check for a platform, that donation or payment can still be added to the See My Legacy software. Mr. Labenberg asked if there were transaction fees for the program. Mr. Pepe responded that the company recently submitted a press release stating moving forward, each transaction will be assessed $.30. Mr. Anders asked if the See My Legacy web link was on the Borough’s website. Mr. Pepe stated that it was not currently on the Borough site and that it can be posted to our Facebook Page as well. READING OF MINUTES Motion by Mr. Labenberg, seconded by Mrs. Watt, to adopt the May 19, 2025, Council Meeting Minutes as drafted. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. DECISION ON BIDS – None. COMMUNICATIONS 2025 Earth Day Event Report – Mr. Balliet reviewed a memorandum from the Joint Environmental Advisory Council. On Earth Day, volunteers collected 37 30-gallon bags of trash, 5 30- gallon bags of recyclables, 9,813 pounds of electronic waste, miscellaneous car parts, a tire, and 2,740 pounds of shredded paper. Sarah Plaza Resignation from the Arts Commission effective July 1, 2025 Patrolman Timothy Kline letter of resignation effective July 2, 2025 BOROUGH ENGINEER’S REPORT – None. SOLICITOR’S REPORT Solicitor Ulrich reminded Council that we previously approved the radio purchase through Lehigh County. While he disagrees with this, the county sent information to PA DCED, who have now June 16, 2025 61 determined that LGUDA applies to the purchase. This means that the Borough is required to conduct LGUDA proceedings and that it will go against the Borough’s debt load, even though the 5-year, 0% program is with Lehigh County. UNFINISHED BUSINESS, PART I 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 Mr. Brown seconded by Mr. Labenberg, 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. Roll call vote: Mrs. Watt, aye; Mr. Anders, aye; Mr. Labenberg, aye; Mr. DeFrain, aye; Mr. Brown, aye; Ms. Baumgartner, aye; Mr. Balliet, aye. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Mrs. Watt thanked the Emmaus Police Department for their hard work in cleaning up the parking ordinance. NEW BUSINESS Ordinance 1279: An Ordinance repealing Section 353, Subsections 1 and 12 of Chapter 1 of the codified ordinances involving the Civil Service Commission rules and regulations and adopting amended rules and regulations. (1st Reading 6.16.2025) (2nd Reading 7.21.2025) Mr. Pepe explained that the amendments to the Ordinance were recommended by Police Chief Apgar and the Civil Service Commission. The amendments include adding automatic disqualification criteria for police officer candidates. Rather than completing a full background, including the time and expenses of personnel and a polygraph examination, if it is proven that a candidate violates any of the specific criteria, the Civil Service Commission will be able to automatically disqualify the candidate. Moreover, the amendments also include a provision that permits the Civil Service Commission, as part of the hiring process, to opt into allowing the hiring consortium to conduct the oral board examination. Motion by Mrs. Baumgartner seconded by Mr. DeFrain, to adopt An Ordinance repealing Section 353, Subsections 1 and 12 of Chapter 1 of the codified ordinances involving the Civil Service Commission rules and regulations and adopting amended rules and regulations on its first reading. Roll call vote: Mrs. Watt, aye; Mr. Anders, aye; Mr. Labenberg, aye; Mr. DeFrain, aye; Mr. Brown, aye; Ms. Baumgartner, aye; Mr. Balliet, aye. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. UNFINISHED BUSINESS, PART II – None. ITEMS NOT ON AGENDA, subject to Rule 9 – None. MAYOR’S REPORT Mayor Gilbert announced that 31 organizations, food trucks, a climbing wall, Bluey, and others are booked for National Night Out and staff has prepared invitations for downtown businesses to participate as well. Progress. June 16, 2025 62 COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Public Works Committee Mr. Anders reported that the committee met on June 19th and apologized as he was not able to distribute the notes prior to the Council meeting. He stated that PFAS construction has begun. He also informed Council that the water tank rehab project is ongoing, as the tower is being cleaned and painted this month. Mr. Anders reported that the next Committee meeting is Monday, July 7, 2025, at 4:45PM. Progress. b. Health, Sanitation, and Codes Committee Mr. Brown reported that the next Committee meeting is Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 4:45PM. Progress. c. Parks and Recreation Committee Mr. Balliet reported that the next Committee meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 19, 2025, at 4:45PM. Progress. d. Public Safety Committee Ms. Baumgartner announced that the June 11, 2025, Committee notes are in the Council packets. Ms. Baumgartner reported that the next Committee meeting is Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 9:00AM. Progress. e. General Administration Committee 2025 Cyclocross Event and Fees approval – Mr. Labenberg explained that the Committee reviewed the charges for other organizations and the time periods they have for fields. The Committee used those charges to pro-rate the fee that should be charged for Cyclocross events, as the area is reserved exclusively for Cyclocross races from September to December. Motion by Mr. Labenberg seconded by Ms. Baumgartner, to charge $1,100 for the 2025 Cyclocross event season. Mr. Pepe asked Mr. Labenberg if he wanted to include police coverage provisions in the motion. Motion by Mr. Labenberg seconded Ms. Baumgartner, to amend the motion to charge $1,100 for the 2025 Cyclocross event and to exclude the need for police coverage for the Cyclocross events. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. June 16, 2025 63 Mr. Labenberg reported that the Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday June 18, 2025 will be cancelled. Progress. f. Budget & Finance Committee Resolution 2025 – 18, authorizing payment of the June 16, 2025, Bill List as follows: Bill List $ 887,043.11 Payroll #11 and #12 $ 405,544.72 Payroll Taxes $ 128,770.58 Total $ 1,421,358.41 Done this 16th day of June, 2025. Motion by Mr. DeFrain, seconded by Mr. Labenberg to adopt Resolution 2025 - 18. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Mr. DeFrain entertained questions about the Significant Revenue and Expense Items for the first half of June 2025. Mr. DeFrain encouraged Council members to read the Budget Performance Report, which is in the Council packets. Mr. DeFrain and Mrs. Watt informed Council that as part of long-term cost savings, the Police Department is requesting several items to be purchased this year, as part of a long-term cost savings. These items were introduced during cost-savings meetings with the CRD Committee. Mrs. Watt thanked the Police Department, as these meetings have been very successful and Council will most likely see additional proposals in upcoming months. Motion by Mr. DeFrain, seconded by Mr. Labenberg to authorize the purchase of Police Department MDT warranties for the in-car computers. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Motion by Mr. DeFrain seconded by Mrs. Watt to authorize the purchase of the Power DMS onboarding platform at a cost of $1,900. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Mr. DeFrain reported that the next Committee meeting is Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at 11:00AM via Zoom and in-person. Progress. g. Community Relations, Planning and Development Committee Mrs. Watt stated that we are waiting on the amended design for the concession stand mural from the Arts Commission. Mrs. Watt reported that the next Committee meeting is Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at 4:45PM. Progress. June 16, 2025 64 BOARDS and COMMISSIONS Civil Service Commission May 27, 2025, Meeting Minutes EPL Board May 2025 Director’s report PERSONAL APPEALS, PART II Kevin Gehman – 416 N. 3rd Street – stated that he was present at the meeting where the rainbow on the mural was discussed. He feels that Mr. Balliet’s comments were taken out of context. He explained the Bible’s original meaning of the rainbow and what the scripture states. He stated that the rainbow has been manipulated and utilized in ways that can’t be neutral and friendly. He feels that a public building should be neutral, unless we place the Genesis 9 reference along with the rainbow, as unfortunately, a rainbow isn’t just a rainbow any longer. BOROUGH MANAGER’S REPORT Mr. Pepe reported that he hired Luke Kannan as a part-time firefighter. Mr. Kannan was previously an intern for the Borough. Mr. Pepe reported that he hired Kathleen Bowers for the concession stand and Lauren Cella as a lifeguard. Mr. Pepe informed Council that he is considering the purchase of insurance for the Police K-9. Our K-9 has some medical issues with his stomach and recently had oral surgery that cost $1,582. The relatively low cost of the insurance may be worth the investment. Progress. PRESIDENT’S BUSINESS – None. Progress. EXECUTIVE SESSION Council President Balliet recessed for Executive Session at 7:03 PM to discuss union negotiation strategies. The meeting reconvened at 7:27 PM. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Mrs. Watt, seconded by Mr. Anders to adjourn the June 16, 2025, Emmaus Borough Council Meeting. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 7:27 PM. Shane M. Pepe Transcribed by: Jessica Wessner Borough Manager Administrative Assistant