Borough Council Meetings

July 21, 2025 65 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 PERSONAL APPEALS, PART I – None. COMMUNITY MINUTE – None. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Cindy Hornaman and Nelly Kabiru of the Emmaus Rotary Club thanked Council for their help with the Summer Fest. Ms. Hornaman stated that the club received positive feedback about the event despite the poor weather. She reported that funds raised were less than they had hoped to receive. She stated that the club is planning to expand and make the event bigger next year. Deputy Chief Hamscher introduced Ken Wollins of Municipal Parking Services to briefly explain the capabilities of Safety Sticks. Mr. Walins gave a slideshow presentation while outlining key points of the product. Council members inquired about different aspects of the Safety Sticks before referring the item to the Public Safety Committee for further discussion. READING OF MINUTES Motion by Mr. DeFrain, seconded by Mr. Brown, to adopt the June 16, 2025, Council Meeting Minutes as drafted. Motion amended by Mr. DeFrain, second amended by Mr. Brown to adopt the June 16, 2025 meeting minutes with the addition of Ms. Baumgartner’s statement under the Parks and Recreation Committee Report. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. DECISION ON BIDS – None. COMMUNICATIONS 2026 Emmaus 4-Miler event request – referred to staff July 21, 2025 66 Alan Sylvestre resignation from the Recreation and Entertainment Commission effective immediately – Mr. Balliet thanked Mr. Sylvestre for his service. Ms. Baumgartner thanked Mr. Sylvestre for his dedication. BOROUGH ENGINEER’S REPORT – None. SOLICITOR’S REPORT – None. UNFINISHED BUSINESS, PART I 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) Motion by Ms. Baumgartner seconded by Anders, to adopt 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 on its second 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. NEW BUSINESS Ordinance 1280: An Ordinance of the Borough of Emmaus, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, amending Chapter 15 §602.3.A of the Emmaus Borough Code, adding residential disabled parking sign and assigning permitted parking space on a public street located in front of 136 N 4th Street and amending Chapter 15 §602.2.A of the Emmaus Borough Code, removing a residential disabled parking sign on the public street located in front of 106 S 12th Street within the Borough of Emmaus. (1st Reading 7.21.2025) Motion by Mr. Labenberg seconded by Ms. Baumgartner, to adopt Ordinance 1280: An Ordinance of the Borough of Emmaus, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, amending Chapter 15 §602.3.A of the Emmaus Borough Code, adding residential disabled parking sign and assigning permitted parking space on a public street located in front of 136 N 4th Street and amending Chapter 15 §602.2.A of the Emmaus Borough Code, removing a residential disabled parking sign on the public street located in front of 106 S 12th Street within the Borough of Emmaus 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. Ordinance 1281: An Ordinance increasing the indebtedness of the Borough of Emmaus, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, by the issue of a general obligation note in the amount of $684,848.01 for sundry purposes; fixing the form, number, date, interest, and maturity thereof; making a covenant for the payment of the debt service on the note; providing for the filing of the required document; providing for the appointment of a sinking fund depository for the note; and authorizing execution, sale, and delivery thereof. (1st Reading 7.21.2025) Motion by Mr. Labenberg seconded by Mr. DeFrain, to adopt Ordinance 1281: An Ordinance increasing the indebtedness of the Borough of Emmaus, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, by the issue of a general obligation note in the amount of $684,848.01 for sundry purposes; fixing the form, number, date, interest, and maturity thereof; making a covenant for the payment of the debt service on the note; providing for the filing of the required document; providing for the appointment of a sinking fund depository for the note; and authorizing execution, sale, and delivery thereof on its first reading. Roll call vote: Mrs. Watt, aye; Mr. Anders, aye; Mr. Labenberg, aye; July 21, 2025 67 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 distributed the map to Council, showing the locations of the 55 activities and organizations to visit during the National Night Out event. She reported that 300 drawstring bags containing a card for a scavenger hunt will be handed out. She explained that, for the scavenger hunt, children will receive stamps for visiting different stands during the event. Mayor Gilbert stated that completed scavenger hunt cards will be placed in a drawing for a chance to win 1 of 40 backpacks filled with school supplies. Progress. COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Public Works Committee Resolution 2025-21: A Resolution authorizing the Borough Manager to sign the Winter Municipal Agreement between the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Transportation and the Borough of Emmaus. Motion by Mr. Anders seconded by Mr. Labenberg to adopt Resolution 2025-21 authorizing the Borough Manager to sign the Winter Municipal Agreement between the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Borough of Emmaus. 7 ayes. Motion carried. Mr. Anders stated that construction has begun for the PFAS treatment facility. Mr. Anders thanked the Public Works Department for their hard work to get the pool and the playground at Community Park cleaned up and ready to reopen after the recent storm flooding. Mr. Anders reported that the next Committee meeting is Monday, August 11, 2025, at 4:45PM. Progress. b. Health, Sanitation, and Codes Committee Resolution 2025 – 22: A Resolution conditionally approving the revised lot line adjustment plan for George Anderson and Phillip Siebert regarding 160-162 Main Street, 150 Main Street, and 102 Garden Court, Emmaus, Pennsylvania. Solicitor Ulrich explained that there was a mistake made on their deeds when the property was subdivided years ago. He stated that the revised plan would correct that mistake. July 21, 2025 68 Phillip Siebert, 160 Main Street, inquired about the need to change the plans since there was no easement or would the note be removed or could they strike it. Solicitor Ulrich stated that we would coordinate with the owners’ attorney regarding the matter. Motion by Mr. Brown seconded by Mr. Labenberg to adopt Resolution 2025-22 conditionally approving the revised lot line adjustment plan for the properties located at 160-162 Main Street, 150 Main Street, and 102 Garden Court. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Mr. Brown reported that the Westrum Group was requesting a 3rd security reduction for their Furnace Street land development project. He stated that Hanover Engineering has reviewed the request and has approved the reduction. Motion by Mr. Brown seconded by Mr. DeFrain to approve the security reduction on the recommendation of Borough Engineer, Hanover Engineering Associates, Inc.. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Mr. Brown reported that the next Committee meeting is Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at 4:45PM. Progress. c. Parks and Recreation Committee Mr. Balliet stated that the Wildlands Conservancy is planning to connect their trails and, in doing so, the trail will pass through a portion of the Shelter House property. He explained that the Conservancy is requesting an Agreement with the Borough of Emmaus to allow the trail to encroach on the property. Motion by Mr. Labenberg seconded by Mrs.Watt to approve the Agreement with Wildlands Conservancy granting them access to Borough owned property for the purpose of extending their nature trail. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Mr. Balliet announced that a boy scout has taken on repairing the Gaga Pit at Community Park as his Eagle Scout project. He stated that this is the second Eagle Sout project happening in the Borough right now. Mr. Pepe explained that there are currently three Eagle Scout projects taking place. He reported that the Eagle Scout projects are the Gaga Pit, the horseshoe pits, and the South Fourth Street field dugout. Mr. Pepe stated that the dugout project is set to begin this week. Mr. Balliet reported that the next Committee meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 4:45PM. Progress. d. Public Safety Committee Ms. Baumgartner stated that there was nothing for official action. She further stated that the July 9, 2025, Committee notes are in the Council packets and inquired about questions. Ms. Baumgartner reported that the next Committee meeting is Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at 9:00AM. July 21, 2025 69 Progress. e. General Administration Committee 2025 – 20: A Resolution authorizing the application for a Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development Local Share Account Fund (Gaming Funds) Northampton and Lehigh Counties Grant. Mr. Labenberg stated that he believed that the Borough had applied for the Grant on behalf of Seven Generations Charter School for an amphitheater in the past. Mr. Pepe stated that Mandy Suro and Amanda Cosman from Seven Generations were online and asked if they would like to speak to their request for the Borough to apply for the Grant. Ms. Suro confirmed Mr. Labenberg’s recollection stating that they applied in 2023 for the construction of a community amphitheater. She explained that they were awarded $83,000 in 2023 and were advised to apply again for the remaining costs to complete the project. Motion by Mr. Labenberg seconded by Mr. Anders to authorize the Borough Manager to apply for the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development Local Share Account Fund (Gaming Funds) Northampton and Lehigh Counties Grant. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Mr. Labenberg reported that the next Committee meeting is Wednesday August 6, 2025, at 9:00AM. Progress. f. Budget & Finance Committee Resolution 2025 – 19, authorizing payment of the July 21, 2025, Bill List as follows: Bill List $ 1,238,262.13 Payroll #13 and #14 $ 440,839.33 Payroll Taxes $ 145,801.14 Total $ 1,824,902.60 Done this 21st day of July, 2025. Motion by Mr. DeFrain, seconded by Mr. Labenberg to adopt Resolution 2025 - 19. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Mr. DeFrain entertained questions about the Significant Revenue and Expense Items for the first half of July 2025. Mr. DeFrain encouraged Council members to read the 2nd quarter Budget Performance Report, which is in the Council packets. Mr. DeFrain reported that the next Committee meeting is Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at 11:00AM via Zoom and in-person. Mr. DeFrain reported that the Committee is recommending the appointment of Birch Benefits as the Borough’s new health insurance broker. He explained that there is an incorrect item in the email Council received regarding Birch Benefits. Specifically the cost per employee per month is $28.00 not July 21, 2025 70 $30.00 as the email states. Mr. Pepe stated that the firm will be putting all insurance claims under scrutiny to save us time and money. He further stated that the firm is large enough to be effective. Motion by Mr. DeFrain seconded by Mrs. Watt to appoint Birch Benefits as the Borough health insurance broker. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Motion by Mr. DeFrain seconded by Mr. Labenberg to approve the extension of the Public Works Department’s Teamsters Union contract set to expire December 31, 2025, for 1 year with the addition of a 3.5% wage increase for 2026. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Progress. g. Community Relations, Planning and Development Committee Mr. DeFrain stated that the Halloween Parade website is open. He reported that he met with UGI to discuss road maintenance on the parade route recently and was assured that the roads will be acceptable for the parade. Mr. DeFrain stated that Xfinity would be the presenting sponsor for this year’s Halloween Parade. Mrs. Watt reported that the next Committee meeting is Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at 4:45PM. Progress. BOARDS and COMMISSIONS Friends of the 1803 House May meeting minutes Knauss Homestead Preservation Society May meeting minutes Emmaus Public Library Board June 2025 Director’s report PERSONAL APPEALS, PART II – None. BOROUGH MANAGER’S REPORT Mr. Pepe reported hiring Emma Schilling as a part-time EMT, Danyell Himes, who is also a part-time EMT with us, as a part-time firefighter, and John Semmonich as a part-time firefighter. Mr. Pepe stated that Al Kloss is retiring as a part-time police officer and will work as a part-time auxiliary officer. Mr. Pepe reported that Briana Falko, Fire Administrative Assistant, has completed her probationary period and it has been recommended to retain her as a full-time employee. Motion by Mr. Labenberg seconded by Mr. DeFrain to retain Briana Falko as a full-time employee. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. July 21, 2025 71 Mr. Pepe stated that Public Works employee Ben Harrison has completed the requirements to advance to Class 4. Motion by Mr. Labenberg seconded by Mr. DeFrain to advance Ben Harrison to a Class 4 employee. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Mr. Pepe announced that Dakota Delong has been appointed as the new group leader for the parks. Mr. Pepe stated that part-time firefighter Daniel Rivera has advanced to Level 2. Progress. PRESIDENT’S BUSINESS – None. Progress. EXECUTIVE SESSION Council President Balliet recessed the meeting at 7:15PM for an executive session to conduct interviews for the Director of Emergency Services position. The meeting was reconvened at 7:48PM. Motion by Mr. Labenberg, seconded by Ms. Baumgartner, to hire Keith Miller as the Director of Emergency Services and Fire Chief with a pro-rated salary of $99,000. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. Motion by Mr. Labenberg, seconded by Ms. Baumgartner, to hire Adam Priest as the Deputy Director of Emergency Services and Ambulance Chief with a pro-rated of $95,000. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Mr. Labenberg, seconded by Ms. Baumgartner to adjourn the July 21, 2025, Emmaus Borough Council Meeting. There were 7 ayes. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 PM. Shane M. Pepe Transcribed by: Jessica Wessner Borough Manager Administrative Assistant