Hellertown Borough Council met on Monday and new community swimming pool rates headlined the discussion.
The Hellertown Pool is set to operate this season from June 13 to Aug. 22, with increased daily admission rates that are still below those of most neighboring communities, according to Borough Manager Cathy Hartranft. She said that children under three years old get in free. Ages 14-17 are now $8 (an increase of $2), while adults will pay $10 per visit.
Season passes were set at $100 for resident youth, $145 for non-resident youth, $120 for resident adults, $185 for non-resident adults, $250 for resident families, $350 for non-resident families, $50 for resident seniors and $100 for non-resident seniors. A duplicate pass costs $5. More information about the pool and passes may be found on the borough’s website.
Councilwoman Gail Nolf asked why the borough set new rates that are below market, potentially risking overcrowding and behavioral issues.
Hartranft noted that the pool’s attendance has been capped at 1,000–well below its 2,500-person maximum capacity–and said police make daily rounds at the facility. She said lifeguard recruitment is off to a strong start this year, with many experienced guards set to return, and that the borough reimburses up to $300 for lifeguard certification as an incentive.
She described last summer’s pool season as “a pretty decent year” and noted staff have taken a firm approach to rule enforcement, including revoking pool passes when necessary.
Hartranft added, “A lot of the community pools have been raising their prices a lot over the years. Some pools are residents only… We didn’t want to do that.”
Wagner Avenue Speeding Issue Revisited
Resident Jeff Frankenfield appeared before council for what he described as a repeat visit, pressing again for a four-way stop sign to be installed at Wagner Avenue and Riegel Street, where he said a man walking a dog was nearly hit by a car two days earlier.
Frankenfield said the “Slow Down Children” signs added in response to his earlier concerns aren’t working and questioned whether any enforcement action has been taken since the issue was first raised months ago.
Nolf asked Frankenfield directly what outcome he’s looking for, and his answer was simple: a four-way stop sign.
Heritage Day Fundraising Push
Mayor David Heintzelman updated council on Saucon Valley Heritage Day, scheduled for May 16, calling on the community to help organizers reach a $30,000 fundraising goal to keep the third-annual event free.
This year’s event is scheduled to be bigger as it will coincide with celebrations commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States’ founding. A plethora of activities are planned at Grist Mill Park in Hellertown and at the Michael Heller Homestead in Lower Saucon Township, with plans to have a shuttle bus link the two venues.
Heintzelman said two donations have been received so far. He also noted that the Edward H. Ackerman American Legion Post 397 in Hellertown is celebrating its building’s 100th anniversary this year and will hold its own event, with details to follow.
“It’s the little donations that turn into the big notations,” Heintzelman added.
Fire Company Staffing, Parade Needs a Chair
Councilman Thomas Rieger reported that the Dewey Fire Co. has received several applications for its new daytime staffing program, which was set to launch this week.
He also issued a public call for volunteers to chair both Saucon Valley Community Day in August and the Hellertown Halloween Parade in October, noting that Heintzelman stepped down as parade chair last year. Rieger said he will be out of town for both events. Anyone interested should contact Cathy Hartranft.
Library Events and Updates
Councilwoman Cathy Leibensperger shared that the Hellertown Area Library is recoding every book with new labels and will issue new patron cards required for borrowing.
She noted that tax prep appointments are available at HAL, and said the library is collecting candy and prizes for an Easter egg hunt. The annual book sale is scheduled for Saturday, June 6 at Dimmick Park and a wine tour fundraiser is being discussed.
Pension Board Vacancy
Council accepted the resignation of Roxann K. Rieger from the Police Pension Board and authorized advertising the vacancy. In her Feb. 23 letter, Rieger expressed gratitude for her years of service and noted she would be traveling during most of March.
The next Hellertown Borough Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 16, at 7 p.m. at Borough Hall. Meetings are held in person and livestreamed on the borough’s YouTube channel.