Emmaus Borough Council met April 6 at borough hall, opening the meeting with the call to order and the Pledge of Allegiance before hearing from residents during personal appeals, followed by the Community Minute.

A resident provided opposition to a zoning variance to be voted on soon. Additionally, council members announced a list of the upcoming events in the community. More information can be found on social media.

Council then moved through a detailed agenda that included appointments, grant applications, policy updates and financial actions.

Council approved the minutes from its March 16 meeting and reported no major bid decisions requiring action.

Under communications, council approved the reappointments of Christian Didra and Mike Gibson to the planning commission, each to serve new four-year terms expiring in April 2030, ensuring continuity in the borough’s land use and development review process.

Council also approved an event request submitted by Sign & Print LLC, the Emmaus Trip Tease Five-Miler, which will be a local running event to be held 10:30 a.m. June 6.

For the mayoral report, Mayor Lee Ann Gilbert presented her report, covering activity from Jan. 5 through March 31, outlining borough initiatives, community engagement and administrative efforts during the first quarter of the year.

Under the public works committee, chaired by Chad Balliet, council approved Resolution 2026-15 authorizing submission of an application for Community Development Block Grant funding through Lehigh County and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. CDBG funding is commonly used by municipalities for infrastructure improvements, accessibility upgrades and community development projects, particularly those benefiting low- to moderate-income residents.

The health, sanitation and codes committee advanced Resolution 2026-14 approving a sewage facilities planning module for 417 S. Mountain St., a required step in the land development process to ensure adequate sewage planning.

The parks and recreation committee discussed priorities for a Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources grant application related to Boroline Park and approved a motion to send a letter backing a Lower Macungie Township trail study grant, reflecting ongoing regional collaboration on recreational infrastructure.

Under general administration, council approved the purchase of NeoGov human resources software to modernize hiring and personnel management processes. Members also adopted a series of updated policies governing emergency medical services staff, including revisions to vacation, holiday, sick leave and overtime provisions.

Council approved Resolution 2026-13, authorizing the disposal of municipal records in accordance with state retention guidelines and appointed borough manager Shane Pepe as a voting delegate for the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs conference. In addition, council authorized the borough manager to coordinate with PPL regarding underground electric service at the Knauss Homestead, a historic property in the borough.

The budget and finance committee presented Resolution 2026-16 amending the 2026 fee schedule, including updates to private swim lesson fees and adjustments to fees in lieu of parking requirements in designated downtown districts.

Council also authorized the release of a request for proposals for EMS billing services and approved the latest bill list. Members reviewed financial reports detailing revenues and expenses for March.

The community relations, planning and development committee recommended and received approval for the appointment of Jackie Pursell to the Emmaus Arts Commission for a three-year term. A commission representative also highlighted several ongoing initiatives, including a storm drain art program and proposed murals for the pool concession stand and pump shed, each designed to enhance community spaces through public art.

Both projects received council approval.

Council received board and commission updates, including recent activity from the recreation and entertainment commission.

During the borough manager’s report, council approved several seasonal hires for 2026 operations and hired Sinai Braverman as a part-time EMT.

Following a second round of public comment and routine president’s business, council entered executive session to discuss personnel and legal matters before adjourning.

The next meeting of the Emmaus Borough Council is scheduled 6 p.m. April 20.

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