The new year brought new faces and fresh leadership to Hellertown Borough Council during its reorganization meeting Jan. 5.

The meeting began with the administration of the council oath by Northampton County District Judge Alan Mege to councilors elected to four-year terms in November, including incumbents Tom Rieger, Larry O’Donnell and Gail Nolf, and newcomer Cathy Leibensperger. Newly-elected council member Matthew Ward was sworn in for a two-year term, and Mayor David Heintzelman, who was re-elected in November after running unopposed, was sworn in for his third term in office.

Following the swearings in, council wasted no time getting down to business, electing Lynley Solt as council president and O’Donnell as vice president. Richard Fluck, a former Hellertown mayor, will continue serving as vacancy board chair.

Two New Officers Join Police Department

Heintzelman swore in two new full-time Hellertown police officers: Madisyn Einfalt and Ryan Kardoley.

“You are part of an elite group,” Heintzelman told the new officers. “Hellertown needs you, Hellertown wants you. And we certainly hope that you can stay a long time with us as we grow together as a great community in this world,” he said.

Council had conditionally approved their hiring in November.

Chief’s Contract Extended Through 2027

Council approved a new employment contract for Police Chief James Baitinger, through Dec. 31, 2027. The agreement provides him with an annual salary of $121,923.98 in 2026, increasing 5 percent to $128,020.18 in 2027. He’ll also receive $800 annually for holding a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice plus a $3,000 retention bonus in 2026 paid in two installments.

Council also approved revised contracts for three other borough employees, shifting them from salaried to hourly positions: Zoning and Codes Enforcement Officer Terri Fadem, Senior Administrative Assistant Tanya Stametz and Administrative Assistant Kristi Curry. Fadem’s contract requires her to obtain certification as a Fire Code Inspector by June 1, 2026.

Committee Assignments and Board Vacancies

Council committee assignments for the year included:

Hellertown Historical Society: Larry O’Donnell

Public Safety Committee: Lynley Solt, Gail Nolf and Tom Rieger

Finance and Capital Committee: Solt, with one newer member still to be added

Hellertown Area Library Board: Cathy Leibensperger

Borough Authority: Michael McKenna 

Chamber of Commerce: Solt and Matthew Ward 

Saucon Rail Trail: Gail Nolf 

Fire Company Staffing Program Gets Formal Approval

Council passed a resolution establishing the Dewey Fire Company Duty Crew Staffing Incentive Program, which was already funded in the 2026 budget.

The program aims to improve daytime fire company response times by incentivizing volunteer firefighters to provide scheduled coverage. Duty crews will consist of three to four members, with a goal of responding to emergencies within 60 seconds.

Firefighters will earn $100 per 12-hour shift and $12 per incident response while on duty. The maximum annual payment per individual is capped at $11,000.

Other Business

Council approved three other resolutions:

The 2026 fee schedule for borough services

A reduction in police pension plan contributions from 8 to 5 percent for 2026, matching the collective bargaining agreement

The 2026 appointment resolution for borough officials and board members

Meeting updates

Council’s regular meeting schedule will remain the first and third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. Meetings are open to the public and are held at Hellertown Borough Hall and online.

Solt announced that borough meetings are now being livestreamed on a Borough of Hellertown YouTube channel. The Jan. 5 council meeting may be viewed here.

The next regular Hellertown Borough Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 7 p.m at Borough Hall.

A Hellertown zoning hearing board meeting is scheduled for the following evening, Wednesday, Jan. 21, at 6:30 p.m.