Emmaus public meetings in 2024

Borough Council Meetings

The Emmaus Borough Council will hold second readings and votes on several ordinances, including the 2025 tax levy at 10.4455 mills, water and sewer rate changes, and parking regulation amendments. The council also considers the 2025 budget adoption, refuse fee schedules, and multiple reappointments to boards and commissions. A resignation from the Historical Commission is noted.

• Ordinance 1276: 2025 tax levy of 10.4455 mills, split across general, fire, roads, and street light funds
• Ordinance 1274: Water rate schedule and billing procedures amendment
• Ordinance 1275: Sewer rate amendment for fiscal year 2025
• Ordinance 1272 & 1273: Extending residential permit parking areas and removing the kiosk at 311 Main Street
• Resolution 2024-32: Adopting the 2025 borough budget

Council adopted the 2025 budget and a real estate tax levy of 10.4455 mills, split among general, fire, roads, and street light funds, despite numerous resident objections during public comment. The budget resolution passed 6-1, and the tax ordinance passed 6-1. Council also approved water and sewer rate ordinances, several parking-related ordinances, and various board reappointments.

• Adopted 2025 budget via Resolution 2024-32 (6-1)
• Adopted Ordinance 1276 levying 10.4455 mills for 2025 (6-1)
• Adopted Ordinance 1274 updating water rates and billing (7-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 1275 updating sewer rates for 2025 (7-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 1272 extending residential permit parking areas (7-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 1273 amending parking kiosk and disabled parking rules (5-2)
• Approved eight board and commission reappointments (7-0)
• Approved sale of 2006 F550 truck for $14,025 (7-0)

Planning Commission Meetings

The Emmaus Borough Planning Commission will review the final draft of the zoning ordinance and the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO) as unfinished business. The commission will also consider invoices from Hanover Engineering, Gross McGinley, Norris McLaughlin, and Ott Consulting. Minutes from the November 15 meeting will be read and approved.

• Final draft Zoning Ordinance review
• Final draft SALDO review
• Review of invoices from Hanover Engineering, Gross McGinley, Norris McLaughlin, and Ott Consulting
• Reading and approval of November 15, 2024 meeting minutes

Borough Council Meetings

The Emmaus Borough Council will hold first readings of three ordinances: a 2025 tax levy at 10.4455 mills split among general, fire, roads, and street light funds; an update to water rate schedules and billing procedures; and an amendment to sewer and sewerage disposal rates for fiscal year 2025. Other business includes a lot line adjustment resolution for properties at 423, 435, and 437 S. 5th Street, and the hiring of Brianna Falko as a full-time Fire Department Administrative Assistant. The meeting also acknowledges the retirement of Jason Kleckner.

• ORDINANCE NO. 1276: 2025 tax levy at 10.4455 mills (1st reading)
• ORDINANCE NO. 1274: Water rate schedule and billing changes (1st reading)
• ORDINANCE NO. 1275: Sewer and sewerage disposal rates for FY 2025 (1st reading)
• Resolution 2024-34: Approving lot line adjustment at 423, 435, 437 S. 5th Street
• Hire Brianna Falko as full-time Fire Department Administrative Assistant

Borough Council Meetings

The Emmaus Borough Council will hold a first reading of Ordinance 1272, which would extend residential permit parking areas to additional streets throughout the borough. The council will also discuss Ordinance 1273 regarding parking in downtown. Other business includes decisions on an electric supplier bid and a lawncare contract extension, along with a swearing-in ceremony for a new police officer.

• First reading of Ordinance 1272 extending residential permit parking to additional streets
• Discussion of Ordinance 1273 on parking in downtown
• Decision on electric supplier bid
• Extension of lawncare contract
• Swearing in of Police Officer Matthew James Hutchens

Planning Commission Meetings

The Emmaus Planning Commission will review the final draft of the zoning ordinance and the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO). The commission will also consider a lot line adjustment for properties at 413, 435, and 437 S. 5th Street (Iobst). Additionally, invoices from consulting firms will be reviewed and the October 17, 2024 minutes approved.

• Final draft zoning ordinance review
• Final draft SALDO review
• Iobst lot line adjustment (413, 435, 437 S. 5th Street)
• Review of invoices from Ott Consulting, Hanover Engineering, Gross McGinley, Norris McLaughlin
• Approval of October 17, 2024 minutes

Borough Council Meetings

The Borough Council will meet to discuss updates to ADA parking ordinances and the hiring of a full-time police officer. The body will also review natural gas bids and a contract amendment for ambulance subscriptions.

• Ordinance 1272: ADA Parking Changes
• Decision on Natural Gas bids
• Proposal to hire a full-time police officer
• Resolution 2024-28: Bill List
• e-Services Contract Amendment for Ambulance Subscriptions

Borough Council Meetings

The Emmaus Borough Council will conduct the second reading and public hearing of Ordinance No. 1271, which would add a residential disabled parking sign and assign a permitted parking space at 221 Ridge Street. The council will also decide on bids for repairs at the Fire Training Grounds Training Building/Fire Tower. Other business includes reviewing the 3rd Quarter Budget Performance Report, considering a LERTA application, and appointing a member to the Arts Commission.

• Ordinance No. 1271 (second reading) to add residential disabled parking sign and assign parking space at 221 Ridge Street
• Decision on bids for Fire Training Grounds Training Building/Fire Tower Repairs
• Bethesda LV Event Request Application
• LERTA Application under General Administration
• 3rd Quarter 2024 Budget Performance Report and Resolution 2024-27: Bill List

Planning Commission Meetings

The Emmaus Planning Commission will discuss a LERTA (tax incentive) application for 300 Furnace Street and receive status updates on the draft zoning ordinance and SALDO review. The agenda also includes approval of invoices from Ott Consulting, Hanover Engineering, and law firms. The meeting is scheduled for October 17, 2024 at 7:00 pm.

• LERTA application for 300 Furnace Street (potential tax abatement for development)
• Draft Zoning Ordinance status update
• Draft SALDO (Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance) review update
• Approval of Ott Consulting, Hanover Engineering, Gross McGinley, and Norris McLaughlin invoices

Borough Council Meetings

The Emmaus Borough Council will vote on resolutions to apply for Pennvest funds and declare intent to reimburse water funds used for PFAS treatment at the Waterworks. The council will also decide on a bid for refuse and recycling collection services and consider the sale of a 2022 Clayton mobile home. Committee reports include updates on public works, health, parks, public safety, administration, and budget, as well as a proclamation for Trick or Treat.

• Resolution 2024-23 to apply for Pennvest funds for PFAS treatment at the Borough Waterworks
• Resolution 2024-24 declaring intent to reimburse water funds for PFAS treatment improvements
• Bid decision for Refuse and Recycling Collection Disposal & Marketing
• Sale of 2022 Clayton Mobile Home
• Proclamation 2024-606: Trick or Treat

Building Board of Appeals

The Building Board of Appeals will hear Appeal 16 from CSW Furnace Street Emmaus LP, seeking relief under Section 2902.1.1 of the 2018 I.B.C. regarding interpretation of plumbing fixture count for a newly constructed clubhouse and mixed-use building at 300 Furnace St. The board will decide on this interpretation request.

• Appeal 16 – CSW Furnace Street Emmaus LP for property at 300 Furnace St.
• Applicant seeks relief for interpretation of plumbing fixture count for a new clubhouse and mixed-use building (A-3, B Use Group).

Borough Council Meetings

The Emmaus Borough Council will hold second readings on ordinances establishing a Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance (LERTA) program for new construction and improvements to deteriorated property, and amending disabled parking at 224 Adrain Street. New business includes a first reading for a disabled parking space at 221 Ridge Street. The council will also receive presentations on the Memorial Triangle Project and police accreditation, decide on banking services bids, and consider several event requests.

• Second reading of Ordinance 1267 for Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance (LERTA) program
• Second reading of Ordinance 1270 for disabled parking sign at 224 Adrain Street
• First reading of Ordinance 1271 for disabled parking sign at 221 Ridge Street
• Decision on banking services bid
• Presentation on Memorial Triangle Project and police accreditation

The Emmaus Borough Council adopted Ordinance 1267 on second reading, creating a Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance (LERTA) program that provides real estate tax exemptions for new construction and improvements to deteriorated properties. The council also approved a banking services contract with Penn Community Bank, authorized the Memorial Triangle Park project to begin, and adopted a disabled parking ordinance for 224 Adrain Street. Several other routine items were approved, including the police and non-uniform employee pension minimum municipal obligations and the 2023 financial statements.

• Adopted Ordinance 1267 (LERTA tax exemption) on second reading (7-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 1270 (disabled parking spot at 224 Adrain Street) (7-0)
• Awarded banking services bid to Penn Community Bank (7-0)
• Approved work to begin on Memorial Triangle Park project (7-0)
• Approved police and non-uniform employee pension minimum municipal obligations (7-0)
• Approved Financial Statements and Auditor's Report for Dec 31, 2023 (7-0)
• Adopted Resolution 2024-22 authorizing payment of $1,031,593.83 in bills and payroll (7-0)
• Adopted September 3, 2024 Council Minutes as drafted (7-0)

Borough Council Meetings

The Emmaus Borough Council will vote on a lease for a 2024 Braun ambulance and consider hiring a new full-time public works employee. They will also receive a recommendation to retain a part-time firefighter and review budget performance for August 2024. The meeting includes reports from committees and boards, as well as a resignation from the Arts Commission and a Rotary Club event request.

• Decision on 2024 Braun Ambulance Lease
• Hire new full-time Public Works Department employee
• Recommendation to retain Part-Time Firefighter Robert Lewullis
• Budget Performance for August 2024 and Resolution 2024-21: Bill List
• Joe Fritz letter of resignation from Emmaus Arts Commission

Zoning Hearing Board

The Emmaus Zoning Hearing Board will hear three appeals at its August 28 meeting. The most notable item is a request by JNA Properties for a special exception to convert a nonresidential building at 785 Furnace Street into dwelling units in the I-L Zoning District. Other items include a setback variance for 914 Liberty Street and a special exception for Verizon to colocate wireless equipment at 333 Ridge Street.

• Special exception by JNA Properties to convert a nonresidential building at 785 Furnace Street into dwelling units (I-L District).
• Variance request by Christopher & Deanne Hoenscheid for a setback at 914 Liberty Street (R-L District).
• Special exception by Verizon Wireless to colocate wireless equipment at 333 Ridge Street (R-HO District).

Borough Council Meetings

The Borough Council will hold second readings for several ordinances, including a local economic revitalization tax assistance program. The meeting also includes decisions on a cardiac monitor purchase and personnel changes in public works and police.

• Ordinance 1267: Real estate tax exemptions for new construction and deteriorated property improvements
• Ordinance 1266: Restricting left turns from Klines Lane to Main Street during school hours
• Ordinance 1268: Restricting traffic from Long Street onto Howard Street and establishing a no thruway
• Cardiac Monitor Purchase bid results
• Proposed hiring of Charles Wesch and Taylor Branciforte as full-time Public Works employees

Borough Council Meetings

The Borough Council is reviewing several ordinances related to traffic restrictions and parking permits. The meeting includes a first reading of a proposal to provide real estate tax exemptions for new construction and improvements to deteriorated property. Council will also discuss police hiring and promotion processes.

• Ordinance No. 1267: Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance for new construction and deteriorated property
• Ordinance No. 1266: Restricting left turns from Klines Lane to Main Street during school hours
• Ordinance No. 1268: Restricting traffic from Long Street onto Howard Street and establishing a no thruway
• Ordinance No. 1265: Removing a residential disabled parking sign at 215 Ridge Street
• Ordinance No. 1269: Revoking and assigning a residential disabled parking space at 38 N 6th Street

Zoning Hearing Board

The Emmaus Zoning Hearing Board will meet to consider three separate appeals regarding property use and dimensional requirements. These items involve requests for side yard variances, usage interpretations, and apartment size adjustments.

• 7-foot side yard variance request for 207 Harrison Street
• Interpretation of nonconforming residential use at 55 S. 2nd Street
• Dimensional variance from 12,000 to 8,586 square feet at 130 S. 6th Street

Borough Council Meetings

The Borough Council will consider bids for several road projects, including the CDBG ADA Curb Project and a Thin Lift Program. The agenda includes first readings of ordinances to restrict left turns on Klines Lane and remove a parking sign on Ridge Street. Additionally, officials will hear a presentation regarding LERTA.

• Ordinance 1266: Restricting left turns from Klines Lane to Main Street during school hours
• Bids for CDBG ADA Curb Project and various road projects
• Ordinance 1265: Removing a disabled parking sign at 215 Ridge Street
• Resolution 2024-17: Amending the fee schedule for fire inspector services
• Hiring Thomas Comitta Associates, Inc. for building design standards

Zoning Hearing Board

The Emmaus Zoning Hearing Board will meet to hear Appeal 10632 from Zachary Bullock for 659 Broad Street. The applicant requests a Special Exception and a Variance to convert the property into a mid-rise building in the RH-O Zoning District. The board will decide on these requests during the public meeting.

• Special Exception request under Chapter 27 Zoning, Table of Permitted Uses
• Variance request under Chapter 27 Zoning, Table of Area, Yard and Building Requirements
• Proposed mid-rise building at 659 Broad Street, Emmaus, PA
• Property located in RH-O Zoning District
• Meeting at Borough Hall, 28 S. 4th Street, and via Zoom

Borough Council Meetings

The Emmaus Borough Council is meeting to handle routine business including minutes, bids, and reports. Notable items include a letter of intent from Christian Gill to enter the Deferred Retirement Option Plan, a permit fee waiver request for renovations at 375 S 10th Street, and discussion of the Memorial Triangle Redesign Project including an official name change and grant applications.

• Christian Gill letter of intent to enter DROP effective June 30, 2024
• Juxtahub permit fee waiver request for renovation at 375 S 10th Street
• Memorial Triangle Redesign Project official name change and grant authorization
• Resolution 2024-15: Bill List
• Hire Assistant Borough Manager discussion

Borough Council Meetings

Emmaus Borough Council is meeting to take final votes on four ordinances that were introduced at prior meetings. These cover changes to parking regulations, a disabled parking spot at 611 Walnut Street, the definition of a commercial motor vehicle, and new stop signs at multiple intersections. The council will also hear a presentation on the Memorial Triangle Redesign Project and consider hiring seasonal staff and retaining a public works employee.

• Final vote on Ordinance 1261 amending parking regulations
• Final vote on Ordinance 1262 for a disabled parking spot at 611 Walnut Street
• Final vote on Ordinance 1263 amending the definition of commercial motor vehicle
• Final vote on Ordinance 1264 establishing stop signs at multiple intersections
• Presentation on Memorial Triangle Redesign Project

Zoning Hearing Board

The Emmaus Zoning Hearing Board will meet to consider a variance request from the East Penn School District for a property at 520 Elm Street. The applicant seeks to place an internally illuminated sign within the required setback from the street right-of-way, contrary to the Borough's zoning ordinance. The meeting is scheduled for April 24, 2024, at Borough Hall and via Zoom.

• Variance request for sign setback at 520 Elm Street
• Proposed 4ft x 3.5ft internally illuminated sign
• Applicant: East Penn School District, 800 Pine Street
• Ordinance reference: Chapter 27 Zoning, Part 7 Signs, Article 27-704, Item 16
• Meeting at Borough Hall, 28 S. 4th Street, and via Zoom

Borough Council Meetings

The Emmaus Borough Council is holding its regular meeting on April 15, 2024, with several items on the agenda. The council will conduct first readings of three ordinances: one amending parking regulations, one changing the definition of commercial motor vehicle, and one establishing stop signs at multiple intersections. The meeting also includes decisions on bids, event requests, committee reports, and appointments to the Historical Commission.

• Ordinance 1261: Amends parking regulations (Chapter 15 §406 and §602.3) - 1st reading
• Ordinance 1263: Amends definition of commercial motor vehicle (Chapter 15 §405.1.1 and §405.1.2.A) - 1st reading
• Ordinance 1264: Establishes stop signs at multiple intersections (Chapter 15 §214) - 1st reading
• Resolution 2024-12: Approves sale of a Pace trailer to Coopersburg Borough
• Appointments to Historical Commission: Ken Biles, Gene Clock, Maryellen Iobst, Marian Schneck, Walter Lewis III

Borough Council Meetings

The Emmaus Borough Council is meeting to consider two parking-related ordinances, approve a Community Development Block Grant application, and handle routine business including appointments, hires, and fee waivers. The agenda includes presentations from county officials and committee reports.

• Ordinance 1261: Amends parking regulations in front of 28 S. 4th Street
• Ordinance 1262: Amends disabled parking sign and permitted spot in front of 611 Walnut Street
• Resolution 2024-11: Approving application for Community Development Block Grant funds
• Hire Paul Veazey and Joshua Cox as full-time Public Works employees
• Appoint Brittney O'Connor to Joint Environmental Advisory Council (3-year term)

Zoning Hearing Board

The Emmaus Zoning Hearing Board will meet on March 27, 2024, to hear two appeals. One seeks to convert office space into apartments at 326 Main Street; the other proposes converting a nursing home into senior apartments at 659 Broad Street. Both require variances from current zoning rules.

• Appeal 10629: Change of Use Variance to convert commercial office space into apartments at 326 Main Street (B-C District)
• Appeal 10630: Change of Use Variance and variance from Ordinance 27-402 (max 16 units per building) to convert nursing home into 55+ apartments at 659 Broad Street (R-HO District)
• Meeting at Borough Hall, 28 S. 4th Street, and via Zoom

Borough Council Meetings

The Emmaus Borough Council is meeting to handle routine business, including several personnel actions and a proposed engineering contract. The agenda includes multiple resignations from borough staff and commissions, potential hires for public works and police positions, and a resolution for engineering services related to PFAS removal at municipal wells. The meeting also covers event requests, committee reports, and appointments to the Historical Commission.

• Resolution 2024-9: Bill List
• Gannett Fleming proposal for engineering services for Wells 1 & 2 PFAS removal facilities final design, permitting, and bid phase services
• Hire Julie Niebell as full-time Police Department Data Entry Clerk
• Retain Tyler Llewellyn as full-time Class 2 Public Works Employee
• Resignations: Assistant Borough Manager Sara Jarrett-Eaton, EMT Leanne Ruch, Arts Commission member Wayne Lawler, Wheelchair Transport Van Operator Aaron Biery

Borough Council Meetings

The Emmaus Borough Council is meeting to consider several items, including second readings of two ordinances: one to remove a residential disabled parking sign at 819 Chestnut Street and another to add fees to delinquent tax collections. The council will also review event requests, volunteer applications, and a proposed PFAS settlement.

• Ordinance 1259: Remove disabled parking sign at 819 Chestnut Street (2nd reading)
• Ordinance 1260: Add solicitor, interest, attorney, and collection fees to unpaid real estate taxes (2nd reading)
• Event requests: Halloween Parade, Farewell to Summer, Old Fashioned Christmas, Memorial Day Parade, Funk 5 Miler
• Volunteer applications: Historical Commission (2), Vacancy Board, Joint Environmental Advisory Council
• Proposed PFAS settlement in Borough Manager's Report

Zoning Hearing Board

The Emmaus Zoning Hearing Board will meet on February 28, 2024, to hear two appeals. One seeks a side-yard setback variance for a home addition, and the other requests a change of use and special exception for a property on Long Street.

• Appeal 10627: Ray Ignosh, 952 Lawrence Dr., proposes a 1,021 sq ft addition, requesting a variance from the 10-foot side yard setback in R-L district.
• Appeal 10628: Leonard R. Stires Jr. requests a change of use variance and special exception for 621 Long St., in R-M district, currently B use group.

Borough Council Meetings

The Emmaus Borough Council is holding its regular meeting on February 20, 2024, to consider routine business including approving minutes, bills, and committee reports. Key items include a resolution to update PA Fire Recovery Services fees, promoting Assistant EMS Chief Priest to Ambulance Chief, and appointing members to the Arts and Historical Commissions. The agenda also includes reports from the Borough Engineer, Solicitor, and committees, as well as a discussion on a probationary period for an employee.

• Resolution 2024-7: Updated PA Fire Recovery Services Fees
• Promote Assistant EMS Chief Priest to Ambulance Chief
• Appoint Taylor Rojek and Hattie Freye to Emmaus Arts Commission (3-year terms to expire Feb 7, 2027)
• Appoint Pat Merkowsky and Alison Hudak to Historical Commission (3-year terms to expire Jan 1, 2027)
• Resolution 2024-6: Bill List

Borough Council Meetings

This agenda is largely procedural, consisting of a call to order, an executive session, and adjournment. The only substantive item is a 'Possible Action' item, but no details are provided in the agenda.

• Executive session
• Possible action item (details not specified)

Borough Council Meetings

The Emmaus Borough Council will hold its regular meeting, addressing a range of administrative items including appointments, resignations, and reports. Key actions include first readings of two ordinances: one to remove a residential disabled parking sign on Chestnut Street, and another to authorize the solicitor to add interest, attorney fees, and collection fees to unpaid real estate taxes and municipal claims. The council will also consider several personnel hires and terminations, as well as a proposal from Portnoff Law Associates for delinquent tax collection.

• Ordinance 1259: Remove residential disabled parking sign at 819 Chestnut Street (1st reading)
• Ordinance 1260: Add interest, attorney fees, and collection fees to unpaid real estate taxes and municipal claims
• Resolution 2024-4: Bill list
• Resolution 2024-5: Direct Lehigh County Tax Bureau not to collect delinquent real estate taxes for the borough
• Hire William Garges as Part-Time Firefighter 2 w/ EMT; hire four part-time EMTs; hire part-time auxiliary police officer; terminate part-time EMT Sara Pierce

Borough Council Meetings

The Emmaus Borough Council is meeting to conduct routine business, including approving minutes, accepting a resignation, and considering bids. The main item is the second reading of Ordinance No. 1254, which would create a new Chapter 28 of the Municipal Code to establish an Official Map for the borough. The council will also consider hiring part-time EMT and paramedic positions and review budget and bill lists.

• Ordinance No. 1254: second reading to create Official Map chapter
• Acceptance of Joanna Vanamon resignation
• Hire part-time EMT Mariellen Kehler
• Hire part-time Paramedic David Hickey
• 4th Quarter 2023 Budget Summary and 2024 Bill List

Planning Commission Meetings

The commission will conduct a reorganization of the Planning Commission for 2024. The meeting also includes a review of various professional service invoices.

• Reorganization of Planning Commission - 2024
• Ott Consulting Invoices
• Hanover Engineering Invoices
• Gross McGinley Invoices
• Norris McGlaughlin Invoices

Borough Council Meetings

The Emmaus Borough Council will hold its reorganization meeting, electing a President and Vice President. The council will also consider numerous reappointments to boards and commissions, including the Borough Engineer, and review the 2022 annual auditor's report and December 2023 finances.

• Oath of office for Chad Balliet, Nathan Brown, Katherine Watt, Christopher Hoenscheid
• Reappointment requests for Borough Engineer (Ott Consulting Inc.) and Utilities Engineer (Hanover Engineering Associates, Inc.)
• Delinquent real estate tax collection proposal from Keystone Collections Group
• Resolution 2024-1: Officials Appointments
• Resolution 2024-2: Bill List