Slatington public meetings in 2024

Borough Council

The Slatington Borough Council will vote on the 2025 budget and Ordinance 719 fixing real-estate, per capita, wage, local service, and realty transfer tax rates. The council will also appoint Roy Hambrecht as Borough Manager, Treasurer, and Secretary effective January 1, 2025, and Karen Leach as Assistant Borough Treasurer and Secretary. Other actions include selecting new borough engineers, administering an oath to a new police officer, and extending the trash hauler contract.

• Motion to adopt 2025 budget and approve Ordinance 719 setting tax rates ($5 per capita, 1% wage tax, $52 local service tax, 1% realty transfer, fire fund tax)
• Appointment of Roy Hambrecht as Borough Manager/Treasurer/Secretary effective Jan 1, 2025
• Administer oath to new full-time Police Officer Matthew Hutchins
• Discussion and possible motion to select new borough engineers
• Motion to affirm one-year extension with trash hauler based on CPI

The council approved the 2025 budget and Ordinance 719, which sets the real-estate tax rate, per capita tax at $85.00, reenacts the 1% wage tax, local service tax at $52.00, 1% realty transfer tax, and fire fund tax rate. They also appointed new borough engineers, extended the trash collection contract with a 3.5% increase, and approved several other administrative actions.

• Adopted 2025 budget (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance 719 setting 2025 tax rates (unanimous)
• Selected Acela Architects & Engineers as borough engineers effective Jan 15, 2025 (unanimous)
• Extended trash collection contract through Jan 18, 2026 with 3.5% increase (unanimous)
• Approved $19,054 change order for North Street CDBG project (unanimous)
• Conditionally approved final payment of $119,776.40 to Bracalente Construction pending Lehigh County approval (unanimous)
• Affirmed sale of 20,000 gpd capacity to Walnutport Authority for $288,600 (unanimous)
• Appointed Crystal Fink to Borough Authority Board for 5-year term (unanimous)

Water/Sewer/Highway Workshop Committee

The Water/Sewer/Highway Workshop Committee will hold a discussion-only meeting covering Highway updates on CDBG projects and equipment replacement, Sewer review of a wastewater treatment plant operator job description, and Water/Special Sewer discussion of a compressor services quote for a 2- or 5-year plan. No votes or final decisions are scheduled; the agenda is procedural and informational.

• Update on CDBG projects
• Review of equipment to be replaced
• Review job description for Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator or Operator trainee
• Discussion of Atlas Copco Compressor Services quote — 2- or 5-year plan

Finance Planning/Zoning, Public Safety, and Human/Community Services Committee

The Finance, Planning, Zoning, Public Safety, and Human/Community Services committees will meet to discuss several funding requests and administrative appointments. The body will review a request for power stair chairs and a letter regarding homeless crises. Members will also discuss a possible rental ordinance.

• Review of $27,772 funding request from NOVA for power stair chairs
• Discussion of a possible rental ordinance
• Review of a letter from New Bethany regarding the homeless crisis
• Review of fire officer selection for 2025
• Discussion of Wanda Owns for a 3-year term on the Slatington Public Library Board of Directors

Borough Council

The Slatington Borough Council will hold a regular meeting on November 11, 2024, with multiple action items including approval of a $379,487.17 payment for the Maple Spring Water Line project and a $73,210.76 quote for police equipment from Axon Enterprise using COVID funds. The council will also discuss replacing the fire department's aging engine and rescue truck, review the preliminary budget, and consider resolutions on hazard mitigation and tax information sharing. Several other items such as CDBG project updates, lease renewals, and sewer capacity requests are on the agenda.

• Motion to pay $379,487.17 for Maple Spring Water Line project
• Motion to approve $73,210.76 police equipment quote from Axon Enterprise
• Discussion on replacing fire department's 30-year-old engine and rescue truck with one truck
• Preliminary budget discussion
• Resolution to adopt Lehigh Valley 2024 Hazard Mitigation Plan (R-09-24)

Water/Sewer/Highway Workshop Committee

The Water/Sewer/Highway Workshop Committee meets to discuss highway, sewer, and water items, including a request to vacate Kern Alley, updates on CDBG projects, truck quotes, sewer capacity from Walnutport, and water infrastructure repairs. All items are under discussion; no final decisions are scheduled. Public participation is included.

• Review request to vacate Kern Alley
• Discussion on increased sewer capacity from Walnutport
• Review quotes for new trucks
• Discussion on Atlas Copco Compressor Services quote (2- or 5-year plan)
• Update on Maple Spring waterline replacement (Small Water and Sewer Grant)

Finance Planning/Zoning, Public Safety, and Human/Community Services Committee

The Slatington Borough committees will discuss the process for selecting a new police chief, review fundraising requests from local organizations, and hold budget discussions. The workshop covers finance/planning/zoning, public safety, and human/community services topics. No votes are scheduled; this is a discussion meeting.

• Discussion of process for selecting new police chief
• Review request from Northern Lehigh Swimming Pool Association for Great Slatington Duck Race on June 7, 2025 (12:00 PM – 5:00 PM) at trail head
• Review request from Slatington Lions Club for fundraiser from November 15 to December 28, 2024
• Budget discussions across all three committees
• Visioning discussions across all three committees

Borough Council

This special meeting of the Slatington Borough Council includes discussion and possible action on appointing a new borough manager and secretary/treasurer. Council will also conduct a preliminary budget discussion. Public participation is allowed for agenda and non-agenda items. The meeting is being recorded.

• Discussion and possible action on new borough manager and secretary/treasurer (Item 6)
• Preliminary budget discussion (Item 7)
• Public participation for agenda and non-agenda items (Item 5)
• Executive session announcement (Item 12)
• Notification that all public sessions are electronically recorded (Item 4)

Borough Council

The Borough Council will hold public hearings for Ordinance 717 (zoning ordinance and map) and Ordinance 718 (official map), followed by possible motions to adopt them. The Council also plans to accept the police chief's resignation, authorize a new trash-hauling contract, and discuss the preliminary budget. Several other resignations and routine approvals are on the agenda.

• Public hearing for Ordinance 717 (zoning ordinance and map) and Ordinance 718 (official map)
• Motion to approve Ordinance 717 and Ordinance 718
• Motion to accept resignation of Police Chief Greg Winokur effective November 16, 2024
• Motion to authorize advertising for new municipal waste hauling contract (current contract expires Jan 16, 2025)
• Discussion of preliminary budget

Water/Sewer/Highway Workshop Committee

This is a committee workshop meeting where members will discuss updates on proposed easements for the Masonic Lodge Community Center, CDBG projects, and a request from Walnutport for increased sewer capacity. Other items include a quote for Atlas Copco Compressor Services, repair of a broken water fountain at the Trailhead, and an update on the Maple Spring waterline replacement using a Small Water and Sewer Grant. No formal votes are scheduled; all items are for discussion and visioning.

• Update on proposed easements for Masonic Lodge Community Center
• Discussion on request for increased sewer capacity from Walnutport
• Discussion on Atlas Copco Compressor Services quote
• Update on Maple Spring waterline replacement (Small Water and Sewer Grant)
• Discussion on broken water fountain at Trailhead

Finance Planning/Zoning, Public Safety, and Human/Community Services Committee

The Finance, Planning, Zoning, Public Safety, and Human/Community Services committees will meet to discuss several municipal projects. The session includes reviews of rental inspection procedures and blight demolition grants.

• Proposed easements for Masonic Lodge Community Center
• Revision of existing rental inspection procedures
• Keystone Community Program Designations
• Lehigh County grant program for demolition of blighted properties
• Stormwater improvements from Masons

The meeting was a workshop with no formal votes. Committees discussed rental inspection challenges, a denied police grant, and proposed stormwater improvements. Items were referred to the regular council agenda for action.

• Masonic Lodge easement referred to Lehigh Engineering, to be placed on regular council agenda
• Police bodycam/taser grant denied; new grant application deadline Oct 12 noted
• Fire billing ordinance request to be placed on regular council agenda
• Trail Head use letter to be placed on regular council agenda

Borough Council

Borough Council will discuss the adoption of a new Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map. The body is also considering ordinances regarding false alarms and the cultivation of bamboo, as well as several infrastructure projects.

• Proposed Ordinance 714 regarding false burglar and fire alarms
• Proposed Ordinance 716 to control the planting and spread of bamboo
• Proposed $12,000 quote from Gibson Paving for road patches
• Proposed $31,262.50 quote from Mr. Rehab, LLC for sewer main lining
• Authorization to advertise Ordinance 717 (Zoning Ordinance and Map) and Ordinance 718 (Official Map)

Water/Sewer/Highway Workshop Committee

The Water/Sewer/Highway Workshop Committee will discuss a sewer lining quote from Mr. Rehab, LLC for $31,262.50, review updated traffic signal designs for the South Walnut Street Bridge project, and consider water-related issues including a broken fountain at the Trailhead and a valve at Railroad and Factory Streets. The meeting also covers easements for the Masonic Lodge Community Center and an update on a property with a water issue on 4th Street extension.

• Review of $31,262.50 quote from Mr. Rehab, LLC for lining sewer main from manhole 18-22
• Discussion on request for increased sewer capacity from Walnutport
• Update on Maple Spring waterline replacement funded by Small Water and Sewer Grant
• Discussion on waterline valve at Railroad and Factory Streets
• Review of updated traffic signal design for South Walnut Street Bridge project

Finance Planning/Zoning, Public Safety, and Human/Community Services Committee

The Finance, Planning, Zoning, Public Safety, and Human/Community Services committees will meet to discuss various municipal updates. The session includes reviews of rental inspection procedures and public safety equipment estimates.

• Discussion on revising existing rental inspection procedure
• Review of garage door estimates from Palmerton Garage Door II and Walnutport Door Company
• Updates on police building and countywide P25 digital radio upgrades
• Request for Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber to host Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 6 at Slatington Memorial Park
• Discussion on Keystone Community Program Designations

Borough Council

The Slatington Borough Council will hold a regular meeting with several action items, including a possible election of a new President Pro Tem, review of quotes for exterior steel doors, and discussions on proposed ordinances for fire alarms and vehicle height restrictions. The council also plans to enter executive session to discuss purchasing real estate from the Lehigh County Tax Repository and accepting the retirement of Manager Stevens.

• Possible election of new President Pro Tem
• Review of quotes for two exterior steel doors: $5,185.52 (Josh Reichard’s Home Improvements) vs $6,295.00 (Walnutport Door)
• Discussion and possible action on ordinance for 9-foot vehicle height restriction on W. Center Avenue
• Acceptance of bids for North Street CDBG project
• Executive session to discuss purchase of real estate from Lehigh County Tax Repository and acceptance of Manager Stevens' retirement

Water/Sewer/Highway Workshop Committee

The Water/Sewer/Highway Workshop Committee is meeting to discuss infrastructure updates and future planning. The body will review paving projects, sewer capacity requests, and water line replacements.

• Paving project updates for Oakhurst Drive and Chestnut Alley
• Discussion on rebuilding the clarifier drive unit and adding costs to the 2025 budget
• Request for increased sewer capacity from Walnutport
• Update on Maple Spring waterline replacement via Small Water and Sewer Grant
• Lead and copper inventory for October DEP report

Finance Planning/Zoning, Public Safety, and Human/Community Services Committee

The Slatington Borough committee workshop will discuss topics across three committees: Finance/Planning/Zoning, Public Safety, and Human/Community Services. Key items include a $5,185.52 quote for two exterior steel doors, a block party request, and updates on building and radio upgrades. No final votes are expected; the meeting is for discussion and visioning.

• Review of $5,185.52 quote from Josh Reichard’s Home Improvements for two exterior steel doors
• Discussion of request from Andreas Hassold to hold a block party on Pine Tree Drive on September 7, 2024
• Update on countywide radio system upgrade to P25 digital
• Discussion on Masonic Lodge property easements
• Update on placement of existing benches and possible public memorial for Walter Niedermeyer

Borough Council

The Slatington Borough Council will hold a special meeting to discuss potential changes to the Northern Lehigh Comprehensive Plan. Environmental Planning and Design (EPD) is scheduled to lead the discussion regarding these zoning amendments.

• Discussion and possible action concerning Northern Lehigh Comprehensive Plan zoning amendments

Water/Sewer/Highway Workshop Committee

The Water/Sewer/Highway Workshop Committee will review paving quotes for Chestnut Alley and Oakhurst Drive. The meeting also includes discussions regarding Walnut Street Bridge communications and delivery truck traffic at Center Avenue.

• Paving quotes for Chestnut Alley and Oakhurst Drive
• Walnut Street Bridge lighting and traffic signal communications
• Delivery truck traffic concerns at Center Avenue
• Maple Spring waterline replacement update
• Sewer capacity request from Walnutport

Finance Planning/Zoning, Public Safety, and Human/Community Services Committee

Committees will discuss staffing, fire alarm system ordinances, and a proposal for the fire company. The meeting also includes reviews of community event requests and a potential memorial.

• Staffing discussion
• Fire alarm system ordinance clarification
• Fire company fire alarm system proposal
• Potential public memorial for Walter Niedermeyer
• Northern Lehigh Swimming Pool Association fundraising request

Borough Council

The Slatington Borough Council will consider several items including a potential $1,000 expenditure for a police station designer and appointing a new Highway Chairman. The meeting also includes discussions on sewer authority fines and a quote for water valve upgrades. Additionally, the council will address an open seat following the passing of Walter Niedermeyer.

• Possible $1,000 expenditure to hire a designer for the police station
• Potential $1,500 advance to Slatington Borough Authority for NPDES/PA DEP fines
• Possible approval of a $31,908.51 quote for water valve upgrades from Martz Technologies, Inc.
• Motion to declare an open seat on Council following the death of Walter Niedermeyer
• Walnut Street Bridge closure effective June 10, 2024

Borough Council

The council will address the Walnut Street Bridge closure and a potential vacancy on the Borough Council. Discussions also include possible expenditures for a police station designer and sewer authority fines.

• Walnut Street Bridge closed effective June 10, 2024, until further notice
• Possible motion to approve up to $1,000.00 for a police station designer
• Awarded CDBG contract for air packs and cylinders totaling $72,554.00
• Possible motion to advance $1,500.00 to Slatington Borough Authority for fines
• Potential approval of $31,908.51 quote for water valve control upgrades

Water/Sewer/Highway Workshop Committee

The Water/Sewer/Highway Workshop Committee is reviewing infrastructure updates and utility requests. Discussions include waterline conflicts, grant-funded projects, and a capacity request from Walnutport.

• Underground waterline conflict for Walnut Street Bridge
• Delivery truck complaints at 748/750 Main Street
• Bidding updates for CDBG projects
• Liquid fuels funds match for 2023 Franklin Street CDBG project
• Request for increased sewer capacity from Walnutport

Finance Planning/Zoning, Public Safety, and Human/Community Services Committee

The Finance/Planning/Zoning, Public Safety, and Human/Community Services committees will meet to discuss several local proposals. The session includes reviews of public safety infrastructure and a potential new ordinance.

• Discussion on a possible bamboo ordinance
• Proposal for a fire company fire alarm system
• Proposed police station improvements
• Discussion on fire alarm enforcement
• Information on the Hometown Heros Banner project from Washington Township

Borough Council

Borough Council will discuss creating an ordinance to prevent squatters from exercising rights and a temporary construction easement with PennDOT. The body is also considering equipment upgrades for Council Chambers and a new financial services contract.

• Proposed ordinance to prevent squatters from exercising rights in the Borough
• Temporary construction easement with PennDOT for $4,400.00
• Purchase of digital equipment for Council Chambers at maximum cost of $2,000.00
• Hiring of Transcend Finance for Borough financial work
• Approval of map for Northern Lehigh Comp Plan Zoning initiative

Finance Planning/Zoning, Public Safety, and Human/Community Services Committee

The Finance/Planning/Zoning committee will discuss the Northern Lehigh Comp Plan Zoning initiative and digital updates for Council Chambers. The Public Safety committee will discuss a potential squatter ordinance, fire alarm code enforcement, and police station improvements. The Human/Community Services committee will review a request regarding Slatington Memorial Park.

• Discussion of Northern Lehigh Comp Plan Zoning initiative map
• Proposed ordinance to prevent squatters from exercising rights in the Borough
• Code enforcement discussion for fire alarms
• Pricing update for the fire house alarm system
• Review of Slatington Memorial Park completion request

Borough Council

The Council will interview candidates for an open seat and consider a resolution to fill that vacancy. Other items include updates on community development block grant projects and sewer repairs.

• Interviews of candidates for the open Slatington Borough Council seat
• Resolution R-06-24 regarding Right to Know procedures and fees for the Police Department
• Resolution R-05-24 to fill the current open seat on Borough Council
• Resolution R-07-24 amending the lease agreement for 526 W. Franklin Street
• Reimbursement of $192,586.40 for 2 South Street CDBG grants

Water/Sewer/Highway Workshop Committee

The Water/Sewer/Highway Workshop Committee will discuss infrastructure projects and resident requests. The meeting covers updates on CDBG projects, sewer installation permits, and water system upgrades.

• Walnut Street Bridge replacement and ductile iron pipe relocation
• No parking signs on Kuehner Ave and handicap parking for Slatington Library
• CDBG project bidding and 2023 liquid fuels funds match
• Sewer installation permits for PennDOT and clarifier drive unit repairs
• Filter bed effluent valve control upgrade quotes and SCADA system update

Borough Council

The Borough Council will hold a special meeting to discuss potential changes to the Northern Lehigh Comprehensive Plan. Environmental Planning and Design (EPD) is scheduled to lead the discussion regarding these zoning amendments.

• Discussion of Northern Lehigh Comprehensive Plan Zoning amendments led by Environmental Planning and Design (EPD)

Finance Planning/Zoning, Public Safety, and Human/Community Services Committee

The Finance, Planning, Zoning, Public Safety, and Human/Community Services committees are meeting for a workshop. Members will discuss temporary hiring, technology for Council Chambers, and police department Right-To-Know requests.

• Discussion on adding digital capability to Council Chambers
• Discussion on hiring of temp staff
• Proposed new resolution regarding Right-To-Know requests for the police department

Borough Council

Borough Council will discuss a JAG grant for public safety and award a liquid biosolids hauling contract. The body is also reviewing several community event permits and filling vacancies on the Council and Zoning Hearing Board.

• Resolution R-04-24 for a 2024/25 JAG Single Solicitation Local Initiations Grant of $197,525.38
• Award of Liquid Biosolids Hauling and Disposal Contract
• Water system quotes: $6,617.73 for spare parts and $11,175.00 for service wash pump replacement
• Sewer Authority bill transfers totaling $19,806.33
• Event permits for Victory Park Concert series, Rock the Park & Food Truck Festival, and Project Warm & Cozy

Water/Sewer/Highway Workshop Committee

The Water/Sewer/Highway Workshop Committee is meeting to discuss infrastructure updates and project bidding. Members will review bridge replacement communications and water system equipment quotes.

• Walnut Street bridge replacement underground sewer/water and traffic signal pole color
• Review of no parking signs on Kuehner Ave and existing ordinance
• CDBG projects bidding and 2023 liquid fuels funds match update
• Martz Technologies, Inc. quote for control panel spare parts: $6,617.73
• Martz Technologies, Inc. quote for filter bed effluent valve control upgrade: $19,587.37

Finance Planning/Zoning, Public Safety, and Human/Community Services Committee

The Finance, Public Safety, and Human/Community Services committees are meeting to discuss borough personnel and fire company updates. The body will also review several requests for the use of public space and alcohol service for community events.

• Feasibility of hiring a financial director or part-time position
• Feasibility of hiring additional borough personnel
• Alcohol service approval for NLRA 2024 events including Victory Park Concert series
• Caring Hearts application for Rock the park & Food Truck Festival on September 14, 2024
• Springside Sportsmen Club Inc. request for Kid’s Fishing Contest on May 4, 2024

Borough Council

Borough Council will discuss several infrastructure projects, including sewer clarifier repairs and CDBG projects. The body is also reviewing police hiring and potential funding for a fire truck payment.

• Motion to ratify primary clarifier drive unit repairs from Rebuild-it Services Group for $38,995.00
• Motion to adopt Professional Services Agreement (MS4) for ARRO Consulting, Inc. at $6,500.00 annually
• Discussion on CDBG projects for 2024 involving Willow Avenue, Cherry Street, and E. Franklin or Hill Street
• Possible motion to contribute COVID19 LFRF toward a fire truck payment of $17,267.82
• Discussion and possible motion to ratify the hiring of part-time police officer Kyle Bernhard

Water/Sewer/Highway Workshop Committee

The Water, Sewer, and Highway Workshop Committee will discuss infrastructure projects and maintenance updates. Key topics include CDBG street selections for 2024 and a sludge hauling contract expiring April 1, 2024.

• Selection of streets for 2024 CDBG submissions
• Updates on 2024 CDBG projects on North and Fifth Streets
• Sludge hauling contract expiring April 1, 2024
• PA Small Water Sewer grant for Maple Spring Drive
• Estimate for new heater at maintenance building using COVID19 LFRF

Borough Council

The Borough Council is holding a special meeting to conduct detailed discussion and take possible actions regarding zoning amendments for the Northern Lehigh Comprehensive Plan. Environmental Planning and Design (EPD) will lead the discussion.

• Discussion and possible action on Northern Lehigh Comprehensive Plan zoning amendments

Finance Planning/Zoning, Public Safety, and Human/Community Services Committee

The Finance, Planning, Zoning, Public Safety, and Human/Community Services committees will meet to discuss board appointments and infrastructure projects. The body will review grant funding for emergency services and community event requests.

• Resignation of Rebecca Edwards from the Zoning Hearing Board
• Proposal to move Bryon Reed from alternate to regular member of the Zoning Hearing Board
• CDR Maguire Engineering comments on So. Walnut Street bridge communication cable crossing
• Lehigh County 911 Radio Project intent to award
• Proposed Community Yard Sale dates for May 17-19 and September 13-15

Borough Council

Borough Council will consider funding for a new fire truck using COVID-19 LFRF funds and appoint a new tax collector for delinquent per capita taxes. The body will also discuss 2024 CDBG submissions and the potential reopening of the 2024 budget.

• Discussion on using COVID-19 LFRF funds to contribute toward a fire truck payment
• Resolution R-03-24 to appoint Statewide Tax Recovery as exclusive delinquent per capita tax collector
• Proposed return of grant funds and interest to the State of PA for Victory Park restrooms
• Notification of $235,957 COVID-19 Small Water and Sewer grant for Maple Spring Drive water line
• Motion to retain Cowen Associates for new sewer permit consulting work

Borough Council

The council will elect its President, Vice President, and President Pro Tem for the upcoming term. The meeting also includes motions to appoint various borough officers, engineers, and legal counsel.

• Election of Council President, Vice President, and President Pro Tem
• Appointment of Borough Solicitor, Manager/Secretary/Treasurer, and Engineer
• Adoption of Resolution R-01-2024 regarding Sewage Enforcement Officers
• Adoption of Resolution R-02-2024 establishing sewage permit fee structures
• Approval of borough depositories including Key Bank, Wells Fargo Advisors, Truist, and Principal