Many trees in Northampton, took a hit when Hurricane Sandy ravaged the northeast and struck the borough.

"As everyone is aware, we had a bad storm with trees down in various parts of the borough," stated Borough Manager Gene Zarayko in a report to council. "Any trees that fell across a roadway, the borough crew came in and cut them up and removed them. Any trees that fell in anyone's yard were removed if the resident cut them up and placed them at the curb."

At the Nov. 15 council meeting, Councilman Anthony Lopsonzski Sr. addressed the matter of fallen trees, focusing on Canal Park. Lopsonzski suggested residents donate trees to the borough for planting at the park. Over the years individuals and organizations have come forward and provided funding for planting of trees there.

In a related storm matter, council discussed the the band shell in the municipal park, which was heavily damaged by wind.

"On Wednesday, Nov. 7, I had an insurance adjuster here to take pictures and give us an estimate of what he thought the repairs would cost," reported Zarayko. "He [adjuster] also asked that we get a private contractor to give us an estimate. I had our building inspector, Michael Edelman, take a look at it and his recommendation was to remove the top portion that is still standing and close in the dome section without reinstalling the upper portion."

Council members discussed the issue of repairs with officers of the Northampton Exchange Club which donated the band shell to the borough decades ago.

One suggestion was to move the band shell completely around so it faces Smith Lane, where most activities take place, including the Exchange Club's Community Days. However, some thought this could be cost prohibitive.

No figures were provided for the cost of damages and whether the borough's insurance would cover the costs of repair.