Bob Boehmer, an Emmaus artist and member of the Emmaus Arts Commission, unveiled his original artwork for the Emmaus Christmas card at the Nov. 19 Emmaus Borough Council meeting.

Boehmer released number eight in the Christmas card series highlighting the Remembrance Garden at the Knauss Homestead. "An Emmaus Christmas to Remember" is the title of his newest creation.

He said he was inspired to paint the Remembrance Garden because he and his wife laid two bricks there this year. He placed one for his father and his wife placed one for her father. Both served in World War II.

The original print will be on display at Emmaus Borough Hall and cards will be sold at many local businesses including Buss Paints, Wentz Hardware, Herbein's, On The Way to Emmaus, Louie's Bakery, the Emmaus Public Library and others. The cards are blank on the inside and Boehmer recommended putting an original message inside either by writing or by printing on a home computer. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the events of the Emmaus Arts Commission.

Council voted to select Lehigh Fuels as their distributer of heating oil, kerosene, unleaded fuel and diesel fuel. They only received two bids for the service and will be taking an increase on all fuel costs. Heating oil will increase by 3.6 percent, kerosene by 9.3 percent, unleaded fuel by 1.2 percent and diesel fuel by 12 percent. Borough Manager Shane Pepe said the cost for all of their fuels is still under market value.

Emmaus Borough Council voted to eliminate dispatch answering service for the Public Works Department at the meeting. In discussion they said this is a cost-cutting measure and calls will now be forwarded to the "duty phone" which will be answered by the person on duty at the time of the call.

Council also voted to disband the Ad Hoc Committee and eliminate the first council meeting of the month for the months of June, July and August.

Police Officers Joseph Longenback and Robert Alburger were appointed to full-time positions with the Emmaus Police Department as they have successfully completed their probationary period.

A council pay increase was on the agenda for the meeting but was not discussed. The proposed increase would be scheduled for 2014 and add $600 per year to council members $2,001 per year salary. Emmaus council members have been making the same amount since 1976.