Newly appointed President of the Emmaus Arts Commission Teri McManamon reported Emmaus' SnowBlast celebration was a success at the Feb. 4 council meeting.

McManamon said more local businesses participated in the event than any previous year. Events took place around town with artistic venues at the Clock Building and the Emmaus Public Library. She reported the ice bar, sponsored by the Main Street Partners and created by Bear Creek Mountain Resort, was a success.

She said the cold weather may have kept some people from coming out but the people who attended seemed to enjoy the event from the celebration of arts to the food selection, kept warm through the donation of a generator by Wesley Works.

Councilman Jeff Shubzda reported the Health, Sanitation and Conservation committee voted not to offer a refund of the $6 fee for apartments toward the multi-unit compost and refuse bill. It was brought to council's attention many rental units do not use the compost area and a refund was discussed but Shubzda said the committee decided it is impossible to know who uses the site. The fact part of the fee is attributed to Christmas tree collection was also cited in the decision.

Councilman Brent Labenberg reported the borough's agreement with the Emmaus High School rifle team for usage of a practice range at Community Park has led to a very successful season. He said the team is undefeated this year and has been invited to participate in state championships.

Emmaus council members are working on their Volunteer of the Year Award for 2012 and will unveil the recipient soon. Council will also select retrospective awards as no recipient was selected in the past two years.

Council's next meeting will be 7 p.m. Feb. 19 because the regularly scheduled Monday meeting would fall on Presidents Day. A newly finished display in Borough Hall will be officially unveiled 6:30 p.m.