Emmaus Borough Council passed an ordinance amending the rules and regulations of the Civil Service Commission at the March 4 meeting.

The new ordinance primarily pertains to the commission's rules in hiring, promoting or demoting Emmaus police officers. The new ordinance outlines procedures regarding police personnel and creates a clear set of rules for the addition of officers, including testing and background investigations.

The background investigation is subject to reviews of credit history and criminal background with possible interviews of family, former teachers, former neighbors and all references.

In addition to the written examination, oral examination and physical fitness test, there will be physical and psychological examinations to better vet potential candidates.

A polygraph test will also be administered to potential candidates to verify the conditional appointee's personal character, history, records and other information.

Council voted to move forward with an Arts Commission plan to utilize Borough Hall for some artistic endeavors in the future. Any events or displays will be subject to review based on scheduling conflicts with either borough meetings or renovations.

Council voted to price a new heating and ventilation system for Borough Hall. This issue has been discussed for some time as the current system is aging. Borough Manager Shane Pepe will price various options including a possible change to natural gas to reduce annual fuel payments. Pepe will explore the options for a new heating system and report back to council at a future meeting.

Barry Isett & Associates, Inc. was approved to prepare a request for a grant to conduct an application for a Department of Conservation and Natural Resources recreation study. The grant application will be at no charge to the borough.

The study, if implemented, would review borough parks and open the borough up to applying for DCNR grants. It would cost approximately $70,000 to conduct the study and half would be paid for through the grant if approved. Councilman Wesley Barrett said he would hope to be able to raise the other half through community contributions. He said there are entities in the borough who would be interested in donating knowing the possible grants could provide trails, park improvements and other recreational activities for borough residents.

Council voted to pay $300 to the Cedarbrook Sportsmen to stock Furnace Dam in time for the March 30 regional opening day of trout fishing. Dust off your rods and sharpen your hooks, fishing season is almost here.

The compost area is scheduled to open March 13 and Councilman Jeff Shubzda reported the facility is prepared to open on schedule.

Council approved the purchase of a small paver for public works while simultaneously approving the sale of the old paver. The funds for the new paver will come from insurance money received due to a storm-damaged pavilion at Community Park.

Council voted unanimously to put garbage collection out to bid when the contract with Raritan Valley expires. In discussion, they decided to review the contract and collection needs before putting it out so the new agency will be able to tailor their bid to the borough's needs.