Emmaus Borough Council approved an amendment altering a development agreement with the Emmaus Main Street Partners at the Sept. 16 meeting.

The change allows the developer of a property on Main Street to continue the project with the expectation of receiving partial compensation through a Pennsylvania Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program.

Council previously approved backing the RACP grant but language needed to be changed to fulfill the state specifications for the grant agreement.

Borough Solicitor Jeffrey Dimmich urged council to pass the amendment pending a review by his law firm.

"Our (financial) exposure is so nominal under such circumstances that I highly recommend approving this," Dimmich said.

The borough's backing of the grant also comes with a "personal guarantee" signed by the developer which will alleviate the borough of any financial commitment to the project.

Emmaus Main Street Partners Lawyer John Stover explained how the money has been lent to the developer and the RACP funding will be allocated to pay the loan taken for the project.

Stover told council the project will increase the value of the building by four times and add jobs in the borough.

Council also passed an ordinance changing the zoning classification of a 1.155 acre tract of land from "medium density residential" to a "light industrial district." The property with the zoning change is located at 316 Wood Street and is owned by The Tiny Mustard Seed, LLC.

Council approved the purchase of new software for the police department. Borough Manager Shane Pepe said the software is designed to streamline records management and has been recommended by the state. The new program will cost $6,215 initially and $2,500 annually with a minimum three year commitment.

A moment of silence was held at the meeting to honor former Emmaus Mayor Barry W. Barto who died Sept. 8. Barto served as mayor from 1994 to 1997.