After much discussion and debate, Hellertown Borough Council has decided to move forward with a grant that will assist with improvements to the Water Street Park.

Borough Engineer Bryan Smith informed council at its March 17 meeting of the TAP grant. Smith said if approved, the borough would have to fund 20 percent of the grant.

Borough President Thomas Rieger said while he understands the utility of the grant, he was skeptical in applying.

"I don't want it to come down to 20 percent of a matching grant," he said.

John Bate, council vice president, expressed confusion over council's initial reservations with applying for the grant.

"I just don't understand," he said. "We're trying to get people into our community and we're afraid of getting a grant."

Borough Manager Kathy Hartranft said it was in the borough's best interest to apply for the grant.

"It's a perfect opportunity to utilize some of these funds to beautify the area," she said. "It [grant] ties into our comprehensive plan and our walkability study and finishes water street," she said.

Smith said if council is not satisfied with the design of the park, he can make adjustments to the plan. Grant funding will not be affected by any adjustments, he said.

Rieger stressed council needs to be cautious in moving forward with the grant, keeping a mindful eye on the budget.

"If we want to do it [grant], we have to go for it," stressed Councilman Richard Staffieri.

Council unanimously approved applying for the grant.

In other business, council formally said farewell to longtime borough accountant Lois Matz.

Matz was employed by the borough for many years. Rieger thanked Matz for her service and presented her with a resolution and the keys to the borough.