Interim North Catasauqua Fire Chief Shawn McGinley reported the borough's Charotin Hose Company has been granted $13,000 by the state for the purchase of new gear racks at the fire station. They will be mounted on the wall.

McGinley said this will free up some floor space, expected to be needed when the new fire truck arrives.

Also to be purchased with the grant money are a tool for opening locked doors during emergencies to enter buildings and saws to be carried in fire vehicles.

He said the items will be purchased at the fire show in Harrisburg in May when reduced prices are often offered.

This is an annual state grant. McGinley said the amount awarded is based on the items needed and the level of training achieved by members of the department.

He also reported training on the new truck will include two days of work with the aerial apparatus by volunteer firefighters in the department, June 2 and June 7.

On those days, residents may see sections of borough streets blocked off for the training activity, possibly at borough hall and at a borough residence.

"I don't want people to think there is an actual fire emergency going on," he said. They may also be training on the Fuller property in Catasauqua.

The truck, being built in Michigan, is expected to arrive at the Skippack dealership in late April.

Fire department personnel will take the old truck to the dealership so the radio and computer equipment can be removed and installed in the new truck.

Council President Joe Keglovits said a final payment on the truck is due. The council approved payment in the amount of $194,630 by a 4-0 vote, with Councilmen John Yanek, Peter Paone and Michael Seng absent.

The total cost of the emergency vehicle is $610,000.

Keglovits said no bids have been received for the old pumper truck the new one will replace.

As no bids were received, the council approved contacting a broker to handle the sale, at a minimum of $35,000.

Also at the meeting, Emergency Management Coordinator Gregg Scheirer reported he had met with Northampton officials, and his emergency management plan for the borough was approved.

He left a notebook containing the plan at the borough office for council members to review. They will vote on approval of the plan at the May 14 council meeting.