Feral cats continue to irritate Catasauqua borough residents despite efforts to keep the situation under control, according to Brian Bartholomew. The borough councilman brought up the problem for discussion at the council's June council meeting.

"In some areas of the borough, we are overrun with feral cats," he said. "We have an agreement that the cats are trapped, neutered and released. They are brought back to the borough. What good is that? They continue to cause damage."

Bartholomew had support from residents in areas where the cats congregate, although he acknowledged it is difficult to come up with a sustainable solution.

"The last time we discussed the problem, people who support the cats were here to protest taking any action," he said.

According to Bartholomew, the problem is with feral cats that live on airport property and wander into the borough where the problem is getting worse.

"People in the borough are feeding them," he said.

In the past, the borough set traps, but the cats were able to detect and elude the traps. A program that captures feral cats and takes them outside the borough seems to be an alternative and the borough will investigate options.

The lament of Bartholomew and others is that dogs or other pets are not allowed to roam free, but the restriction does not apply to cats.

In other matters, two properties in the borough, 464 Race St. and 405 Crane St., are in the condemnation process.

Solicitor Jeffery Dimmich indicated the owners of the Crane Street property have not been found.

According to Dimmich, the borough may be stuck with expenses incurred when the building collapsed in a heavy rainstorm last year. Dimmich recommended condemning the Race Street property under the property maintenance code to save expense.

In a related matter, the council authorized the solicitor to take condemnation action for eight square feet of property at 801 Race St. The parcel is needed to install a light pole at the intersection of Race and 14th streets.

The borough made numerous attempts to contact the owner who is not responsive. The existing pole is near the edge of the intersection and is frequently damaged by vehicles making a turn onto Race Street. The borough is revamping the intersection under a county grant and wants to move the pole further back from the intersection to decrease damage incidents.

The borough will continue to attempt to make contact with the owner, but the condemnation process is a backup needed to complete the revamp of the intersection.

Councilwoman Jessica Kroope announced this year North Catasauqua residents will be offered pool passes at a reduced rate to swim at the Catasauqua Pool.

"We want them to use the pool," said Kroope after the meeting.

The reduced rates are in effect for this season as a pilot program. At one time, the school district supported the pool and all residents in the school district were eligible for reduced rates.

"The school district no longer provides any support for the pool. Operating expenses come out of the borough's budget," she said after the meeting.

Encouraging North Catasauqua residents with preferred rates is designed to entice them to use the pool and help the borough cover operating expenses.