Nine new North Catasauqua lighted snowflake ornaments were sponsored for the 2016 holiday season, according to North Catasauqua Betterment Committee President Joseph T. Keglovits

“I think this program is loved by everyone,” Keglovits said at the Dec. 13, 2016, borough council meeting. Residents pay to sponsor an ornament, and the betterment committee covers the cost of the PPL hookup for each one.

More than 130 snowflakes are currently decorating borough streets.

“You have a little bit of holiday cheer spread throughout the town,” he said.

Keglovits also asked council members about plans to spiff up the appearance of the borough property, calling the municipal building’s exterior wall “ratty looking.”

He also pointed out there are dirty-looking light fixtures and stained carpet.

“As this is the hub of our community, it’s something that should be taken care of,” he said.

Council President Peter Paone commented the borough’s public works Director Al Steigerwalt reported his department is planning to remove shrubbery from around the exterior of the municipal building to get access to the wall that needs repairs.

“Al asked if council would want the shrubs replaced or window boxes installed instead,” he said.

Councilman Bill Nothstein said later Steigerwalt should bring his ideas to the borough’s public property, parks and buildings committee for discussion.

Treasurer Annette Englert said cleaning of the carpet has already been scheduled.

Also at the meeting, North Catasauqua Fire Chief Shawn McGinley reported the fire department had elected and recommended for approval the following department leadership:

• Fire Chief Shawn McGinley

• Assistant Fire Chief Erik Hirner

• Deputy Fire Chief Paul Santini

• Captain Tyler Fatzinger

• Fire Police Captain Robin Ruch

• Fire Police Lieutenant Matt Taylor

He said the borough had honored two firefighters for their exemplary service at the department’s annual banquet in December, and he thanked the borough and Mayor Bill Molchany Jr. for the proclamations, delivered at the dinner by borough council President Peter Paone.

Honored were Bill McGinley for his 50 years as a volunteer firefighter and Bob Moser for saving a life with his CPR training two years ago.