A revised draft of the controversial apartment rental ordinance, which, in its original form, sparked spirited debate and discussion by Northampton Borough Council and citizens, comes before borough council this evening, Aug. 2.

The first attempt at passing such legislation was vetoed by Mayor Thomas Reenock June 7. To pass the mayor’s veto this time around, the ordinance needs a majority vote plus one.

The proceedings begin 6:30 p.m. A public hearing regarding the revised legislation will allow residents to give their input on the rental inspections for apartment owners.

Council will meet 7:30 p.m. The matter is the first order of business on the agenda.

The rental property ordinance is expected to cover 1,365 known units in the borough.

The original legislation would have required landlords to pay a registration fee for each unit. A borough code enforcement officer would schedule inspections of the property, collect inspection fees and address the correction of any unsafe conditions if found.

Voting for the ordinance in May, which passed by a scant one vote, were council members Judy Kutzler, Kenneth Hall, Robert McHale and Anthony Lopsonzski Sr. Voting no were council members Ed Pany, Keith Piescienski and Anthony Pristash. Council President Anthony Lopsonzski Jr. was absent.

Reenock said, in explaining his reason for the veto, that he believes the borough already has adequate provisions to deal with apartment issues, including property maintenance, electrical, plumbing and building codes. Police and other avenues exist to address any problems the rental apartment ordinance would have.