At Catasauqua Borough Council’s workshop session Aug. 26, borough Manager Stephen Travers recommended the River Central Comprehensive Plan proposed by a consortium of municipalities be voted on at council’s regular meeting, set for Sept. 3.

The regional comprehensive plan is endorsed by North Catasauqua, East Allen Township, Catasauqua and Hanover Township, Lehigh County. Each of the municipalities is in the process of legalizing its participation. Each municipality has agreed to a financial commitment of $19,200 to cover anticipated costs. The measure is expected to pass.

Regional comprehensive planning allows municipalities a way around the state-mandated Municipal Planning Code and allows more local control over planning.

In other business, Phil Moser, of Bridge Court, asked council to address two problem oak trees that cause a mess from aging limbs to acorn debris. Council President Vincent Smith suggested that Moser sit down with the Catasauqua Borough Shade Tree Commission and work out a replacement. Robert Bastian, chairman of the commission, attended the council session and arranged a private meeting.

Moser appeared to be under the impression that removing trees was a borough responsibility. According to Bastian, the borough no longer plants oak trees along roadways. Most of the trees in the Bridge Court development were removed by homeowners.

Moser also asked for more Christmas decorations in the borough. He tried to purchase an ornament through the borough to be displayed near his home. He said he received no response. Councilwoman Jessica Kroope replied that the request may have been rejected because no electrical connection is in the area. Moser indicated it would have been respectful to at least reply to the request.

Smith indicated the long-awaited agreement on the Iron Works project is nearing completion. The agreement has been in negotiations for 16 months. Councilwoman Tammy Hauser expected a preliminary presentation at the borough planning and zoning committee, but the principals failed to show.

Smith explained negotiations with the developer are being handled by an ad hoc committee. The committee is scheduled to meet prior to the September meeting to iron out what Smith considered minor details. The goal is to release the agreement at the September meeting and give council a month for review.

Kroope voiced her concern over a parcel map produced in 2011 outlining the land purchased by the borough. The property details were clarified when the property was purchased by the borough and further identified when various parcels were regrouped into two combined parcels. Kroope said she believed the proposal would not bring sufficient revenue to the borough and the plan was not in the best interests of the borough.

Kroope was offered the option of being a part of the ad hoc committee but could not attend because of her work schedule.

The agreement is expected to be released. There were several indications during the planning process that multiple developers were interested, but when it came time to bid, there was one developer and that bid technically came in late.