Mike Leondi, representing Rockefeller Group, presented a road upgrade status report during the Catasauqua Borough Council workshop meeting Jan. 27. Leondi noted the two-stage plan for Willowbrook Road, Race Street and Airport Road should be completed by August or September.

Construction has been delayed due to weather concerns over the past year. At the phase two conclusion, Willowbrook Road will contain four lanes, Race Street will be widened, including a five-lane section, and a section of Airport Road will be widened to six lanes.

Councilman Paul Cmil asked why a truck driver would go through Catasauqua. He asked if anything can be done to dissuade a trucker from going into the borough.

Leondi replied he has no solutions, but a driver may turn toward Catasauqua because of traffic delays on his primary route. A sign could be placed on Race Street warning the traffic is dense in Catasauqua.

Council President Vincent Smith noted truck traffic is not to come down Race Street into Catasauqua. He asked the public safety committee to look into truck safety issues as they relate to the borough.

Councilman Cameron Smith said he has a number of questions for Leondi that Vincent Smith asked to be sent via email to allow Leondi time to provide full answers.

Vincent Smith asked Leondi if he can speak to the warehouse operators to discuss traffic going to Catasauqua. Leondi replied he would assist in solving the traffic issues.

Mayor Barbara Schlegel commented the local police chiefs in the region are meeting to discuss truck traffic challenges.

In other business, Annette Pompa, co-owner of Taylor House Brewing Company, informed council there are plans being assembled to hold a Women in Industry celebration. The event will be held 2-10 p.m. April 25 on the George Taylor House grounds. More information is forthcoming.

Borough Manager Steven Travers asked council to get the monthly committee meeting schedules together, so a final schedule for all borough meetings can be announced.

Travers reported the borough is switching its website to WordPress to better manage content. The WordPress cost would be about $10,000.

Councilman Gene Schlegel asked Travers to provide a shade tree placement plan for Front Street. Travers said he will provide the plans.

Barbara Schlegel announced Catasauqua will be hosting a National Night Out celebration in August. She noted Catasauqua will team up with North Catasauqua to co-sponsor the event.

In a public safety report, Councilman Brian McKittrick said, “All bus stops will be removed from Front Street because buses don’t run on Front (Street).”

This is expected to free up parking spaces.

Also, the fire department is considering the purchase of a new ladder truck, which will cost more than $1 million.

In another matter, regulations regarding recreational burning by residents are being developed. The largest complaint about resident burning is the smoke that affects neighbors.

The next council meeting will be 7 p.m. Feb. 3 at Catasauqua Municipal Complex, 90 Bridge St.