The Freemansburg Borough council swore in a woman to its previously all male lineup during their reorganization meeting Jan. 6. New member Colleen Gallagher previously served as inspector of elections for Freemansburg, and has a professional background in IT. In May of 2019 she gave testimony to Northampton County Council regarding the security and accuracy of voting machines, stating that paper ballots are superior.

The council unanimously re-elected Homer “Bud” Lorrah as president and Justin “Peanuts” LaBar as VP. The following resolutions were unanimously approved: reappointment of several borough officials including James Kratz as borough solicitor and Justin Coyle as borough engineer; adoption of the 2020 borough fee schedule; authorization of 2020 sewer rates; issuance of a general obligation bond for municipal complex renovations; and authorization for Police Chief Jonathan Itterly to submit a grant to the Pa. Liquor Control Board for a new department vehicle.

Three change order requests from contractor CMG of Easton concerning the borough hall renovations were on the agenda. Council member Gerald Yob commented, “It has only been three weeks of construction and we have $20,000 in change orders.” He also noted the new proposed cost equals the second lowest bid amount the borough had received. Council passed the first change order 5-2 with “no” votes by Yob and Charles Derr. The other change orders were tabled.

Council unanimously approved writs of execution and listings for sheriff’s free and clear sales on three homes with delinquent sewer and trash accounts: 343 Garfield St., 34 Green St., and 222 1/2 Juniata St.

Donation of recovered bicycles to a charity auction was unanimously approved at the request of the police department. The fire company asked to acquire an out of service police ATV for use in towpath rescue and emergency service calls. Council voted 6-0 to approve with one abstention.