The decaying Lehigh Canal dam near Nancy Run Creek was of concern at the January 21st meeting of the Freemansburg Borough Council. “We really need to look at it this summer and replace the planking,” said council member Charles Derr, explaining that the cycle of submersion in the wet season and air-drying in the summer has likely rotted the wood. Council members agreed on the need to raise funds. Some favored pursuing a park grant, but according to Derr, that could force the involvement of multiple contractors at a high cost. “It’s like that $6,000 bridge across the canal that we ended up spending $100,000 on,” he said.

Also discussed was the possibility that construction at the municipal building, normally a polling place, will not be complete before the next election. Council President Homer Lorrah said the Fire Company garage is the best alternative. Borough Solicitor James Kratz advised that an agreement with the county might be required for such use.

The council passed the following motions unanimously: payment of current bills; approval of increased liquid fuel cost for the street sweeper (with one abstention); and adoption of the previous meeting’s minutes.

Updating on the status of the Police Department, Chief Jonathan Itterly said the officers just completed their annual training in defensive tactics.

2020 Parks & Recreation calendars will be enclosed in sanitation invoices mailed to residents Feb. 1, said department chair Peggy Reichard.