At the Feb. 24 Catasauqua Borough Council workshop meeting, pending ordinances and resolutions were presented for discussion.

An ordinance to have all fire department services under the volunteer firefighters association will be voted on at the next meeting. The ordinance decertifies former fire companies within the borough that no longer house firetrucks and other equipment.

Borough Solicitor Jeffrey Dimmich reported a potential legal entanglement regarding Southwark Hose Company social club, Second and Church streets. Southwark has no firetrucks or firefighting equipment. It is a social club that was once a fire department.

There are questions regarding its nonprofit status, zoning issues and other potential legal issues, Dimmich said, adding the defendant is maintaining the legal issues will be costly.

A resolution that defines the absence of a mayor and how the council president can function as the mayor’s temporary replacement was also discussed.

Dimmich explained this is more complicated than it seems. Because of ambiguity in the borough code, the definition of absence can be tailored by council to say if the mayor is absent for two official meetings, the council president assumes the role of mayor at the third consecutive missed meeting. Dimmich suggested council exclude workshop meetings from the potential two-meeting rule.

According to Dimmich, the George Taylor House 501(c)3 status is stalled and in need of bylaws, official elected officers and an insurance resolution.

Borough Manager Steven Travers said the George Taylor House roof slate has arrived. Weather permitting, the new roof will be installed soon.

Mayor Barbara Schlegel reported a May 2 flea market fundraiser will be held at George Taylor House. Proceeds of the event will benefit the borough police department’s K-9 unit.

A resolution to join the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, East Allen and Hanover townships and North Catasauqua and Northampton boroughs to create a multimunicipal comprehensive plan is scheduled for the next council meeting.

The new burning ordinance is completed and being reviewed by the fire marshal. The ordinance is designed to address recreational burning in backyards. Neighbors have complained about smoke drifting into homes from backyard fires.

Other current projects are moving forward, including the manhole project on Race Street. The plan is to repair manholes to reduce infiltration into the sewer system. Travers said, after completion, this project will reduce sewer costs for rate payers.

Councilman Paul Cmil suggested Travers contact the Coplay Whitehall Sewer Authority for assistance.

Councilman Cameron Smith reported the borough manager’s contract is up for renewal. The solicitor is reviewing the new contract and an employee handbook is being developed.

Brian McKittrick reported the school zone sign installation on St. John Street is complicated. The police need to clarify the actual speed limit in the school zones.

His committee is working on a fire chief position qualification as well.

McKittrick also said there are challenges with police enforcing the two-hour parking limit in some areas. Police get a call when they are checking the two-hour zones that take them away. He said hiring a parking enforcement officer is an option.

Councilwoman Deb Mellish noted the planning and zoning committee is working on a rental ordinance.

Councilman Gene Schlegel discussed pool issues that may need additional resources.

The next council meeting is 7 p.m. March 2 in the municipal complex, 90 Bridge St., Catasauqua.