In his park and recreation committee report, Catasauqua Borough Councilman Gene Schlegel requested a meeting with his committee and borough Manager Steve Travers to discuss summer activities at the parks. There are thoughts to close the swimming pool at Catasauqua Park and Playground. Schlegel said he and his committee will keep council aware of any suggestions.

Travers said the parks will be closed until Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf lifts his parks utilization ban. He said he expects the pool will be closed.

The summer concerts for May and June are canceled. If the parks ban is not lifted, the July and August summer concert schedule will be canceled as well.

Councilman Brian Bartholomew asked Travers to provide, if possible, a rough figure of what the cost savings would be if the pool does not open this summer. Travers said the savings would be about $120,000.

Schlegel noted that if the pool is closed, much-needed repairs can be completed. The pool has a leakage problem that needs correction, along with other upgrades.

In other business, Bartholomew asked Travers if the street lines could be painted because of the reduced vehicular traffic in the borough. Travers said this can be done.

Council President Vincent Smith suggested the painting should be done as it clearly is a good time to complete this type of work because of less traffic. It will promote public safety, he added.

Mayor Barbara Schlegel, in her report, thanked the police and fire departments and borough manager, who have done an outstanding job for Catasauqua.

She also recognized North Catasauqua Borough and North Catasauqua Mayor William Molchany for cooperating with Catasauqua to provide the Catasauqua High School seniors with a developing plan to do something special to honor their accomplishments.

Schlegel thanked Holy Trinity Memorial Lutheran Church for its food service deliveries to Catasauqua residents.

Council is working on a plan to provide some relief for taxpayers by expanding the time to pay borough taxes without penalty. Both the borough solicitor and borough engineer had little to report. Solicitor Thomas Dinkelacker said the draft agreement for the sale of the Iron Works is expected to be ready for council action at the June council meeting.

Borough Engineer Ron Gawlik said, “There is not a lot of construction being done in the borough” due to lockdowns related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Councilman Brian McKittrick said, in his public safety report, there are plans to hire another police officer. Because of the pandemic, there is a challenge getting police officer applicants polygraphed.

The next council meeting is 7 p.m. May 26. It is unclear at this point if the meeting will be livestreamed or if it will be held in council chambers at the municipal complex, 90 Bridge St.