Northampton Borough Council, at the May 7 meeting held by telephonic conferencing, delayed a vote on whether to open the municipal swimming pool for the summer or not. Council members’ intention of the delay is to have the solicitor gather more information over legal issues on opening the pool because of COVID-19.

Attorney Steve Goudsouzian will research legal issues and the borough’s liability on the issue of opening or not having the pool operate for the summer. There was a lengthy discussion by council members on the pros and cons of having the pool open to the public.

Traditionally, the pool opens the first weekend in June.

“I recommend to keep the pool closed,” borough Manager LeRoy Brobst told council.

He said, however, the borough is ready to proceed in the event council votes to open the pool. This vote will take place at the May 21 meeting. Public works crews have sufficient time to make last-minute adjustments and fill the pool with water for the opening.

In other business, borough lawmakers voted unanimously to file applications for state grants to fund the D&L Trail and Nor-Bath Trail connections project from Canal Street to North Catasauqua. Another application is being made with the state for funding of the Dry Run restoration project.

Council was apprised of an out-of-state group of more than 25 persons holding a birthday party on a recent weekend at Canal Street Park. Police, acting on complaints, dispersed the crowd. Councilman Anthony Lopsonszki Sr. said there are posted rules and regulations at the park stating what is permitted or what is not permitted at the park facilities. One of the requirements is a permit from the borough.

Also at the meeting, approval was given for the hiring of five persons to work part time for the borough this summer. The persons hired would mostly cut grass at various sites and perform other outdoor maintenance, so the full-time public works employees can begin street repairs and paving projects.