Catasauqua Borough Council held its last virtual meeting July 6, with a plan to have the workshop meeting in person July 27. The primary topic of discussion at the meeting was fireworks.

Every municipality in the Lehigh Valley struggles with the increased usage and the strength of fireworks that can be purchased since the Pennsylvania legislature loosened the state’s fireworks law in 2017. With this change in the law, resident fireworks complaints are sky high.

“We have seen a significant increase in complaints since the legislators (in Harrisburg) relaxed the fireworks laws,” Catasauqua Police Chief Douglas Kish said.

Councilwoman Deb Mellish asked Kish for a report on residents’ fireworks usage July 4. Kish said there were 22 complaints spanning 4 p.m.-midnight with three arrests.

Councilman Paul Cmil mentioned he was out canvassing the borough July 4 and said, “There were about 1,000-plus people shooting off fireworks, even in the middle of the street, shooting rockets from the street.”

Cmil relayed they would not stop even with a police presence.

“I think we have to reconsider what we are doing, as we will not stop people from shooting fireworks on the Fourth of July,” he said.

“The fact of the matter is, there is nothing we can do until the law is amended (in Harrisburg),” Solicitor Thomas Dinkelacker said.

A police officer must catch the person actually lighting the fireworks in order to execute an arrest.

Catasauqua Borough Mayor Barbara Schlegel urged residents to contact local legislators to work to change the fireworks laws. Schlegel suggested anyone can contact Catasauqua’s state representative, Jeanne McNeill, D-133rd.

Borough Manager Steven Travers noted he spoke with McNeill’s office. McNeill is considering co-sponsoring a bill to have the fireworks law revert to the previous law. This would reduce the size of fireworks for sale, thereby reducing their public nuisance quality.

Dinkelacker reported it might be challenging to change the fireworks laws because the 18-percent sales tax on fireworks generates millions of dollars in revenue for the state. He noted legislators may be reluctant to stifle this tax revenue.

Councilman Cameron Smith said a letter should be sent to all local state legislators about changing the fireworks laws to address public safety, not just as a public nuisance.

An elongated discussion about the frustration with the amount of fireworks being set off by some residents, the number of complaints and a reported insolent attitude toward law enforcement trying to enforce regulations concluded with a plan to contact both McNeill and state Sen. Lisa Boscola, D-18th, to work to change the fireworks laws.

In other news, Travers reported all employees have returned to normal shifts, and the safety plan for going to the green phase was approved.

The plan is to have borough hall open to the public July 13. Everyone entering the building will have their temperature checked and must wear a mask. Ample disinfectant is available to clean and keep the borough hall sanitized, Travers explained.

Travers also reported Catasauqua Park and Playground, 501 American St., is now open. The basketball courts, other courts and playground equipment are available for use. The swimming pool remains closed.

The in-person summer concerts are canceled due to the 250-person maximum per Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf’s green phase restrictions. Concerts will continue to be held virtually 8 p.m. every Friday. Information to access the concert is available at the borough’s website.

The Race Street bridge project remains incomplete. Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has to correct the problems that caused the bridge to fail its final inspection in late June. PennDOT will have to reinspect again before opening the bridge, according to Travers. No date has been announced for the reopening.

Travers is pleased with the progress of the website upgrade so far. He noted it allows for more efficient navigation of the site.

Under new business, Cmil voiced his disappointment that some residents expressed concern about their safety from police. He asked to have selected council members meet with community leaders to address any misconceptions about the Catasauqua Police Department.

Mellish pointed out there are people who are afraid of police.

Council President Vincent Smith noted support of an effort to address public safety issues. He said members should be proactive with a diverse group to promote safety in the borough.

Schlegel suggested including the school district in such discussions.

Council next meets 7 p.m. July 27 at borough hall, 90 Bridge St., for a workshop meeting.