At Northampton Borough Council’s Aug. 19 meeting, Councilman Tony Pristash explained the cancellation of a large rose garden, which had been presented for development at the borough’s Canal Street Park.

The park recently has been stressed and under scrutiny by council due to misbehavior of some people, including those residing outside the borough, who use the park for loud picnics and parties that upset neighbors and reportedly kept borough residents fearful of using the park walkway.

Pristash said the canceled rose garden situation was “a temporary stumbling block,” adding when the offer was made by the Lehigh Valley Rose Garden Society, it was made to a number of local communities.

“Unknown to us, another community availed themselves of the offer (from Lehigh Valley Rose Garden Society), and we were not informed. Members of the committee are researching an alternative solution,” he said.

Pristash said he has met with a Master Gardener who offered to work as an adviser for any horticultural improvements planned for Canal Street Park.

Later in the meeting, Councilwoman Judy Kutzler floated the idea of possibly having a large sunflower garden at the park. Pristash responded the committee is considering many alternatives that may include a sunflower garden.

In other business at the meeting, Brian Szabo, director of the Change on Main program, said Change on Main is planning a work party of 30-plus volunteers Sept. 10 to help clean up Canal Street Park.

Szabo added the program has been successful in helping those struggling with addiction challenges get placed promptly in recovery centers. Change on Main is located at 1830 Main St., Northampton, and offers a wide array of services for those in early recovery or to maintain their sobriety. All the services Change on Main provides are free.

Jeffrey Odenwelder, of Dewey Avenue, was appointed to the borough’s planning commission. He fills the unexpired term of former member Robert McHale. The term ends Dec. 31, 2022.

In his administration and finance committee report, Councilman Kenneth Hall said the borough received its first installment of the federal American Rescue Plan payment, totaling $516,542.56. A second payment from the federal government in an equal amount is expected to arrive in 2022.

The zoning hearing board met and granted two appeals. One was to approve the operation of a pet grooming salon, and a second approval permits RGM Land Holdings a change of use on its property.

In Kutzler’s fire and health committee report, she expressed gratitude to the fire department for adding six new members with a combined 90 years of fire service experience. She noted this keeps Northampton Fire Department one of the strongest volunteer departments in the Lehigh Valley.

Council had the opportunity to briefly meet a junior council candidate, Ryleigh Tillotson. She expects to be sworn in as a junior council member at the Sept. 2 council meeting. Council thanked her for applying for the role.

Borough Manager LeRoy Brobst requested and received permission to have Victor Rodite, community planner, apply for funding from the hotel tax grant process. If successful, the funds will go toward improving the Delaware & Lehigh Heritage Trail between North Catasauqua and Northampton boroughs.

The next council meeting will be 7:30 p.m. Sept. 2 in council chamber at the borough’s municipal building, 1401 Laubach Ave.