At the Oct. 4 meeting, Catasauqua Borough Council unanimously passed Resolution 2021-09, which requested a Local Shared Account grant, in the amount of $30,900, be awarded to the borough for public planning for the Catasauqua Municipal Swimming Pool.

The long-awaited swimming pool plan to map the future of the municipal pool may come to fruition.

In the hearing of persons present agenda item, a resident complimented organizers and volunteers of the Fest O’ Fall event held Oct. 2. It was suggested the event has the opportunity to grow and expand. She mentioned many residents asked for the hay ride that was present at previous Fest O’ Fall events and suggested having more food vendors.

Another resident reported a local blessing box was damaged. The police were called, but there was allegedly no officer response. The resident questioned if Catasauqua police are helping cover other municipalities, and if so, said Catasauqua police cannot fully assist borough residents. The resident observed both the mayor and police chief were not present at the meeting.

Council President Vincent Smith explained the police mutual aid arrangements between neighboring municipalities.

Another resident recommended regionalizing the borough’s police with another municipality, perhaps Whitehall. Smith noted police regionalizing has been considered in the past but never agreed upon. The police mutual aid arrangements are working, he said.

Borough Manager Stephen Travers said council needs to advertise a special meeting for later this month regarding the 5G ordinance. An agenda must be developed for the special meeting.

The junior council report was provided by Haylie Toth and Chloe Moyer. They commented on the success of Fest O’ Fall. Councilwoman Debra Mellish thanked them for getting a number of volunteers to assist with the event’s children activities.

In his solicitor’s report, Thomas Dinkelacker reported the drafted 5G ordinances were received from Cohen Group. The draft ordinances will be tailored to Catasauqua‘s needs and presented to council for consideration.

Dinkelacker also mentioned, with the Iron Works project, many deeds and resource materials are being reviewed. He asked if there are any old pictures or other documents that could provide clarity regarding the railroad properties. He said some of the railroad maps are faded and difficult to read.

Engineer Vanessa Nedrick said the road program is progressing, with the contractors issuing information about the project next week. A work schedule has been developed and provided to the manager.

A recreation committee report was provided by Mellish. She said the concept of planting an eternity tree for cremation ashes was discussed in committee. Dinkelacker said there are a number of issues to address before this can move forward.

Mellish added there are plans to make the municipal pool house a haunted house for the Halloween season to raise funds for the pool.

Mellish asked a question about oversight of the funds raised by the Friends of the Pool Committee. Councilman Paul Cmil, pool committee member, said there is a meeting in two weeks and answers will be provided then.

The Christmas tree lighting at Catasauqua Park and Playground, 501 American St., will be held in early December.

There was a report on the new scoreboard to be installed at Alumni Field. The sign will have advertising capability on the scoreboard during events such as football games.

Jeremy Costenbader, leader of Catasauqua Betterment Group, said the group will hold a town cleanup 1-4 p.m. Oct. 23. Contact the borough office for more information about the town cleanup or check out the group Facebook page.

Smith asked volunteer groups to contact Travers to set up any events or meetings.

Council next meets for a workshop meeting, set for 7 p.m. Oct. 25. It is a hybrid meeting, with both virtual and in-person options. Visit catasauqua.org for the access codes to view virtually.