During the Feb. 15 Northampton Borough Council meeting, council members approved the purchase of the GOGov software, at a cost of $4,800 per year. The software would allow the borough to update citizens via their smartphone or email about things like road closures, snow emergencies, events and bills that are due, among other capabilities.

GOGov bills itself as “government made simple.” It provides residents free capability for citizen request management, reporting code enforcement issues or receiving code enforcement updates, online permitting, safety alerts and updates notification, job postings, blogs and more.

Assistant Borough Manager Brian Welsko researched GOGov and other companies providing similar services but was impressed with GOGov. Council voted unanimously to purchase the software purchase.

Residents are urged to contact the borough office to learn how to engage the service through the GOGov app or via email notifications. Welsko said he plans an advertising blitz to introduce and sign residents up for GOGov.

In other business, council voted to appoint Kathleen Hucaluk to Northampton Borough Municipal Authority’s board of directors. Hucaluk was present at the meeting and introduced herself - a retired nurse and 20-year borough resident - to council. She said she applied for the role because she wants to contribute and make Northampton better.

Northampton Borough Police Chief Bryan Kadingo evaluated the intersection of Poplar and Stark streets and recommends a stop sign be placed at for southbound traffic on Poplar Street at Stark Street.

Borough Solicitor Stephanie Steward intervened, noting the stop sign must be ordained before installation because it “is an exercise of police power.” A motion to have Steward write a draft ordinance was approved.

Tri-Boro Youth Soccer requested and received permission to use the Atlas Sports Complex March 16-June 9.

Kadingo requested and received permission to send an officer to attend a K-9 Operational Medicine training course, planned for 8 a.m.-4 p.m. July 17 and 18 at Petersville Rod and Gun Club. The total cost for both days is $150.

Lappawinzo Fish and Game Association received permission to use the borough’s portable band trailer May 11 and June 15. The association did not request renting the borough’s portable restrooms.

Council approved the advertisement for bids to purchase a bucket truck. Steward prepared the advertisement for the bucket truck and a specification sheet that will be published in the advertisement.

The public works and sewer committee recommended, after a thorough council subcommittee and manager interview process, the hiring of five individuals as laborers. Council approved the hires. Four were present at the meeting.

Borough Manager LeRoy Brobst congratulated the new public works employees, wishing them well and extending his help if there is anything they need. He noted he was in their position many years ago when he began his career serving the borough.

Brobst said he enjoyed working in public works because it was an opportunity to learn new things and meet new people every day.

“I never had the feeling I did not want to go to work,” Brobst said.

He said the job is rewarding, and they will have good days and frustrating days. Brobst added they should stop by to see him if they have a frustrating day, and he would make them laugh.

“That’s why I am here,” Brobst shared.

A Northampton resident thanked council for recently approving a site to plant a tree and a memorial plaque for his son who passed untimely.

Another resident alerted council to the increased 18-wheeler traffic on 26th Street. He asked if council could have a truck route designated to minimize large truck traffic on 26th Street.

The next Northampton Borough Council meeting is set for 7 p.m. March 7 at the borough municipal building, 1401 Laubach Ave., Northampton. It is a hybrid meeting, with both in-person and virtual options. Visit northamptonboro.com for information to view the meeting virtually.