At the April 18 Northampton Borough Council meeting, Elyse Cuttic and Aaron Gasparetti, of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, presented an update on the Chamber activities in and around the area. They informed council the Lehigh Valley Chamber stands ready to assist the Greater Northampton Area Chamber of Commerce, the borough and its businesses.

They explained the Lehigh Valley organization is the sixth largest Chamber in the United States and the largest in Pennsylvania.

In other business, St. Paul’s United Church of Christ received council permission to use Municipal Park’s pavilion A for an Aug. 4 church service and picnic. The rental fee was waived.

Council approved the request by the Hyman Group to contract with a private hauler and have a dumpster placed at the former Veterans of Foreign Wars building. At the April 4 meeting, council had denied the request.

Based on the recommendation by Brian Welsko, assistant borough manager, council approved a contract with iSolved, a company that will complete payroll for the borough. The initial cost is expected to be $13,804.48. There will be an annual cost of $11,775, but the savings the payroll program will provide the borough will offset the annual costs of the program.

A request was approved for council to explore an increase the commission paid to the borough’s tax collector. After a committee recommendation and council approval, a resolution would be developed that would set the rate of the commission increase.

Upon the recommendation of the public works committee, council President Julia Kutzler, borough Manager LeRoy Brobst and Welsko, council approved the appointment of Richard Ackerman as the public works supervisor, effective May 6. Ackerman was warmly welcomed by all of council, Mayor Anthony Pristash and Brobst.

Three public works employees are requesting vacation on the same week - Aug. 5-9 - which conflicts with the public works labor agreement. The agreement specifies only two employees can be on vacation between June 1 and Sept. 30. Brobst recommended council approve the request, which they did.

In his administration and finance committee report, Councilman Kenneth Hall said the Atlas Cement Company Memorial Museum received a $2,000 donation from Holcim Inc.

Hall also reminded residents to consider signing up for the My Northampton app. Visit northamptonboro.com to learn how to download the app or call the borough office for instructions.

Councilman Jason Donahue said certified rental registration notices were sent out to all property owners who did not respond by the due date of March 31. A $25 late fee will be applied. Donahue added grass and weed complaints will be investigated beginning May 1.

In her fire and health committee report, Councilwoman Bonnie Almond noted applications are still being accepted for the Northampton Fire Department summer camp, scheduled for July 8-12. Almond added the fire department’s coin toss has been rescheduled to the rain date of 8 a.m.-3 p.m. April 27. The coin toss will be at the intersection of 21st and Main streets.

Solicitor Suzanne Steward informed council it is no longer permitted to ask a person’s address when he or she speaks before council.

Council Vice President Ronald Glassic said the public works department has been working tirelessly in preparation for the 2024 summer pool season.

The next Northampton Borough Council meeting is set for 7 p.m. May 2 at the borough municipal building, 1401 Laubach Ave. It is a hybrid meeting, with both virtual and in-person options. Visit northamptonboro.com for information.