Emmaus Borough Council met May 5, approving a full agenda including proclamations recognizing local public service efforts, a land development resolution and financial updates.

The meeting was called to order 6 p.m. and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

During Personal Appeals, Part I, a resident displayed his disappointment the community pool closes during the final week of summer, near Labor Day. Borough Manager Shane Pepe said council will discuss the closing date.

A second resident stepped up and asked for help with their neighbor’s tree, which looks like it may fall onto their property. The tree is on private property and not the borough’s land. The borough solicitor suggested the resident find an attorney who can advise her on how to address the looming tree. The resident was still very concerned because this neighbor has had a litany of issues, and she is afraid nothing will get done. Pepe said the borough will do what they can to help her as well.

This was followed by the community minute, where Mayor Lee Ann Gilbert announced the Emmaus Farmers Market celebrated its 22nd year. Additionally, the Emmaus Kiwanis Club will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its Pancake and Sausage Festival 8 a.m. to noon June 1 at the Emmaus Fire Company No. 1.

No special presentations were given during the session. Council then unanimously approved the minutes from the April 21 meeting. During the communications portion of the meeting, council received a website request to consider implementing a four-way stop at the intersection of Berger and North Third streets. There was no vote taken, as this will be passed to the safety committee.

There was no borough engineer’s report provided. The solicitor did not have any items to report. There were also no items under unfinished business or new business.

Gilbert delivered her report and issued four proclamations. Proclamation 2025-615 recognizes International Compost Awareness Week May 4-10. Proclamation 2025-616, declares Police Week for the week of May 11-18. Proclamation 2025-617, honors Emergency Medical Services Week May 18-24. Finally, Proclamation 2025-618 designates National Public Works Week as May 18-24.

Committee reports followed, starting with the public works committee, which confirmed its next meeting for May 12. Councilman Roy Anders iterated the Emmaus Compost Site is open 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday as well as 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

The parks and recreation committee reported and scheduled its next meeting for May 15. The public safety committee, general administration committee and community relations, planning and development committee confirmed its next meeting dates for May 14, May 7 and May 6, respectively. These committees did not have items to present.

The health, sanitation and codes committee presented and received approval for Resolution 2025-14, conditionally approving the revised preliminary/final land development plan for David Real Estate Holdings, LLC regarding 306 Broad St. That committee will next meet May 20.

The budget and finance committee presented Resolution 2025-15, the bill list, which was approved. The Birch Benefits Financial Services Proposal was tabled, as they still need to finalize the proposal. The next budget committee meeting is scheduled June 4.

Under boards and commissions, the Emmaus Public Library Board submitted its latest meeting minutes. No additional appeals were brought during Personal Appeals, Part II.

Pepe provided an update on administrative operations and current projects. He said they were able to close a loan and had a pre-construction meeting for the CBDG sidewalk project at Main and Chestnut streets. He is hoping this will get done by the end of June. He also said the borough will be pursuing a code issue against PP&L due to a dropped pole onto a sidewalk.

Council President Chad Balliet was not in attendance for president’s business. The meeting was then adjourned.

The next borough meeting will be held 6 p.m. May 19.