At the May 15 Northampton Borough Council meeting, council approved the borough office’s request to hire an ample number of seasonal employees for the public works department and life guards and staff to operate the municipal swimming pool.

Council members, Mayor Anthony Pristash and administration commented with delight about the high number of applicants who applied for these summer positions. It was mentioned there is also a need for a second security guard at the pool.

Borough Manager Brian Welsko said the number of summer applicants is a record. He noted the office staff was swamped with all the interviews necessary to deal with the high volume of applicants.

Pristash said those who say the younger generation does not want to work are incorrect, based on the number of applications the borough has received. He said it is an impressive list of applicants.

“Kids want to work,” he said.

“The summer hiring is a testament of our borough with young people seeking employment,” council Vice President Ronald Glassic added.

It was noted there are also five Northampton Area High School students interested in interviewing for the vacancy for junior council member. Junior Council member Jason Smolenak said he will do what he can to explain the role to applicants and facilitate the selection.

Pristash announced the Memorial Day ceremony will be held 11 a.m. May 26 at the Washington Street veterans plaza. He noted the ceremony typically attracts 200-250 people to honor those who made sacrifices to preserve our freedom. He urged residents to attend.

Pristash also reported Canal Street Park is being used more and more each year. Thirty shrubs were planted with flowers at the park’s butterfly way station, so there will be nice, colorful flowers to appreciate. Pristash encouraged residents to enjoy the park.

Northampton Police Chief Bryan Kadingo received council permission to send one officer to seek wire tap course certification. The training is June 2-6 in Hershey and costs $500.

Borough council granted Affordable Pet Center, 2022 Main St., permission to have a portable pet adoption trailer in the parking lot June 21 or 28 and Aug. 9 or 16. It is expected they will need several parking spots for the trailer.

Councilwoman Judy Haldeman’s land, building and recreation committee report mentioned the River Central Multi-Municipal Comprehensive Plan is nearly completed in draft and is moving forward.

Councilman Trevor Stone said he was impressed with the Northampton Area Public Library report that included a high volume of donors to the library.

In response to Councilman Jason Donahue’s report, Welsko said the street sweeper costs were being investigated as the office seeks the best value.

Glassic asked when UGI plans to repave the streets they worked on in Northampton. Welsko said UGI sent a list of the streets they plan to repave, and Welsko agreed to post the list on the borough website for the public to view.

In his finance and administration committee report, Councilman Kenneth Hall said the recent Community Safety Day at the Northampton Regional Emergency Medical Services facilities on Canal Street was a well-attended success.

The next borough council meeting is set for 7 p.m. June 5 at the municipal building, 1401 Laubach Ave. It is a hybrid meeting, with both in-person and virtual options. Visit northamptonboro.com to review the meeting’s agenda and how to access the meeting virtually.