At the June 19 Northampton Borough Council meeting, Mason Smolenak, junior councilmember, attended his final meeting. Council President Julia Kutzler noted Smolenak’s two years passed quickly. She thanked him for his service and wished him well on his future endeavors.

Mayor Anthony Pristash provided a presentation honoring his distinguished service.

“It’s hard to believe it’s two years,” Pristash said.

He wished Smolenak well in his effort to attend the Air Force Academy. He recently graduated from Northampton Area High School.

Pristash then read a proclamation that designated June 20, 2025, as Mason Smolenak Day in the borough. Pristash said the proclamation is a reminder of what he accomplished as a junior councilman.

“It will be tough to fill your shoes,” Pristash added.

All of council, administration and the solicitor thanked Smolenak for his service to council and assisting the Northampton community. Councilwoman Judy Haldeman said Smolenak was a joy to work with.

“You come with a smile and dedication,” Haldeman said.

Borough Manager Brian Welsko provided a heartfelt thank you to Smolenak for all of his help over the past two years. Welsko gave a card to Smolenak, containing a gift on behalf of the administration and council.

Smolenak said he was grateful for the lessons and experience he gained as a junior councilmember.

“It truly means a lot to me. Thank you for the opportunity,” he said.

In other business, council approved the establishment of a money-market account at PNC Bank strictly for escrow. Welsko explained this will allow for easier tracking of interest earned and distribution of funds. Signers of the account will be Welsko, Treasurer and Bookkeeper James Mehnert and Kutzler.

Council approved preliminary and final approval for the development of a used-car dealership with a small office and vehicular service building at 500 Held Drive. The borough planning commission recommended approval of the plans.

Northampton police Chief Bryan Kadingo received permission to send a police officer to attend a Level 1 certification course in Gracie Survival Tactics at Stroudsburg High School. The course is scheduled for July 14-18, at a cost of $1,500.

Northampton Borough Volunteer Fire Department received permission to hold its seventh annual Community Block Party Fireman’s Parade July 19 in conjunction with Northampton Community Days Fair. The fire department will use the same route as last year. The fire department requested the recreation center parking lot at 1 Lerchenmiller Drive and Clear Springs Drive be closed beginning noon until the parade, which starts 5:30 p.m., has ended.

Council appointed Welsko and Mehnert as delegate and alternate delegate to the Northampton tax collection committee.

Council approved the use of the borough’s portable band trailer to St. Peter Roman Catholic Church, Coplay, for its Aug. 3 annual summer picnic. The cost is $450 and includes a requirement to add the borough to a certificate of insurance as additionally insured.

Kutzler said a roundtable discussion is planned to include Tri-Boro Sportsmen Club representatives, councilmembers and neighborhood residents near the club’s gun range who have reportedly experienced bullets flying through their neighborhood.

Welsko said Tri-Boro has been communicating well with the borough office. He was advised not to discuss the situation because there is an active investigation. Welsko noted Tri-Boro has added cameras at the range and increased the size of the shooting backstop there.

Pristash noted the last Hometown Heroes banners program has ended. It will be reviewed in the future for a possible restart. He thanked all who assisted the effort that ended with about 500 banners placed on poles throughout Northampton to honor veterans and first responders.

The next council meeting is 7 p.m. July 3 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 agenda and to access the meeting virtually.