At the July 3 Northampton Borough Council meeting, Tom Duffy, of Gilmore and Associates, discussed the current state of the borough’s sewer system and necessary upgrades, as well as Chapter 94 and the future sewer plant upgrade or reconstruction.

Duffy’s presentation was described as an overview of the sewer plant status, but it went more in-depth, including updated needs and costs.

“Basically, it’s falling apart,” Councilwoman Judy Haldeman said of the plant.

She thanked Duffy for the update.

Council Vice President Ronald Glassic requested additional public works and sewer committee meetings to advance a plan that addresses the needs of the wastewater treatment plant.

Glassic noted the sewer plant needs are a complex undertaking for Northampton’s infrastructure and for the future of the borough and the community.

Duffy methodically addressed the aging components of the wastewater treatment plant and possible improvements, such as the possibility of replacing the facility.

Duffy said the rehabilitation or replacement costs at the wastewater treatment plant are enormous, totaling millions of dollars. The plant has many moving parts with complexities that require addressing. Duffy noted a project timeline is to complete planning and be ready for bids within 24 months. The construction period would be another 18 months to complete.

A copy of Duffy’s presentation is available for residents to review by contacting the borough office.

In other business, the borough was awarded $120,163 from the Local Share Account of Northampton County as well as a Lehigh County grant for the borough’s fire department training facility. Council approved the advertisement of bids for the fire department facility.

The Northampton Exchange Club requested permission to recognize Marty Fella’s contributions to the annual Northampton Community Days Fair. A request to name the band shell at Municipal Park in his memory was tabled until a future meeting, based on the advice of borough Solicitor Steven Goudsouzian.

The borough office received permission to apply for a 2026 Hotel Tax Grant in the amount of $9,000. The funding will be for a nine-hole disc golf course next to the softball fields at Canal Street Park. The funds will be used to purchase the nets, signage and materials for the tee pads. If the grant request is successful, the borough will have a grant match of $3,503.

Disc golf, also known as frisbee golf, is a flying disc sport similar to golf where players aim to complete a course with the fewest throws. Disc golf is rapidly growing in popularity throughout the United States.

In her building, land and recreation committee report, Haldeman noted the Northampton Community Days Fair is planned for July 16-19 at Municipal Park, Smith Lane and Laubach Avenue. Fireworks will be held 10:15 p.m. July 19.

Haldeman also recognized the Joe Sommer Memorial Golf Tournament for its donation of 1,000 plastic eggs to be used at next year’s Easter egg hunt.

In his public works and sewer committee report, Glassic said the internal applications were posted for any borough employees interested in transferring to the sewer plant. The deadline for applications is set for July 14.

Barry Frantz, director of the Northampton Fire Department fire cadet summer camp, informed council the camp achieved its goal of 25 cadets in the camp. They have a busy camp schedule, with a trip to the Whitehall burn training facility, a visit to the Allentown Fire Academy, EMS basic first-aid training and in-house training at the Northampton fire station.

Glassic also reported a roundtable meeting is planned to discuss the alleged Tri-Boro Sportsmen Club gun range issues.

He added the borough’s storm drains need to be cleaned and requested public works address the matter.

The next Northampton Borough Council meeting is set for 7 p.m. July 17 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 to learn how to access the meeting virtually.