Emmaus Borough Council met 6 p.m. July 21 for its regular meeting which included a full agenda.

The meeting began with the call to order and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a round of personal appeals from residents and council members.

Mayor Lee Ann Gilbert delivered her report highlighting the upcoming National Night Out event 6-8:30 p.m. Aug. 5. There will be a petting zoo with 17 animals, a dunk tank, food vendors and live music. It will take place at the Emmaus Police Station.

During special presentations, the Emmaus Rotary Club delivered a recap of its recent Summer Fest, highlighting the community engagement and funds raised. They thanked the borough and the emergency services teams for all of their help. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate on the days of the event, and they did not reach their fundraising goal. They are planning to do more events to raise money and are already planning for next year’s Summer Fest.

Next, Deputy Chief of Police Bryan Hamscher introduced Ken Wollins of Municipal Parking Services, Inc. to provide a presentation on the Solar SafetyStick®, a new technology aimed at enhancing public safety and municipal enforcement efforts. It is a device that can be secured to a surface to help prevent and enforce illegal parking through constant camera monitoring.

Wollins highlighted how the technology operates, the various communities that adopted the technology and the data showcasing drops in illegal activities in those communities.

Council members asked various questions about comparable municipalities, the financial impact and the number of Solar SafetySticks® needed. Wollins said they are in similar-sized boroughs in New Jersey, as well as Hazleton and Wilkes-Barre. He said price modifications can be negotiated depending on the number of SafetySticks® installed. He estimated the borough should not get less than 10 SafetySticks® to start.

He added the company’s aim is to build partnerships with municipalities, with public safety as its top priority. There was no decision made during the meeting, although it could be an agenda item at the next public safety meeting 9 a.m. Aug. 13.

Council unanimously approved the minutes from the June 16 meeting and proceeded to decisions on bids and communications. Among the communications, council received a request for the 2026 Emmaus 4 Mile Classic event and the associated banner display. The event will be held 9 a.m. April 12, 2026.

Alan Sylvestre resigned from his position on the recreation and entertainment commission.

In unfinished business, council moved forward on Ordinance 1279, which repeals and amends civil service commission rules and regulations under Section 353 of Chapter 1 of the borough code. The ordinance received its second reading and was adopted.

In new business, Ordinance 1280 was introduced for its first reading. This ordinance proposes to amend Chapter 15 of the borough code by assigning a new residential disabled parking space in front of 136 N. Fourth St. and removing an existing parking space at 106 S. 12th St.

Committee reports followed, beginning with public works, where Resolution 2025-21 was passed, authorizing the borough manager to sign the annual winter municipal agreement with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

In the health, sanitation and codes committee, council adopted Resolution 2025-22, conditionally approving a revised lot line adjustment plan affecting several properties on Main Street and Garden Court. A request from Westrum for a third security reduction was also approved.

In parks and recreation, the committee approved a new trail agreement with Wildlands Conservancy. They are putting in a trail to connect certain paths on South Mountain. Public safety reviewed both Ordinance 1279 and Ordinance 1280 and confirmed next steps.

In general administration, council adopted Resolution 2025-20, supporting an application for a Local Share Account Fund grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. With the grant money, they are hoping to build a community amphitheater for use by the community.

Budget and finance presented the July bill list, significant revenue and expenses for the first half of the month and the second quarter budget performance report. Council also approved the extension of the public works’ Teamsters union contract and appointed a new health insurance broker.

The last item was the introduction of Ordinance 1281, an ordinance increasing the indebtedness of the Borough of Emmaus.

The community relations, planning and development committee announced its next meeting, while the boards and commissions section included minutes from the Friends of the 1803 House, the Knauss Homestead Preservation Society and the Emmaus Public Library Board.

Borough Manager Shane Pepe then delivered his report. He announced the hiring of Emma Schilling as an EMT, Danyell Himes and John Semonich Jr. as firefighters and Al Kloss’s resignation as a part-time police officer, with his subsequent appointment as an auxiliary officer. Pepe also announced the promotion of Daniel Rivera to Firefighter 2.

Requiring council approval, Pepe also recommended retaining Briana Falko as a full-time employee and advancing Ben Harrison to Class 4. These were each approved. Lastly, he introduced the appointment of a new parks group leader, further strengthening borough staff.

Following, council held an executive session to interview a candidate for director of emergency services. Upon returning, council formally hired Keith Miller as director of emergency services and Adam Priest as deputy director of emergency services.

The meeting was then adjourned with the next session scheduled for 6 p.m. Aug. 18.