During the July 21 Catasauqua Borough Council meeting, Councilwoman Tara Nicholas reported the Friends of Catasauqua Parks group has decided to dissolve. She noted they are donating the remainder of the funds in the accounts to the borough for the parks.

Council President Howard Cunningham reported this final donation of $6,014.63 brought the group up to close to $20,000 donated to the borough since its inception. He thanked the group for its efforts and donations.

In other business, council voted to approve ordinance 1448, describing the essential work functions of the public works director.

Solicitor Chuck Smith reported there are a couple of other ordinances in the works, including a temporary construction easement with Allen Township for the Willow Brook project to allow Allen Township to get on Catasauqua property for construction and maintenance of the new sewer lines. The easement expires after the completion of the sewer line project. Council approved the temporary easement.

Two ordinances are for the effort toward the police department accreditation process. One is regarding warrantless arrests.

Additionally, they filed a petition with the Lehigh County Court of Commons Pleas for an order approving the destruction of weapons by the police department, which are unclaimed or “unreturnable.” The process includes a waiting period for weapons to be claimed. Smith reported the court approved the petition.

Smith said they are also working on an ordinance for the duties and functions of borough manager.

Valley Wide Home Builders LLC approached council last month about taking over ownership of the Pearl Street subdivision development project. Smith has been in contact with its solicitor to iron out details. They are expected to come back before council in August.

Engineer Vanessa Nedrick asked council to approve an extension for the Bridge Street streetscape project from Howertown Road to American Street. They received a request from the contractor to extend the contract by four weeks beyond the initial July 12 completion deadline.

Nedrick reported they had issues with getting materials from the supplier for storm inlets and more. The project includes replacing sidewalks and curbing and inlets to help with runoff. She noted they have the materials secured now but need the extra time. Nedrick is hoping work will be done in a week or two, which will leave time to address any issues and have the project done before school starts.

Council approved the four-week extension.

Nedrick also shared updates. The 2025 road program is being planned, and Nedrick hopes to have the bid out by September to beat the end of the paving season.

The trickling filter replacement project is moving forward. Councilwoman Virginia Schlegel reported the trickling filter was delivered to the wastewater treatment plant and was expected to be installed July 22.

Nedrick said they had a follow-up meeting with Lehigh Valley International Airport regarding drainage issues. LVIA presented a concept of how to help on the airport property including berms, possible stormwater basin and inlets. The next step will be a technical meeting between Remington and Vernick and the airport’s engineers to discuss specifics.

Cunningham reported the borough fully closed out the Industrial Sites Reuse Program grant with all funds requested and matching funds spent for the Iron Works project. He noted they are providing Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection staff an update on the schedule and status of the project and the implementation of the remedial cap at the site. Preliminary survey and engineering design work is continuing.

Councilwoman Kim Brubaker recognized Janice Lathrop, a longtime volunteer and current member of both Historic Catasauqua Preservation Association and Catasauqua Main Streets. Lathrop was honored as an Unsung Hero in May.

Brubaker also said the volunteers in Catasauqua are “the heart of our community” who help beautify and better the community. Their efforts can be seen all around town. Brubaker reported they need more volunteers, and anyone interested should reach out to Catasauqua Main Streets.

Additionally, Catasauqua Main Streets and Holy Trinity Memorial Lutheran Church partnered for the Hearts of Catasauqua fundraiser to raise more than $2,500 for first responders. Brubaker proceeded to hand off checks for the police and fire departments.

Councilman Brian Bartholomew mentioned Chief John Wiseman and the police department would like to get another K-9 for the department. It was suggested this matter be brought up during committee meetings and workshop for discussion.

According to the Catasauqua Police Department’s Facebook page, the department’s K-9 Zora died in May after serving the borough for nine years. Wiseman was her handler.

Mayor Barbara Schlegel reported state Sen. Nick Miller, D-14th, presented Wiseman with a citation from the Senate for officers in the K-9 unit July 16.

Schlegel also brought to council’s attention a concern from a resident about trucks coming down Howertown Road. This is an ongoing concern for the borough.

Nicholas mentioned a Battle of the Balloons event is being planned for Sept. 7.

There are vacancies on the borough code of appeals board and the borough authority.

Council will next meet 6 p.m. Aug. 4 for workshop and committee meetings. The regular business meeting is 7 p.m. Aug. 18. Meetings are held at the borough municipal complex, 90 Bridge St.