Residents who attended the Oct. 2 Northampton Borough Council meeting complained about a “consistent odor” coming from Cap Glass, 799 Smith Lane. Several residents made public statements explaining the prevalence of the odors that affect their quality of life within the borough.

One resident said Cap Glass does not emanate the odors until 8 p.m. or later. He said they usually do not start their alleged odor-producing process on home game football nights or holidays.

He said the company deviated from the holiday exemption this summer when they operated their business July 4. The resident was upset because he had an Independence Day picnic in his backyard with friends and others in attendance. He said the smell, which he likened to a garbage and feces odor, ended the picnic with his guests leaving.

Another resident who resided in Northampton for 30 years said the smell has been there for decades. The Environmental Protection Agency reportedly did nothing, and earlier councils did not address the problem, he alleged. He expressed hope the current council and mayor will address this problem.

Council President Julia Kutzler said the borough would do whatever is possible to resolve the matter. Mayor Anthony Pristash echoed Kutzler’s comments.

The plan is to have a roundtable meeting with a committee including council members, the mayor, administration and representatives of the group affected by the odor to develop a course of action for the issue.

Pristash noted the DEP needs to get involved to provide a timeline of what can be addressed and when. He noted he can smell the odor at times. Pristash said this odor issue is “a shame, as it clouds” all the good things that have occurred in Northampton.

Several other council members talked about the odor issue and look forward to a resolution. The group present was applauded by council members for stepping forward with concern for the health of the community.

In other business, sealed bids from Whitetail Disposal and Republic Services were opened for refuse collection and disposal and recycling. The successful bid is expected to be awarded at a future council meeting.

Smith LLC appeared before the borough planning commission July 9 and Sept. 10 for preliminary and final approval to develop 799 Smith Lane into a 350,400-square-foot warehouse facility. The request was approved by the planning commission, and council approved the recommendation.

In his administration and finance committee report, Councilman Kenneth Hall noted Atlas Cement Company Memorial Museum recently received a contribution of $2,000 from Buzzi Unicem USA of Bethlehem and a contribution of $2,500 from Heidelberg Materials Company, North America.

Hall also said the borough received its second surplus claim fund check for 2024 in the amount of $42,542.85.

Councilwoman Judy Haldeman, in her building, land and recreation committee report, said the 76th annual Jack Frost Parade is planned for Oct. 16, starting 7 p.m. The rain date is Oct. 23.

In the public works and sewer committee report, council Vice President Ronald Glassic announced the expected milling at the intersections at Fourth and Main streets and Main Street and Laubach Avenue.

Pristash said the large grant the borough received for a possible trailhead at Canal Street Park can be used for other purposes. He expects the money may be used to upgrade the trail, abandoning the trailhead plan at this time.

Borough Manager Brian Welsko said there is now a computer app available for residents that can efficiently allow for issues to be relayed to borough administration with the goal of quick resolution. Visit the borough website or call the borough office to learn how to download the app and for more information.

The next council meeting was to be held Oct. 15 at the municipal building, 1401 Laubach Ave. The date change was due to the Jack Frost Parade Oct. 16.