Emmaus Borough Council met Nov. 17 at Emmaus Borough Hall. Council President Chad Balliet called the meeting to order 6 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

During personal appeals, Part I, the Fields of Indian Creek Homeowners Association president stepped up to request a meeting with Borough Manager Shane Pepe about infrastructure updates and next steps needed for the new development. He also requested updates on several development projects, including the completion of a retention pond near the development. The borough solicitor said they would welcome a meeting and will try to set one up.

Council then proceeded to the community minute, where Councilman Roy Anders congratulated the Emmaus High School Field Hockey Team for winning their 16th State Championship this season.

Two special presentations followed. The Shelter House Society presented a donation to support ongoing preservation efforts at The 1803 House, a property invested in Emmaus’s heritage. Shelter House Society President David Biles presented a $1,000 check to the Friends of the 1803 House President Marian Schneck at the speaker’s podium.

The Emmaus Public Library Board then presented proposed renovations to the library’s entrance. The front portico roof was recently removed, leaving the front entrance unprotected, plus the patio and walkways are worn and in need of replacement. The new design aims to make the entrance patron-friendly, safe and an aesthetically pleasing space. They’ll attempt to cover renovation costs with grants, capital funds, donations and private funding.

Council did not need to approve any items but supported the upcoming renovations, with council members commenting the plan looks great.

Next, council approved the minutes from the Nov. 3 meeting and quickly moved on to decisions on bids, awarding Campbell, Rappold and Yurasits LLP with a contract for financial auditing services for 2025 through 2027.

Under communications, council received a volunteer application from resident Jennifer Wetzel to serve on the Joint Environmental Advisory Council. Members also acknowledged the upcoming resignation of planning commission member Todd Ackerman, effective Dec. 21, thanking him for his service.

Two parking-related ordinances were introduced under new business. Ordinance 1283 proposed the addition of a residential disabled parking space in front of 532 Broad St. while removing a previously designated space at 136 N. Fourth St. Ordinance 1284 recommended amendments to several sections of the borough’s parking regulations. The public safety committee also noted support for both measures and confirmed they would be considered for final adoption at a future meeting.

Committee reports covered a range of operational and financial updates.

Public works received approval for proposed changes to the borough’s yard waste collection process and confirmed its next meeting for Dec. 8. The amended changes will reduce the compost bag collection curbside pickup to twice a year, a week in April and a week in September. This will give residents the opportunity to place organic materials out during spring and fall cleanup. The weekly curbside bag service will go away completely.

The public safety committee received approval for an EMS lieutenant promotion, reflecting continued growth within the emergency services department.

Budget and finance introduced Resolution 2025-33, approving the bill list and reviewed revenue and expense activity from the first half of November, as well as a request related to police pension cost-of-living adjustments, though not approved.

Parks and recreation confirmed its next meeting for Dec. 18, while community relations, planning and development will meet next Dec. 2.

Under boards and commissions, council received minutes from the Nov. 12 pension board meeting and received reports from the Friends of the 1803 House. No residents offered remarks during personal appeals, Part II.

Pepe did not have any items in his report, nor was there president’s business for the meeting.

The next Emmaus Borough Council meeting is scheduled 6 p.m. Dec. 1, at Emmaus Borough Hall.