At the Nov. 20 Northampton Borough Council meeting, council approved another Eagle Scout project in the borough. Scout Gavin Abraham currently holds the Life Scout rank with Troop 32 in Whitehall and wants to complete an Eagle Scout project in Northampton.

He wants to place PVC recycling bins along the Lehigh River and Hokendauqua Creek. There would be a total of four bins installed, with two next to the creek behind the municipal building, 1401 Laubach Ave., and two next to the Lehigh River adjacent to Canal Street Park.

In recent years, council has approved a number of Eagle Scout projects that benefit Northampton Borough quality of life and provide a launchpad to youngsters seeking Eagle Scout status.

Scouts BSA has seven ranks that begin in progression as Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life and Eagle, which is the highest rank. The first four ranks are the Scout’s foundation as they learn practical skills. The higher ranks require more leadership, community service and merit badges. The Eagle Scout requirements are earning 21 merit badges, the completion of a significant Eagle Scout service project and demonstrated leadership.

Since its inception in 1911, only about 4% of Scouts attain the rank of Eagle. It is a prestigious accomplishment and offers the new Eagle Scout membership in the National Eagle Scout Association. It also is a fraternity that helps Eagles attain success in future life and career endeavors.

Girls were able to join Scouts BSA Feb. 1, 2019.

Holly DiFiore, of Whitehall and a member of Troop 501, completed her Eagle Scout project in Northampton Borough at Canal Street Park. She built a butterfly garden and a bench along the D&L Trail.

In other business, council tabled Ordinance 1242, which establishes new compensation rates for the borough mayor, council president and council members.

Resolution 16-25, which allows the borough to apply for a statewide Local Share Account for funding the Fourth Street Playground rehabilitation project, was approved.

The Northampton Police Department requested an actuarial study be conducted to determine if a 5% cost of living adjustment could be made to the police pension plan. Council approved the request.

State Rep. Zach Mako, R-183rd, received permission to hold his annual paper shredding event from 10 a.m. to noon April 18, 2026, in the parking lot of Northampton Banquet and Event Center, 1601 Laubach Ave.

The Northampton Borough Fire Department requested and received council permission for road closures Nov. 29, starting 10 a.m. The closure is for the memorial services for Capt. Michael Booke, a 27-year veteran of the fire department who died Nov. 12.

The closure requests are for Lerchenmiller Drive and Smith Lane, both parking lot entrances on Lerchenmiller Drive, Lerchenmiller Drive and Washington Avenue and Horwith Drive and Clear Springs Drive.

Council also approved a request to close Lerchenmiller Drive between Clear Springs Drive and Washington Avenue for the annual Northampton Hometown Holidays event and annual tree lighting, which was held noon-8 p.m. Nov. 22.

Council approved the annual tradition of placing bags over the borough’s parking meters for the month of December, temporarily offering free parking on Main Street. The bagged parking meters will run Dec. 1-Jan. 2, 2026.

In her building, land and recreation committee report, Councilwoman Judy Haldeman said a mailbox has been installed and is ready to receive letters for Santa. It is located next to the borough holiday tree in the recreation center parking lot, 1 Lerchenmiller Drive.

Borough Manager Brian Welsko noted there have been many internal pool discussions. He said the plans for the future of the pool will be presented at the Dec. 4 council meeting. Council Vice President Ronald Glassic said these are tough decisions, stressing nothing has been decided.

During the hearing of persons present agenda item, a resident offered a number of ideas to improve the management of the pool. Council President Julia Kutzler thanked the resident for submitting her suggestions in a written format for the borough manager to review and share with council. Kutzler noted she is not in favor of closing the pool.

The next Northampton Borough Council meeting is set for 7 p.m. Dec. 4 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 learn how to access the meeting virtually.