Emmaus Borough Council reorganized for the new year during its Jan. 5 meeting, which opened with the mayor and recently elected council members taking the oath of office, read by Magisterial District Judge Dan Trexler. The meeting was then called to order, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and initial proceedings, starting with the nomination and election of a council president and vice president.

Following the votes, newly elected council president Chris DeFrain assumed control of the meeting as part of the annual reorganization, with Brent Labenberg serving as vice president.

Council proceeded with its standard opening agenda, providing time for personal appeals from residents, a community minute and special presentations. However, nothing was brought forth. Members then approved the minutes from the Dec. 15, 2025, council meeting. No specific bid decisions were detailed during the meeting, but council acknowledged any required actions would be handled in accordance with borough policy.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on communications and appointments to boards, commissions and professional positions. Council approved a series of reappointments, including Michael Wilson to the civil service commission for a six-year term expiring Jan. 1, 2032; Susan Kowalchuk and Stephen Baier to the community garden commission for four-year terms expiring Jan. 1, 2030; Carl Cramer to the library board for a three-year term expiring Jan. 1, 2029; Roger Steinmayr and Theodore Iobst II to the zoning hearing board for three-year terms expiring Jan. 1, 2029 and Lucy McLeod to the vacancy board for a one-year term expiring Jan. 1, 2027.

Council also accepted the resignation of Rachel Zarzatian (Peters) from the Emmaus Arts Commission, effective immediately. In addition, Ott Consulting Inc. was reappointed as borough engineer and Hanover Engineering was reappointed as borough utility engineer and sewage enforcement officer.

Committee reports made up only a small portion of the meeting.

The public works, health and sanitation, parks and recreation, public safety and community relations, planning and development committees are all being reorganized, so there were no reports from any of the committees.

In general administration, council did have several resolutions and appointments to approve, which included Resolution 2026-1 covering official appointments for the year.

In budget and finance, council approved the borough’s bill list and reviewed significant revenues and expenses for December 2025.

Council also approved the appointment of Melanie Shimer to the library board for a three-year term expiring Jan. 1, 2029 and finalized the 2026 employee and volunteer safety committee.

In personnel matters, council authorized the hiring of Richard Hadju as a part-time EMT, a move aimed at supporting local emergency medical services.

The meeting concluded with short remarks from DeFrain, thanking all those on the council.

Council then adjourned, closing out a meeting that formally set the borough’s leadership, appointments and administrative framework for 2026.