Emmaus Borough Council held its regular meeting 6 p.m. Jan. 19, opening with a call to order and the Pledge of Allegiance. This was followed by the community minute, where Mayor Lee Ann Gilbert announced the Emmaus Rotary Club will hold it’s “Over the Moon Valentine’s Dance” 3-6 p.m. Feb. 15 at Triple Sun Spirits Co. Tickets are needed to get in, with the proceeds going to the East Penn Coalition Food Program.

Councilman Roy Anders then quickly highlighted the Emmaus Youth Association’s spring baseball and softball sign-ups have begun. You can sign up on the EYA sports registration website.

Council then welcomed a special presentation from Emmaus Main Street Partners. The EMSP Manager Hayden Rinde and Coordinator Chloe Krempasky outlined ongoing efforts to support downtown vitality, business development and community events.

Council approved the minutes from its Jan. 5 meeting and moved on to communications. Several event-related applications were considered and sent to the committee level for approval, including requests for the 2026 Farewell to Summer event and the 2026 Old Fashioned Christmas celebration.

Council also approved a request from Maryellen Iobst for reappointment to the historical commission as a representative of the Knauss Homestead, extending her term through Jan. 1, 2028.

Neither the borough engineer nor the solicitor had reports for the evening. Additionally, council did not have any unfinished business, new business or unfinished items on the meeting’s agenda.

Gilbert delivered the mayoral report, which included the adoption of Proclamation 2026-633, recognizing International Holocaust Remembrance Day, which was Jan. 27. She also wanted to thank the Emmaus Mercantile Club for its donation to the three emergency services departments.

Committee reports followed, beginning with public works, where council approved the hiring of Logan Davidson as a full-time public works employee.

The health, sanitation and codes committee reported on planning matters and council approved Resolution 2026-4, authorizing a minor subdivision plan for a property at 417 S. Mountain St.

The parks and recreation committee report included council approval of Lara Thrapp’s appointment to the recreation and entertainment commission for a three-year term expiring June 7, 2029, as well as approval of The Running Kind event request and acknowledgment of recent meeting notes.

The general administration committee brought forward Resolution 2026-3, which the council approved to formally support the Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial, known as America250PA.

The budget and finance committee presented Resolution 2026-5 approving the bill list, along with a summary of significant revenues and expenses for the first half of January, both of which were accepted by council.

In the second round of personal appeals, EYA President Aaron Bisbing said the EYA is trying to get Wi-Fi and security at the newly constructed pole building but cannot do so because they do not have an address. The solicitor directed Borough Manager Shane Pepe to task the codes department with exploring what needs to be done with the postal office and the plot of land, which also shares space with the Shelter House.

Pepe did not have a report for the evening.

The meeting concluded with adjournment, wrapping up a meeting that addressed community events, staffing, fiscal matters and long-range planning for the borough.