At the Feb. 19 Northampton Borough Council meeting, council approved the advertisement of the next transportation and disposal of dewatered sludge for the borough’s sewer plant. The bid will be for three years, with up to two additional one-year extensions available at the borough’s discretion. The deadline for submissions is March 17, and bids will be opened March 19. The new contract will be effective May 1.

In other business, borough Manager Brian Welsko addressed the bird flu-infected geese found dead at Canal Street Park.

It was reported the Pennsylvania Game Commission was alerted, and the deceased geese tested positive for bird flu. Canal Street Park is closed until further notice.

Welsko noted there will be more information coming. He said it is possible all the parks in the borough also close. Visit northamptonboro.com to access the latest information.

A request was approved by council from the lessor of 25 Clear Springs Drive through a lessee of the property. The agreement would allow the use of a truck weight scale for the lessee’s existing operation at 25 Clear Springs Drive. The agreement expires 30 days from the date when the agreement is signed.

Council entertained a resident request to have a senior discounted rate for ages 65 and older for the annual trash and recycling bill for seniors in a living trust arrangement, where they reside in their home but no longer own the house.

Only seniors who own their home get the senior citizen discount for the annual trash and recycling bill. If one engages a living trust, one no longer owns the home unless you have your name with others on the trust.

Council denied the request.

Council appointed James Mehnert as the delegate and Welsko as alternative delegate to the Northampton Tax Collection Committee.

In his administration and finance committee report, Councilman Kenneth Hall noted the early discount period for trash/recycling bills is Feb. 28.

Councilwoman Bonnie Almond gave the building, land and recreation committee report. She said applications are being taken for employment at the municipal swimming pool for the 2026 season.

Almond added the annual Easter egg hunt is planned for 11 a.m. March 28 at Municipal Park, Smith Lane and Laubach Avenue. The rain date is April 4.

Beginning April 1, a Stixercise fitness class will be held 6:3-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays at the recreation center, 1 Lerchenmiller Drive, Almond reported. Stixercise is a full-body cardio-jam session incorporating drumstick-like implements into the workout. The fitness class combines cardio and strength training with drumming.

In his code and police committee report, Councilman Trevor Stone said the Northampton Police Department received a grant for radios in the amount of $210,441 from the office of U.S. Rep. Ryan MacKenzie, R-7th.

Stone added all garbage bags must be placed in the large Republic trash cans. If the trash bag is beside the trash can, the loose garbage bag will not be picked up by Republic. Stone said the resident with a loose garbage bag may receive a warning or citation from the code enforcement officer.

In his public works and sewer committee report, council Vice President Ronald Glassic said the public works department will be cold patching potholes by the end of February.

Two residents applauded the public works department’s snow removal efforts during the late January snowstorm.

One of the residents, who operates a senior care home in the borough, had to have residents evacuated from the premises due to a burst water pipe. He said he was grateful to the police department, EMS and fire department responses and for help from the borough community center to help get the residents to safety and get the home reopened as soon as possible.

The next Northampton Borough Council meeting is set for 7 p.m. March 5 at the borough’s 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 to access the meeting virtually.