At the April 16 Northampton Borough Council meeting, borough Manager Brian Welsko informed council and the mayor about the paucity of applicants for all positions for the upcoming summer municipal pool season.

During the Northampton Borough budget season, there was a deep dive by elected officials and administration members to evaluate the pool’s challenges and determine if the pool was viable moving forward. After determining the pool could open for the 2026 season, a well-thought-out plan was developed to guarantee the opening of the pool in June.

At the meeting, Welsko reported the office received only 15 applicants to work at the pool this upcoming season. He said he had 30 applicants last year and was interviewing candidates at this point.

“We are in dire need of people,” Welsko said.

He concluded that if there is insufficient staff, the pool could not open this year.

Councilwoman Judy Haldeman said season passes for the municipal pool are expected to go on sale May 1. Season passes are sold only at the recreation center, 1 Lerchenmiller Drive, during its regular hours of operation.

Haldeman said applications for summer work for the borough are available at the borough office, 1401 Laubach Ave.

Interested applicants can call the borough office or visit northamptonboro.com.

Council passed resolution 6-26 approving a request from North Catasauqua to open the portion of Ridge Street that runs from the Northampton-North Catasauqua line to Wyandotte Street in North Catasauqua. The adjoining property owners were looking for North Catasauqua to assume responsibility for the street and improve its surface. This petition was approved by North Catasauqua Borough Council.

Since the roadway sits at the Northampton and North Catasauqua border, Section 1704 of the Borough Code requires that, before a municipality take action with boundaries that would result in the change of location, grade or vacation of a street or a portion that connects with the street of another municipality, the adjacent municipality or the Court of Common Pleas must also approve the plan.

Police Chief Bryan Kadingo received permission to amend the language in the evidence policies for the Northampton Borough Police Department. Kadingo has policies designed to increase accountability and streamline department procedures regarding the handling of physical evidence and/or property for safe keeping.

Councilman Trevor Stone noted ticketing on posted street sweeping locations was underway. He urged residents to not park their vehicle in the areas posted on the signs.

He added that, beginning May 1, code enforcement will begin enforcement of grass and weed violations on all residents’ properties.

Councilwoman Bonnie Almond said the fire department’s annual golf tournament at Whitetail Golf Club in Bath, is scheduled for May 2. Registration starts 7 a.m.

She added applications for the fire department’s summer camp are still being accepted. Call the fire department or visit its Facebook page for details.

Council Vice President Ronald Glassic, in his public works and sewer committee report, said the roof repairs on the chemical room at the borough’s municipal pool have been completed. Work on the pool’s bathrooms has begun.

The next Northampton Borough Council meeting is set for 7 p.m. May 7 in 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 to access the meeting virtually.