During the April 20 Catasauqua Borough Council meeting, council approved an agreement with Lehigh County Historical Society to share some records.

Borough Manager Glenn Eckhart reported they are starting to go through the borough’s archives and recently found health records from 1893 to 1937. He said they were interested in sharing the information with Lehigh County Historical Society. It was asked why they wouldn’t share them with the Historical Catasauqua Preservation Association. Eckhart said it all happened that day so there wasn’t much time, and it was reported the state recommended sharing with the county. Councilman Brian Bartholomew also questioned HCPA’s preservation process for the documents shared.

Council Vice President Kim Brubaker questioned if HCPA would be able to get copies of the records or have access to them if needed. Eckhart said they would be available and protected through the county, but the borough still retains ownership so something could be arranged.

After confirming the records do not contain any personal or private information, council approved a memorandum of understanding to transfer the records to Lehigh County Historical Society as caretaker to preserve and protect the documents.

Council also approved a resolution to adopt procedures for disposal, as well as the retention and disposal schedules, of certain borough records, including earned income tax records, daily cash book and bank statements, real estate and per capita tax bills, vouchers, receipts and more.

In other business, council approved Community Development Block Grant applications for the sanitary sewer rehabilitation project on Church Street for about $132,000 and for an Americans with Disabilities Act ramp rehabilitation project for about $99,000. Both grants will include a 10% match from the borough.

Ordinance 1462 restricted parking on the east side of Third Street starting at Liberty Street and on the east side of Second Street from Chapel Street. The restriction is to make room for water valve access for the interconnect.

Ordinance 1463 provided final approval of the Hauser lot consolidation for parcels on South 14th and South 13th streets and a right-of-way adjustment.

Council agreed to lend the borough’s support for the Bridges and Safety Infrastructure for Community Success to improve federal transportation programs and keep Lehigh County in mind. Letters would be sent to U.S. Congressman Ryan Mackenzie and Senators John Fetterman and David McCormick.

The funding agreement with Redevelopment Authority of Lehigh County states RALC will make $350,000 in Local Share Account grant funding available to the borough for the design and construction of a retaining wall along Front Street, between Willow and Bridge streets.

Eckhart said they are also exploring if any of the recent funding Mackenzie helped acquire could also go toward the retaining wall project.

Councilman Howard Cunningham lauded the successful press event where Mackenzie announced the $3.68 million federal grant funding for the Iron Works project.

“These funds will be used for site preparation and infrastructure development work,” he reported.

He noted the Front Street retaining wall project will move forward as soon as possible, now that the agreement with RALC was approved.

Plans continue to be refined and Cunningham noted VM Development is on schedule to present the conceptual master plan for initial review by the borough’s planning commission in the spring, followed by preliminary land development plan submission for the first phase in the next month or two.

Mayor Anthony Alcalde gave an overview on police calls and other department news, including a partnership with Mighty Pawz and the ongoing accreditation process.

During the solicitor’s report, council was asked to approve advertising proposed amendments for the borough’s waterfront district zoning ordinance and a public hearing on the amendment, to be held 7 p.m. June 15, for residents’ questions. Council approved the request.

The amendment is expected to be voted on at the May 18 meeting.

The borough engineer provided a letter of recommendation for the Lehigh Valley International Airport and Main Street drainage improvement project. G&B Construction was the low bidder at $155,720. Council approved the recommendation.

It was reported the engineer is also pursuing a Department of Community and Economic Development grant application for additional funding for the project.

The engineer also reported they received a quote for the peracetic acid disinfectant system for the wastewater treatment plant quote for $98,902.71. It was reported there are sewer bond funds to use toward that fee.

The engineer noted they are also seeking conditional approval for the lot line adjustment at Front and Bridge streets for the Iron Works project.

Council approved the second and final payment certificate in the amount of 13,649.07 for the Bridge Street streetscape project.

Public works Director Brian White, on behalf of Keystones, requested a payment certificate for the wastewater treatment plant pole building in the amount of $241,745.88. Council approved the request.

At the beginning of the meeting, council held an executive session regarding police personnel issues. When council returned to the public meeting room, they took a vote on employee discipline. Council voted for termination, with all voting in favor except Cunningham, who abstained.

During the finance committee report, Councilman Sean O’Boyle reported the borough is still on target with the budget.

Council approved the advertising of a handicapped-parking space at 537 Walnut St.

Councilwoman Tara Nicholas noted there are vacancies on the code appeals board.

Brubaker announced Catasauqua Main Streets will hold its spring cleanup 9-11 a.m. May 2. The rain date is May 3. She encouraged everyone to come out and help keep the borough clean. She noted they will meet in front of the municipal complex, 90 Bridge St.

Brubaker also said they are looking for a few more local veterans to be recognized in the latest round of Hometown Heroes banners.

Councilman Robert Zakos praised the recent successful fire department egg hunt and Catty in Bloom festival. He reported the annual Catty EATs Fest will be held May 2 at Catasauqua Park and Playground, 501 American St.

Zakos also noted he has not had anyone approach him about joining the shade tree commission and asked the borough to advertise it on social media platforms.

Zakos asked if the borough summer program in the park is open for registration. Eckhart noted it is a work in progress, but there is a training 9 a.m. April 29 for any borough employee interested in participating.

It was noted there is a limit of how many youth they can take based on the number of people working. Eckhart reported since there are four people working the program, they can take a maximum of 40 children. The borough is still accepting people to work the program.

Zakos reported, as Independence Day approaches, the J4 Celebration is taking part in the Catasauqua park this year. He said plans are coming into place for the event, and the next J4 Committee meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. May 14 at North Catasauqua Borough Hall, 1066 Fourth St.

Zakos also discussed the Catasauqua Area School District annual Turkey Day game. He said he would like to create a community committee to help with planning of some of the event’s festivities, such as the bonfire and Bury the Hatchet dinner, to help alleviate stress on the school district.

Under the new business agenda item, Cunningham read a notice honoring Eckhart for his recent recognition as a Borough Manager of the Year by Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce “through his tireless efforts to advance the prosperity and well-being of Catasauqua.”

Cunningham highlighted Eckhart’s efforts to improve the borough’s bond rating showing “a superior fiscal management and strategic planning,” his work to bring in more than $7.6 million in grant funds to provide “essential resources to support infrastructure, community development and public services” and his initiation of the accreditation process for the police department “demonstrating his commitment to public safety and professional excellence.”

Cunningham also lauded Eckhart’s efforts to “foster a positive work environment” in which he empowers employees, encourages professional growth and promotes a “culture of collaboration and innovation.”

Cunningham’s list of Eckhart’s work in the borough continued to include his work developing the Iron Works project, the improvement of roads and parks, upgrading borough vehicles and equipment, modernizing technology, the development of a comprehensive capital plan and promotion of community events to enhance civic pride.

Eckhart was praised for his “outstanding service, visionary leadership, dedication to the community and the remarkable impact he has made on the borough.”

Barb Schlegel asked if the residents on Second and Front streets will be able to use the parking lot. She said she is hearing from neighbors and wanted to see there was an update. Eckhart reported they are working on it, and it was reported they are waiting on some ADA work to be done.

Schlegel asked if some residents who don’t need the ADA access would be able to start using the space to “alleviate a lot of the troubles with the residents.”

Eckhart noted they are working on putting a process in place, but it is taking time to iron out the details. There are issues with handicapped parking spaces potentially being put in front of other people’s properties to avoid having those needing the handicapped spots from having to travel from the lot.

There was further discussion on options and possible board action to address specifics. Council asked the solicitor to create an ordinance amending the handicapped parking on the west side of Second Street. It was also agreed council will address specifics with the solicitor in workshop to make things as clear as possible.

A Poplar Street resident raised concerns about a neighbor’s overgrowth in their yard. Code Officer Rich Luthcke is aware and investigating.

She also reported some concerns arising from the new pocket park. Police were reportedly called about a youth throwing a rock at a residence and denting a car door. She said other neighbors reported two other cars were also damaged by rocks being thrown while at a stop sign.

She also suggested lighting be added by the park, reporting hearing suspicious noises at night but not being able to see anything. Councilwoman Tara Nicholas asked if Alcalde could ask the police department to increase patrols in the area, and they will look into possible solutions including lighting and/or cameras.

Council will next meet 6 p.m. May 4 for workshop and committee meetings and 7 p.m. May 18 for the regular meeting. Meetings are held at the municipal complex, 90 Bridge St.