At the beginning of the Catasauqua Borough Council meeting June 15, a public hearing was held in regard to a proposed waterfront district zoning amendment.

Carolyn Yagle, of Environmental Planning and Design, reported the area currently had the base district, as well as an overlay, and the proposed changes would help reduce redundancies, better align with the borough’s future plans and coordinate the zoning criteria.

She noted the plan was to utilize a Traditional Neighborhood Development, which focuses on a unified development approach, has ties to public infrastructure, emphasizes the importance of accessibility, transportation and pedestrian connectivity and has specific implementation standards.

As part of the TND application process, a number of plans will be required to get a fuller picture of the entire project, including focuses on streets and alleys, pedestrian and bicycle access, buildings, parking and signage, open space and recreation facilities, utilities and a traffic study.

The amendment expands and eliminates parts of the waterfront district criteria to help align with the borough’s comprehensive plan. It will eliminate the overlay to better align with the base district.

The introduction of the TND process will help inform the phases and next steps for projects and allow for a fuller view of the project as a whole to assist with planning.

As part of the regular meeting, council members approved the elimination of the overlay district and the adoption of the proposed amendment for the waterfront district.

During the regular business meeting, a number of residents approached council with concerns. One was asking if the borough ever holds electronic recycling events for the residents. Borough Manager Glenn Eckhart noted those events are often set up by state representatives or senators and said he would reach out to gauge interest.

Another resident shared her concern about the changes coming to Second Street, particularly in regard to handicapped-accessible parking. She noted those needing the accessible parking spots cannot be traveling down to the lot on Race Street.

Eckhart said they are aware of the issue and are working on a solution. It was noted residents needing handicapped-accessible parking should be sure to get their applications in quickly since the process needs to go through council and the police department.

Another resident raised concerns regarding the family allegedly responsible for the recent bombing incident in the borough. He said he has brought issues to the attention of the borough and police department in the past and has since installed security cameras on his property. He noted the camera system allowed him to provide the Pennsylvania State Police with evidence for the recent incident.

He said the property is also unmaintained and in violation of a number of borough ordinances, in addition to other safety issues he has reportedly noticed. He noted he will keep making reports to the police and code enforcement until some action is taken.

In other business, council approved a payment of $6,300 to DESCCO Design and Construction for the wastewater treatment plant clarifier project and awarded the Wood Street project to T. Schiefer Contractors for $79,467.50. The borough has funds from a Community Development Block Grant for the Wood Street project.

At Eckhart’s recommendation, council approved the borough’s capital plan to help outline the long-term vision and allow for prioritization during the budget process.

Council approved the professional services agreement with Colliers Engineering and Design in the amount of $39,210 for the Front Street retaining wall project, at the recommendation of Chad Helmer, of Taggart Associates, and Chris Gulotta, of Redevelopment Authority of Lehigh County. The project is needed to move forward with the proposed Front Street streetscape work as part of the Iron Works project.

It was noted the borough will be reimbursed $35,000 through a statewide Local Share Account grant through RALC.

During the mayor’s report, it was mentioned there were issues raised about the contract with Mighty Pawz, but Solicitor William Platt did not want to further discuss it publicly.

Mayor Anthony Alcalde also mentioned the police department swore in a new officer earlier that day.

Council discussed ordinance 1465, which adds a four-way stop sign at North 14th Street and Ashton Court. There was some discussion about location and line of sight since the intersection is offset, but it was noted it all comes down to the safety of the students at Sheckler Elementary School and their families. The ordinance passed 5-1, with council President Virginia Schlegel opposed.

Council also asked Eckhart and public works Director Brian White if they can put out some signage to help people adapt to the new stop sign. There was also discussion of potentially adding a crossing guard in the area.

Catasauqua Area School District Board of Education President Dale Hein attended the meeting and thanked council for adding the stop sign. He also said the district would not be opposed to adding more crossing guards. It had been reported the hiring of crossing guards falls under the purview of the borough, and the district helps pay for them.

During the engineer’s report, it was noted a smaller pavilion at Catasauqua Park and Playground has structural issues. It was reported the area was taped off, and the tables were removed. They need to assess the roof stability before deciding if only the base structure needs replacing or the whole thing.

Council Vice President Kim Brubaker reported the Catasauqua Main Streets group is in need of volunteers to water the planters around town. She also noted they are wrapping up the latest round of the Hometown Heroes banner initiative.

Councilman Robert Zakos gave an update on a number of recreation items, including the Friday night concert series, the kids summer program and the J4 Celebration. It was noted that, thanks to donations from the community and an additional volunteer, they were able to have 40 kids in the summer program now.

Upcoming events include the Battle of the Balloons July 18, with registration starting 1 p.m., and the Walt Winch Memorial Basketball Foul Shooting Contest, set for 9 a.m. Aug. 15.

George Taylor House announcements included the addition of a Liberty Garden, thanks to grant funding in honor of the country’s 250 anniversary, and an effort moving forward to raise funds for the house’s windows, which are reportedly in need of work.

Zakos also shared a concern from a resident about communication and how information is shared in the borough. It was noted there is a reliance on social media and alternative options for connecting with the community and residents might be considered for those who are not on social media.

There are vacancies on the borough code board of appeals, zoning hearing board, borough authority and shade tree commission.

Council will next meet 6 p.m. July 6 for committee and workshop meetings and then 7 p.m. July 20 for the regular business meeting. Meetings are held in the municipal complex, 90 Bridge St.