Public safety personnel changes and emergency services staffing highlighted the July 20 meeting of Emmaus Borough Council, where officials approved a new police chief, reviewed EMS staffing matters, and addressed several other municipal business items.

Council approved the hiring of Joseph Sokolofsky as Emmaus police chief and authorized additional duty compensation for Deputy Chief Bryan Hamscher, who is scheduled to enter the Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP) on Aug. 28. Council also acknowledged the resignation of Danyell Himes from the borough EMS Department.

Several additional emergency services positions were filled. Council approved the hiring of Casey Schreiner as a part-time EMT, Ciara Cruz and Jordan Meyer as part-time paramedics, and Erick Haman as a part-time para-transport driver. Borough officials said the hires will help maintain staffing levels for emergency medical response and patient transportation services.

Public safety initiatives extended beyond personnel matters. The Health, Sanitation and Codes Committee recommended implementing Compliance Engine, software designed to manage third-party fire inspections. The system is used by municipalities to electronically track inspection reports, improve code compliance and streamline communication among fire inspectors, property owners and local governments.

In other legislative business, council tabled Ordinance 1288, which would vacate a portion of Perkiomen Street. Officials said notices related to the proposed street vacation must be sent within 14 days. The public hearing was closed and will resume Aug. 17 at 7 p.m.

Earlier in the meeting, council heard comments from residents and received an update from John Hart of the Emmaus Community Foundation, who discussed community projects and presented fundraising checks to support borough infrastructure projects. Council also approved the minutes from its June 15 meeting.

Among other correspondence, council received a request for the annual 5th Street Cross event and accepted the resignation of Brittany Billman from the Joint Environmental Advisory Council.