The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission presented Emmaus Borough with its 2025 Community of Distinction Award during Borough Council’s Aug. 17 meeting, recognizing the borough’s approach to land development, community growth, infrastructure investment and stormwater management.

Lehigh County Executive Josh Siegel attended the presentation and praised the borough’s investments in infrastructure and stormwater management. The LVPC also presented Emmaus with six signs to display throughout the community.

Council also tabled an ordinance to vacate a portion of Perkiomen Street, pending LVPC review and further clarification of legal questions. It approved two residential disabled parking spaces and a traffic change on Adrain Street.

Ordinance 1288 would vacate a 70-foot strip of Perkiomen Street described as an unused, undeveloped paper alley, removing the borough’s public right of way over the area. Council members discussed procedural and legal questions, including whether the Foundry Flats developer or the borough should initiate the street vacation.

Officials said the area has not been developed or used in about 21 years. Council tabled the ordinance until its September meeting to allow the LVPC to review the proposal. A commission representative requested borough officials submit relevant information for consideration at the LVPC’s next meeting.

Council approved Ordinance 1289, establishing a residential disabled parking space in front of 217 N. Seventh St., and Ordinance 1290, creating another in front of 368 Broad St. Both spaces are intended to provide accessible parking for qualifying residents.

Council also approved Ordinance 1291, converting the portion of Adrain Street between South Third and South Fourth streets from one-way to two-way traffic. The change is intended to improve access to a newly constructed apartment building and was previously reviewed by the Public Safety Committee.

During public comment, a resident raised concerns about parking near the high school, including vehicles parked near a fire hydrant. Council President Chris DeFrain said first responders have been asked to develop a comprehensive solution rather than address the issue street by street. Council members also said they will consider raising parking fines at future meetings. The resident expressed concern that the current $25 fine may not sufficiently deter illegal parking.

During the Community Minute, Councilman Roy Anders recognized the Emmaus Youth Association for hosting a football tournament and raising funds. Councilman Brent Labenberg also thanked Borough Manager Shane Pepe for organizing the borough’s 250th-anniversary event, which featured more than 300 vendors.

Council approved the minutes from its July 20 meeting and a public hearing held the same day. It also reviewed resignations from Auxiliary Police Officer Jerald Ray Brown Jr., Officer Al Kloss and Ambulance Department member Andrew Lopez. Lopez’s resignation was effective immediately.

Council received a request from Emmaus Main Street Partners to use a borough-owned parking lot. It approved Resolution 2026-25, authorizing payment of the borough’s bills, and reviewed financial activity for the first half of August.

The Health, Sanitation and Codes Committee presented Westrum Development Co.’s fifth request to reduce required project security, which council approved. The borough holds development security to ensure required improvements are completed; reductions may be approved as work progresses and less coverage is needed for the remaining work.

During the borough manager’s report, council approved the retention of Danyell Himes as a firefighter. Pepe also reported that the borough is interviewing candidates for a clerical position and has hired Jason Kistler as a part-time paramedic.

Council also reviewed the mayor’s activities from June 16 through Aug. 17 and received updates from the borough’s boards and commissions before adjourning.