During the Aug. 17 Catasauqua Borough Council meeting, council members approved resolution 14-2026 regarding a Main Street Matters planning grant for $50,000, with a 25% borough match of $12,500, for a total of $62,500.

According to supporting documents, “pursuing Main Street Matters designation will strengthen the borough’s capacity to support downtown revitalization, leverage future investment, encourage small business development, preserve historic assets and improve the economic vitality of the community.”

Samantha Pearson, director of the department of community and economic development for Lehigh County, mentioned this designation would allow the borough to bring in a consultant to help address positive steps needed to maximize assets and build the downtown community.

She said there will be public meetings inviting the community for input. It was noted the current members of the Catasauqua Main Streets group would be important assets for this aspect of the initiative.

In related business, Chris Gulotta, from the Redevelopment Authority of Lehigh County, said the organization is submitting for a Main Street Matters grant of $1 million. The grants would be used for site improvements for phase 2A of the Iron Works project, which includes 155 apartments, 10 townhomes and trail work. The site work would include stormwater work, sanitary sewer work, lighting, earth moving, etc.

He asked for the borough to send a letter of support for the organization to receive the funds. Council approved the request to send the letter signed by board President Virginia Schlegel.

Resolution 13-2026 regards debt obligation to Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) in the maximum amount of $1,021,000. The resolution grants permission if the borough wants to reimburse itself for what it has already paid for water system improvements out of the loan. It was explained this resolution was recommended by PENNVEST for flexibility. Council approved the resolution.

Resolution 15-2026 was added to the agenda for Multimodal Transportation Funds to improve a number of roads in the borough. The resolution was approved.

Council also voted to approve ordinance 1469, moving a handicapped parking space from 40 Front St. to a spot on Union Street, adjacent to the property.

At the beginning of the meeting, council adjourned to executive session with David Madrak, from Law Enforcement Accreditation Services, for an update on the police department accreditation process.

Borough Manager Glenn Eckhart reported the borough got a bond in 2021 but hasn’t been able to spend it all. He noted the borough may owe interest back to the IRS. Council approved hiring a company to do a report to remain in compliance.

The 2027 minimum municipal pension obligations were added to the agenda. The nonuniformed pension obligation of $287,814 and police pension obligation of $333,908 were both approved.

The Might Pawz contract is nearly ready to be voted on, it was reported. It will help alleviate the police department from needing animal control certification by utilizing Might Pawz, a third-party organization, to take care of dog issues in the borough.

According to Councilman Sean O’Boyle, they have gone back and forth with contract specifics a few times, but it is nearly all sorted and ready for approval.

Councilwoman Tara Nicholas reported the planning commission is meeting to discuss the master plan for the Iron Works project.

Andrew Kalynych was approved to join the zoning hearing board.

There are vacancies on the borough’s code board of appeals and borough authority. O’Boyle said he has one or two potential candidates for the code board of appeals, and he will send their information to Nicholas and Richard Luthcke, the code enforcement officer.

Council warned about changes happening to some of the roads in the borough, including Second and Race streets. They reminded residents to slow down, be safe and pay attention to signage.

It was noted many of these changes are coming from Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, not the borough. Residents are recommended to make their complaints to Penn- DOT.

The final scheduled concert of the summer concert series will be Sept. 4. Councilman Robert Zakos noted there are concerts expected Sept. 11 and 18 as makeup dates for previously canceled performances.

There was a recap of a few recent events in the borough including the summer park program, National Night Out and the Walt Winch memorial basketball foul shooting contest.

Upcoming community events mentioned were Hanover Township’s Community Night, which was held Aug. 22 at Canal Park, and the Live Well Be Well Roughie Style event, planned for noon-3 p.m. Aug. 29 at Sheckler Elementary School.

Halloween parade committee meetings were expected to start Aug. 19.

It was noted the borough’s trunk or treat is set for 6-8 p.m. Oct. 24, and trick-or-treat night will be held Oct. 31.

Council Vice President Kim Brubaker reported Catasauqua Main Streets needs four more volunteers to help water the local planters. To sign up, visit the Catasauqua Main Streets Facebook page.

O’Boyle said he has been talking with some of the borough employees about how to utilize the area by the pool house. One possible suggestion was a farmers market. It was noted there was interest from the Girl Scouts in creating a gaga ball court.

The topic will be discussed in workshop.

A Walnut Street resident requested council make it public if they have a conflict of interest when voting on an item. The solicitor reported there are laws detailing the process that a council member with a conflict of interest must recuse themselves and abstain from the vote.

The resident also requested increased communication between the borough departments.

The workshop meeting changed due to the Labor Day holiday. It will now be held 6 p.m. Sept. 8, a Tuesday. The next regular business meeting is set for 7 p.m. Sept. 21. Meetings are held at the municipal complex, 90 Bridge St.