During the Sept. 21 Catasauqua Borough Council meeting, council members unanimously approved a vote of confidence in all borough staff.

“The borough staff has consistently demonstrated its commitment to serving Catasauqua and its residents through professionalism, dedication, institutional knowledge and a willingness to address the many challenges inherent in municipal government,” Councilman Howard Cunningham said. “Their experience, knowledge and continued efforts on behalf of the borough represent valuable assets to the community.”

His statement went on to laud the benefits the borough gets from the “experienced leadership capable of maintaining continuity and focusing on the effective delivery of municipal services.”

The motion formally recognized and commended the staff “for their service, dedication and professionalism and contributions to the borough and its residents,” affirmed their confidence in the staff’s ability to perform their duties, affirmed their support “for the continued stability and continuity of borough administration and operations” and provided “the support and stability necessary to effectively carry out their responsibilities in the best interests of the borough and its residents.”

In other business, John Verbos, wastewater treatment plant manager, addressed council and said the plant recently had a visit from the Environmental Protection Agency. Verbos said he was disappointed to hear the EPA visit and inspection was based off a complaint that may have come from a representative or employee of the borough.

He said if anyone has any concerns about the plant, he wishes they would come and talk with him directly. He is happy to talk to anyone or explain the processes at the plant.

Verbos noted he is proud of the work they do at the plant.

“We had very little to work with down there,” he said, noting they work creatively and on personal time to fix things and maintain the systems while working to keep costs down. “Our sewer plant is something to be proud of.”

He also expressed his pride in the professionalism and attention to detail his staff exhibited during the inspection.

“We kicked butt on that inspection,” borough Manager Glenn Eckhart concurred.

Councilman Sean O’Boyle likened this complaint to the EPA to an unnecessary nuisance call. He noted moments like this cost thousands in taxpayers’ dollars for no good reason.

“Stop the nonsense,” O’Boyle said.

Engineer Vanessa Nedrick also noted the borough’s wastewater treatment plant was in line to win an award from the Eastern Pennsylvania Water Pollution Control Operators Association. She agreed they do good work at the plant.

During the engineer’s report, council granted conditional approval for a change order and final payment totaling $14,797.14 to close out the 2025 road program.

Additionally, council approved $139,950 for the trickling filter replacement project and $84,217.50 to T. Schiefer Contractors for the Wood Street project. It was noted grant funds will cover some of the Wood Street project cost.

Nedrick also reported the borough received $275,000 in grant funds to purchase a vac truck to help maintain sewage pipes. It was reported this vehicle will be a game changer for the borough.

It was recommended council give its approval to award the 2026 liquid fuels road improvement project to Bracalente Construction in the amount of $225,432.75.

Council approved resolution 16-2026, a firearms range liability release for Catasauqua police officers to use the Lehigh Township Police Department shooting range, as required by the Lehigh Township Police Department.

During the mayor’s report, Mayor Anthony Alcalde read a statement about the role of a mayor. He said he had assistance from a solicitor from the Pennsylvania State Mayors’ Association.

He also reported the police department accreditation process is finished. He said Davis Madrak, from Law Enforcement Accreditation Services, congratulated police Chief John Wiseman and the borough police department on their expected accreditation approval. Madrak was also reportedly impressed with the department’s professionalism and effort to get the process completed in such a short time.

It was noted Wiseman is expected to go to Harrisburg next for the official accreditation decision.

Council also approved to extend the LEAS contract, as recommended by David Faust, a retired police chief who has been working with the police department since approximately 2021 to work toward accreditation.

During the finance committee report, it was noted unpaid water and sewer bills are going to be sent to collections. An ordinance for the effort is expected soon. It was reported there are approximately 400 outstanding bills, and, while the borough offers payment plans, there are some residents who are just not paying.

There was discussion about a grant of easement for part of the parking lot area behind Taylor House Brewing Company. Solicitor William Platt noted there are some complications due to the size of the parcel, but they are working through the specific requirements. The matter is expected to be on the October agenda.

Additionally, council voted to deny a street closure of Front Street for Blocker’s Coffeehouse’s anniversary celebration. Council Vice President Kim Brubaker noted she is interested in helping the business explore other options to help celebrate its milestone.

Councilwoman Tara Nicholas reported the River Central Multimunicipal Comprehensive Plan is expected to have its hearings in November, with possible final approval in December. Additionally, she noted they still need people to fill the borough’s code board of appeals.

A resident approached council about ongoing parking issues in the borough. He said he lives on Second Street and the area of Second and School streets is a challenge for parking. He said there are multiple multi-unit homes in the area, which leads to too many cars trying to park in the same place. He said there are areas, such as on Railroad Street, where there is space to park and questioned why the borough doesn’t open them up for residents.

He also said he has noticed “selective and unfair parking ticket practices” from police officers in the borough.

“What are you doing to help?” he asked. “Something has to be done at the borough level.”

Two items were removed from the agenda and moved to workshop. They involved metal detectors and digging at borough-owned property and the 1800s original band stand at Catasauqua Park and Playground, 501 American St.

Upcoming community events were reported, including the North Catasauqua Autumnfest Oct. 11, the Halloween parade Oct. 21, a trunk or treat 6-8 p.m. Oct. 24 and trick or treat Oct. 31. The parade starts 7 p.m., but there is a pre-parade event in the park, which begins 5 p.m.

The next borough council meeting is set for 7 p.m. Oct. 19 at the municipal complex, 90 Bridge St.