After an executive session that lasted nearly an hour at the Oct. 19 Catasauqua Borough Council meeting, council voted first to put borough Manager Glenn Eckhart on administrative leave with pay for 30 days, then approved his termination effective after his 30-day leave.

The vote to put him on administrative leave was nearly unanimous, with Councilman Howard Cunningham abstaining. The vote for termination was 6-1, with Cunningham as the sole nay vote.

Council members gave no reason publicly for Eckhart’s termination.

A borough resident spoke up angrily, giving his support to Eckhart and saying he and Cunningham saved the borough.

“What you did tonight was pathetic,” he said to council, receiving emphatic agreement from borough Treasurer Deanna Decker.

The resident’s emotions continued running high as he wrapped up his comments, at one point telling the council to “kiss his a**” before being asked to leave the meeting.

In other news, council approved a grant of easement for Empire Fiber Internet for a telecommunications equipment cabinet on a plot of land in the 100 block of Lehigh Street.

A number of ordinances involving handicapped parking spots in the borough were tabled until the wording in the ordinances could be cleared up.

Councilwoman Tara Nicholas shared some information from a presentation she attended about data centers and noted she is working on an ordinance for the borough.

Council also approved an animal services agreement contract with Mighty Pawz to handle stray dog calls in the borough, contingent on a clean and fresh contract with correct dates. It was also reported Mighty Pawz reportedly will put up a $2,500 bond to protect the borough in case of breach of contract.

Brian White, deputy assistant borough manager, reported the budget process continues. It is expected to be presented in November and voted on in December.

Mayor Anthony Alcalde noted the interviewing process for new police department hires is moving along.

In other police department news, council approved the resignation of Officer Jenna Potak.

Engineer Vanessa Nedrick reported they are getting quotes for the peracetic acid and expect training to start within the next few weeks.

Councilman Sean O’Boyle provided a report from the fire department and lauded the department’s efforts in responding to so many calls.

Councilman Robert Zakos brought up a discussion they had in workshop regarding metal detector usage and signage at the George Taylor House. Since the matter was not advertised or on the agenda, it could not be voted on.

It was also reported the band shell on the basketball side of the park is expected to be torn down in the next couple of weeks.

Under the new business agenda item, Cunningham reported he has been requesting copies of a number of police department policies since March but has not yet received them. The requested documents include the department’s code of conduct, internal affairs policies and procedures and the use of force policies and procedures.

“The continued failure to respond to these requests or provide the documents raises serious concerns regarding the handling of this matter and the lack of responsiveness to a duly elected member of borough council,” Cunningham said.

He asked Solicitor William Platt if he believes Cunningham should be given the documents, to which Platt responded yes, provided they do not include any legally confidential information.

Cunningham then formally requested the documents publicly, as well as an explanation for why they had not be provided sooner.

Council President Virginia Schlegel asked Alcalde to connect with police Chief John Wiseman to ensure those policies are shared with Cunningham. She said she will follow up on the matter.

Upcoming community events include trick or treat Oct. 31 and the annual tree lighting and Catty Kindlmart Dec. 6 at the municipal complex.

The next Catasauqua Borough Council business meeting will be held 7 p.m. Nov. 16 at 90 Bridge St.