At the Northampton Borough Council meeting, borough Manager Brian Welsko noted after he met with the police association and the borough’s police committee, committee members requested approval of the Jan. 1, 2027-Dec. 31, 2030, agreement between the police and the borough.

The agreement includes a salary increase of 4.25% for 2027 and a 4% raise for 2028 through 2030, health care contributions of $80 per pay and $60 per pay for a single plan, up to three years in the DROP program and retirement at age 52 with 25 years of service. A full list of changes to the agreement is available for review. Council approved the contract.

The DROP program (Deferred Retirement Option Plan) is a specialized public-sector benefit program that lets retirement-eligible employees “retire” on paper while continuing to work and draw a regular salary. The DROP money is placed in an account that draws interest. When employees leave their job, they receive both their normal pension going forward and a lump-sum payout from their DROP account.

When the police contract is finalized, it is considered public information that residents can review.

Council denied a request for accessible parking in the 1300 block of Stewart Street that was supported by Northampton Police Chief Bryan Kadingo. Councilman Ron Knopf said there were already two accessible parking spots in the neighborhood.

Council considered a request by residents of 1808 Laubach Ave. for the removal of seven parking spaces on Portland Street in order to construct a garage in the rear of the property. The construction of the garage would add four off-street parking spaces to the property. Council approved the request.

On Nov. 21, the borough will host its annual Northampton Hometown Holidays. This event grew out of the former annual holiday tree-lighting ceremony held for decades at Main Street and Laubach Avenue. A request was council approved to close Lerchenmiller Drive between Clear Springs Drive and Washington Avenue from noon to 8 p.m. the day of the event.

Councilwoman Judy Haldeman, in her building, land and recreation committee report, asked residents to attend the upcoming holiday event, to be held 1-7 p.m. in the Northampton Recreation Center parking lot and fire department grounds. It is a family event, with food, handmade crafts, live music and plenty of fun activities for the kids. Santa Claus will be there!

Council considered a request to hold a She Blooms Women’s Market event. The request is to host it at a borough-owned property, specifically Municipal Park or Atlas Park. The event is projected to have about 30-35 vendors and support local and women-owned businesses. The organizers would like to hold the event three or four times per year beginning in April 2027. Council approved the request.

In his administration and finance committee report, Councilman Kenneth Hall reported Atlas Cement Company Memorial Museum hosted Antonio Buzzi, one of the owners of Buzzi Unicem Cement Company, Oct. 16. In addition, Krzysztof Burek, vice president of manufacturing and technical development, as well as his students from his cement manufacturing course at Lehigh University, visited the museum.

In her report, council President Julia Kutzler talked about the hard work of the administrative staff’s successes in securing grants to improve the public works department, playgrounds, the police department and more.

“Everyone is so valuable,” Kutzler said.

She singled out police Officer Joe Britt for his tireless work seeking ways to reduce costs in the police department.

Mayor Anthony Pristash thanked all those who assisted in making the Jack Frost Parade another success. He also recognized and thanked all the Northampton families who participated in trick-or-treat night Oct. 31, granting the borough’s children a fun two hours to get some treats.

The next council meeting is 7 p.m. Nov. 19 at the municipal building, 1401 Laubach Ave. It is a hybrid meeting, with both in-person and virtual options. Visit nothamptonboro.com to review the meeting’s agenda and to access the meeting virtually.