[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6083825,"mediaKeyId","2926392-f0ec29d4b3e17b2e5e23384f7f57c7bd","parentId",2926392,"title","Votes at a glance: Emmaus council approves grants, borrowing intent, policies, radios and appointments","audioSeconds",184,"startMs",1601000,"endMs",1785000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2926392-f0ec29d4b3e17b2e5e23384f7f57c7bd&start=1601&end=1785","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2926392-f0ec29d4b3e17b2e5e23384f7f57c7bd/thumbnail_1601000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6083825/Emmaus/Lehigh-County/Pennsylvania/Votes-at-a-glance-Emmaus-council-approves-grants-borrowing-intent-policies-radios-and-appointments","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6083825-10da9e028a067c3d0762f2737a4ceb76/orig.mp4?Expires=1771199368&Signature=O3CNcsYr2u7EXQ4Lqky2yYW6kicR7f2krn40378AoN5t6GjngxJjFk0xWiIJibot4sc7yddpc4Skr6pQb7sMraJhlO7M10jkAGus1-iyr3RiBWnm4pQJIH5VL1UQbnfnxPEKh6zCzaznzitUqR4VKr0yahUaeOaDFqSSpCXHf08nJbbYdjT7ssslh6N3QhNlPs38~lV48mngVMmK~eDe3f1jqa8bFR0uX1munOvVyxNAawEwh5csBtWrnmBRF6597xzirM3ZTXx8vTGckol5kGLHwvRT-QvnTklesi2--RZYDy40KThoI6OLqUKzgD3jmAy9mxwsk7T3msNhUCARCA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Emmaus Borough, PA","date","2025-04-08T14:26:02Z","article","Emmaus Borough Council took a bundle of formal actions on April 7, passing motions and resolutions that covered procurement, finance, policies and appointments. Key votes included award of a CDBG ADA construction contract (reported separately), adoption of a cash-handling policy, authorization related to PENNVEST funding for PFAS treatment at Well No. 1, a five‑year radio purchase agreement with Lehigh County, a reduction in security for the Emmaus Commerce Center, the reappointment of a vacancy-board member subject to a background check, approval of the bill list, and approval of several event/permit requests.

Below are the council’s recorded actions and outcomes as taken at the April 7 meeting:

- CDBG ADA contract (Zagura Concrete) — Awarded $75,400 (see separate article). Motion moved by Ladenburg, seconded by Brown; vote recorded as 7–0.

- Resolution 2025‑10, Declaration of Official Intent to Reimburse — Council approved a declaration of official intent to reimburse borough general funds used to construct improvements to Well No. 1 for PFAS treatment with funds received from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST). Councilor Dufresne moved the motion, seconded by Councilor Ladenburg; the motion was made “subject to any changes that PENNVEST may require.” Vote recorded as 7–0.

- Resolution 2025‑11, Borrowing Authorization for PENNVEST loan — Council approved a motion to authorize borrowing of up to $2,793,000 from PENNVEST for constructing PFAS treatment improvements at Well No. 1. Motion moved by Councilor Dufresne and seconded; council noted the resolution may be modified prior to closing. Vote recorded as 7–0.

- Adoption of written cash‑handling policy — Council adopted a new written cash‑handling policy to formalize internal controls across departments. Motion by Councilor Dufresne, seconded by Councilor Leibenberg; vote recorded as 7–0.

- Radio purchase agreement with Lehigh County — Council authorized entering into a five‑year, 0% interest agreement with Lehigh County for radio purchases, with an estimated annual payback of roughly $164,287 and a total radio cost reported around $121,500; councilors discussed a roughly seven-year life expectancy for radios and the need to budget for replacement. Motion by Councilor Dufresne, seconded by Miss Watt; vote recorded as 7–0. Council noted the purchase is contingent on using the lower of vendor quotes where applicable.

- Reduction of security for Emmaus Commerce Center — Council approved reducing the posted security (maintenance bond/retention) by $32,768.33, leaving $30,000 remaining, per engineer recommendation. Motion by Councilor Brown, seconded by Councilor Dufresne; vote recorded as 7–0.

- Reappointment of Lucy McLeod to the Vacancy Board — Council approved reappointment of Lucy McLeod to a one‑year term (expiring Jan. 2, 2026) contingent upon completion of the required state background check. Motion by Councilor Lambert, seconded by Miss Baumgartner; vote recorded as 7–0.

- Emmaus Veterans Committee events and Memorial Day parade permit — Council approved the committee’s requests for the Memorial Day parade (May 26) and a triangle dedication (May 18, 1–3 p.m.), with street closures for the dedication and parade as requested. Motion amended on the floor to include temporary no-parking and street closures; vote recorded as 7–0.

- Bill list authorization (Resolution 2025‑12) — Council authorized payment of the April 7 bill list: bill list $524,151.83; payroll $607,390.887 (sic as reported in packet); payroll taxes $124,380.20; total reported $1,039,419.76. Motion by Councilor Dufresne, seconded by Miss Watt; vote recorded as 7–0.

- Approval of March 17 meeting minutes — Motion moved by Market member Ladenburg, seconded by Baumgartner; vote recorded as 7–0.

Several items were noted as submitted to committees or staff for follow-up, including Bruce Carl’s handicap parking request (Public Safety Committee) and planning‑commission volunteer application reviews.

For each recorded action above, council packets and staff memoranda provide supporting documentation referenced during the meeting. Where council noted the requirement of outside entities (PENNVEST, engineer recommendations, or police assessments), council made approvals contingent on required reviews or standard procurement comparisons; such contingencies were recorded in council discussion.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","04/07/2025 Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Emmaus Borough Council passed a series of motions and resolutions on April 7 covering borrowing intent for PFAS treatment, policy adoption, a radio purchase agreement, contract awards and appointments.","taxTitle","Emmaus, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania","taxId",71513,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6083830,"Emmaus council accepts $75,400 Zagura Concrete bid for CDBG ADA ramp work",0,741000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2926392-f0ec29d4b3e17b2e5e23384f7f57c7bd&start=741&end=741","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2926392-f0ec29d4b3e17b2e5e23384f7f57c7bd/thumbnail_741000.jpg","/articles/6083830/Emmaus/Lehigh-County/Pennsylvania/Emmaus-council-accepts-75400-Zagura-Concrete-bid-for-CDBG-ADA-ramp-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6083830-cc48493d02598f70c475693391bb366f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771199368&Signature=U7p~s7Y~guhMknyei8iXYJFdkThh1GP0FqkKlk2LopaJya~y4gG1V27cCXY2SVjmXvhE1aVz6TZikGf845IFod1Gn6M6O-W0ftBf37DhwSMcFBAx8I-gyxTWb6JrjT4iv9H61GKPYZar6pwrrfqR0zfHqY1xaLqm1nYSbNEpMjiFsS9cJIriz9hx9-xkJ6ruFSBrgomCaimQSTI5xWoK1RC-~mTbggLZA7QLJOiiDabEdSAwhr68-IFTuzoKHtHsgmJmzNuPZ3iRIdxYxgj2Eg2Ed8m-Vk4UkKSqrDB2aOqc5u8iWNjepP7lsw1Zl6kqptTbO55o2KB7reh52Hh5bw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Emmaus Borough Council voted April 7 to accept a $75,400 low bid from Zagura Concrete for the borough’s CDBG-funded ADA curb ramp and intersection project.

Council president called for the motion to accept Zagura Concrete’s bid after staff reported six curb ramp/intersection locations in the project scope and that six firms had submitted proposals. The motion was moved by Councilor Ladenburg and seconded by Councilor Brown; council recorded seven ayes and no opposition.

Council discussion noted typical curb cut costs range from about $5,000 to $7,000 per ramp, with additional expense when more sidewalk or curb replacement is required. One council member said that explained why grant funding completes only a handful of ramps each year. Councilors also noted the high bid from another firm, Engleman, totaled $148,003.39, illustrating a wide variation among bids.

A council member noted that Zagura has completed previous borough work and “has done a great job over the years.” Council did not amend the award; the motion carried and staff will proceed with contract award and scheduling under the CDBG grant.","Council voted to award the CDBG-funded ADA curb ramp and intersection work to Zagura Concrete at a low bid of $75,400; members noted typical per‑curb costs and bid variance across firms.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6083835,"Emmaus recreation commission previews summer concerts, adds Shakespeare and local vendor theme",117,448000,565000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2926392-f0ec29d4b3e17b2e5e23384f7f57c7bd&start=448&end=565","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2926392-f0ec29d4b3e17b2e5e23384f7f57c7bd/thumbnail_448000.jpg","/articles/6083835/Emmaus/Lehigh-County/Pennsylvania/Emmaus-recreation-commission-previews-summer-concerts-adds-Shakespeare-and-local-vendor-theme","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6083835-d2503c83828328fccd0d54d958531fd6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771199368&Signature=EcNT4yJGsPRYnWrCIiKa0iLmxvLaIen7E8GhePMR54P1ZYh1pr4HSLQ0RzMnnxf8Lu2BMO3zXWJM~Vd-bHObljzA-KpoLidbC71EPHRNfbHoMheASzli2GDOfO~XKkRPVVM3W3DJjPWxWmO2KevxG8xf7tWAKJEICWzipHR9sUv0BWQXRjOb4FwnsWmz0UmwokwRYMKp09fbDdTbLq14H5g9KFjQ6784IiCK1JfZcVU0zsjzF2OuvCbBWWClEyg3MfktGuwc-vwQK~Amr8IbMXAW5dZ683fae1f4CwPHmPCTl-2kVdi~B76ZBUngljzNYUsxs6iNrKJeAmuVFDNXaQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Alan Sylvester, chair of the Emmaus Entertainment and Recreation Commission, presented the commission’s summer schedule during the April 7 council meeting and highlighted two new items for 2025.

Sylvester said the core Concerts at the Park lineup remains largely unchanged, but the commission diversified genres across dates. He announced that the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival will present a free community performance on June 3 at 6 p.m.; the festival handles production and there is no cost to the borough. “They do a program where they basically go into communities across the Lehigh Valley, and they put on free shows,” Sylvester said.

Sylvester also described a rebranded Toons in the Triangle series called Everything Emmaus, which will prioritize bands, vendors and breweries with ties to Emmaus to promote local businesses and nonprofits. He said the commission is in talks with groups including the Kindness Project and the Animal Food Bank and that the commission will use local vendors and breweries where possible.

Council members praised the commission’s sponsorship work; Sylvester said the commission had just received an additional sponsorship from Lehigh Valley Health Network and that the flyer would be updated to reflect the support.

Sylvester asked council members for any questions; none were raised about funding or requests for borough action during his presentation.","Chair Alan Sylvester outlined the 2025 Concerts at the Park lineup, announced a June 3 Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival free performance, and described a new 'Everything Emmaus' vendor concept to feature local businesses and nonprofits.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6083840,"Resident seeks handicap parking; council outlines ordinance process and timeline",153,138000,291000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2926392-f0ec29d4b3e17b2e5e23384f7f57c7bd&start=138&end=291","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2926392-f0ec29d4b3e17b2e5e23384f7f57c7bd/thumbnail_138000.jpg","/articles/6083840/Emmaus/Lehigh-County/Pennsylvania/Resident-seeks-handicap-parking-council-outlines-ordinance-process-and-timeline","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6083840-59ecd5ff13724ead022457a5107b3f59/orig.mp4?Expires=1771199368&Signature=ZSTQSribTlrXMigoNKBk0wa8kqdCcP-kvqqVJtmeX5jcNRig3J8xy6tQxJ6qluIRNLL92074YMW-m3pOnM1g7~VzfoBshcRitBBNZglcs3EMP31e-tsdH5A~0Kfhm3chn~VsjgoCPHPTkxK1mGPBI4ZWx8C0pOsYVQD0RvX7j1xUb7fBBunEa7T8c9fUq3DbDys4kNjTYzZhBWVX8vubYDQJsDgvwSSX08wUd4y9MdaM0bLs~PIv~vGZrJsV1WCFF~uH-TTDNmcTQOlc1ygQ1BAW-oBPFsw92s29ytMe5~ybalPgp7XeQmz8mCBJi7oHR2-GgQP1P2XRqDnR6hs0SQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the April 7 Emmaus Borough Council meeting, resident Bruce Carl requested expedited placement of a handicap parking sign at 136 North Fourth Street, saying worsening health and limited curbside parking make it difficult for him to access his home.

Carl said he had “put in my application for a handicap platter at my address” but that the expected 90‑day wait was “a little bit unacceptable” compared with the 10–15 days he said the state takes to issue placards. “So if you can speed it clear along the process, I'd really appreciate it,” he said.

Councilors and staff explained the local process. A council member said handicap parking is governed by borough ordinance and therefore requires two readings after a public safety committee review. The council member said the committee meets April 9 and that, if recommended, a first reading could occur April 21 with a likely second reading on May 19; after that the borough must obtain the sign and a permit number from the manufacturer. A separate council member noted the police department must perform an on‑site assessment to confirm the need and whether alternative parking is available.

Council directed that the request be referred to the public safety committee for assessment and that staff include it on the committee’s April 9 agenda. Council members said the borough lacks in‑stock signage because state PennDOT standards changed and signs must be ordered.

The matter will return to council after the committee and police review; council did not take a final vote at the meeting.","Resident Bruce Carl asked the borough to speed placement of a handicap parking sign at his home. Council members explained the multi-step process, including police assessment and two readings of an ordinance, and referred the request to the public safety committee.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6083845,"Emmaus library director thanks council, previews summer programs and roof repairs",60,50000,110000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2926392-f0ec29d4b3e17b2e5e23384f7f57c7bd&start=50&end=110","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2926392-f0ec29d4b3e17b2e5e23384f7f57c7bd/thumbnail_50000.jpg","/articles/6083845/Emmaus/Lehigh-County/Pennsylvania/Emmaus-library-director-thanks-council-previews-summer-programs-and-roof-repairs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6083845-a238ad2e519e4a8d80c361b2d63171ad/orig.mp4?Expires=1771199368&Signature=Fmqi9j2kVDzYNHF43zLZt600BQjcGACmQDe1KcqH~c8gXYcizXz60LlpdeREpi~ywQE3-mUGP6L2gFjTBTo0vtFA-Iex08ZDLP10Mec4BJwDX-Dnf~9KAJuMX4WmNKwAqsYmcmpKJJkQpjBGQ~jRT3r8HynLM1EyWhzBJiiR8i6Gql-vBuLapX~jYrqeeaH-YbwtKEfGaZ5hpbgEvY1QRr1sjZzWBaiCO1kXM3POnDrZomVG49nt0ktW0-8LKfHLfKV7AZYR8N-NlyRJQzkywy8dv6GMXTsmrIFF52d5E8GzPME5nKDJO1G4uuhGrsNGCHqJEbIimrsuvW61ajaoDw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lisonbee Florey, the new Emmaus library director, used her five-minute personal appeal at the April 7 borough council meeting to introduce herself and outline library activities ahead of summer.

Florey said she started “at a very busy time of the year” and thanked council for prior support. “They were preparing for the tea time fundraiser, which went really, really phenomenal,” she said, and noted the Friends of the Library will hold a book sale at the end of April. She said staff are planning a summer reading program focused on art called Color Our World, and “we're gonna start with an ice cream social to kick off.”

Florey also told council that a roof repair project began the same day: “From what I understand, all the materials were set up today, and they'll be back Wednesday once the weather is fair.” She described the timing as “fantastic” to have the project completed before summer programs begin.

The remarks were delivered during the meeting’s personal appeals segment. Council members responded with thanks and invited residents to visit the library and see the work when convenient.

The library director did not ask council for specific funding during her remarks; she framed the update as an introduction to programming and a status report on facilities work.","New library director Lisonbee Florey thanked borough officials, described recent fundraising and upcoming summer reading and program plans, and noted a roof repair that began the week of April 7.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Emmaus council approves grants, borrowing intent, policies, radios and appointments

Emmaus council accepts $75,400 Zagura Concrete bid for CDBG ADA ramp work

Emmaus recreation commission previews summer concerts, adds Shakespeare and local vendor theme

Resident seeks handicap parking; council outlines ordinance process and timeline

Emmaus library director thanks council, previews summer programs and roof repairs