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

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.