Council approves ordinance changes to street parking rules; second reading set for June 16

Emmaus Borough Council approved an ordinance on May 19 amending Chapter 15, subsection 602.3 of the codified ordinances to update several on‑street parking regulations, including disabled parking designations.

Councilmember Baumgartner moved to approve Ordinance 12‑78, and the motion was seconded and carried after roll‑call votes. The clerk recorded the roll call: "Aye" votes by Councilmembers Dufresne, Brown, Baumgartner, Lisonbee, Anders, Watt and Balliet — seven ayes — and the council set the ordinance’s second reading for June 16.

Council staff and the police chief told the council they are still investigating two specific locations where the code contains conflicting language about time limits and handicapped restrictions (one example raised was in front of St. John’s UCC). Staff said those two addresses were not part of the current amendment and that clarification on them will follow after review.

Council members emphasized the intent was to clean up inconsistencies between the code and the ordinance as codified and to retain flexibility where time‑limited spaces are appropriate (for example, limited hours tied to church services). No changes to enforcement policy were adopted at the meeting beyond the codification amendments.

The ordinance proceeds to its second reading on June 16, at which point the council may adopt final language based on staff and police chief clarifications.