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Emmaus Borough Council elects leaders, confirms reappointments and committee rosters
Summary
At its Jan. 5 reorganizational meeting, the Emmaus Borough Council administered an oath of office, elected council leadership, confirmed multiple reappointments and committee rosters, accepted a resignation, and approved a new borough official roster; all recorded votes were unanimous where noted.
Emmaus Borough Council held its reorganizational meeting on Jan. 5, 2026, administering an oath of office and moving quickly through leadership elections, appointments and committee assignments.
Jacqueline Windsor took the oath during the opening of the meeting, stating, “I, Jacqueline Windsor, do solemnly swear,” as the oath language for the United States, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Borough of Emmaus was recited. Council members were asked to sign swearing-in paperwork immediately afterward.
The council then addressed its first order of business: electing leadership for 2026. Nominations for council president and vice president were made from the floor; the slate was closed by motion and approved by voice vote. Chris Green was nominated for council president and a vice president nomination was recorded; both leadership selections were approved by the council (voice votes recorded as 7 ayes).
Council members moved through a series of routine personnel actions and reappointments included in the meeting packet. Highlights of confirmed appointments and personnel actions include:
• Michael Wilson — reappointed as an alternate to the veil service commission for a six-year term expiring 01/01/2032 (motion passed by voice vote, 7-0).
• Susan Kowalczyk — reappointed to the Community Garden Commission for a four-year term expiring 01/01/2030 (approved 7-0).
• Steven Beyer — reappointed to the Community Garden Commission for a four-year term expiring 01/01/2030 (approved 7-0).
• Carl Kramer — reappointed to the library board for a three-year term expiring 01/01/2029 (approved 7-0).
• Roger Steinmeier — reappointed to the zoning and hearing board for a three-year term expiring 01/01/2029; council members noted his long service (letters referenced approximately 33 years on the board, including nearly 29 years as chair) before approving the reappointment (7-0).
• Theodore Yokes II — reappointed to the zoning hearing board for a three-year term expiring 01/01/2029 (approved 7-0).
• Lucy McCloud — reappointed to the vacancy board for a one-year term expiring 01/01/2027; council members briefly questioned the one‑year term before approving the appointment (7-0).
The council accepted the resignation of Rachel Sarzadien Peters from the Emmaus Parks Commission, effective immediately, and thanked her for her volunteer service.
Under general administration, the council approved Resolution 2026-1 appointing officials for 2026; the roll included the same officials listed in December 2025 with the addition of Eric Furman as a certified sewage enforcement officer. The resolution was approved by voice vote (7-0).
Melanie Shiner was appointed to the library board for a three-year term expiring 01/01/2029 after council members noted she had been interviewed in December; the motion carried 7-0.
The council also read and approved the 2026 employee, volunteer and safety committee rosters (chairs, members and alternates for administration, codes/zoning, police, fire, ambulance, public works and clerical assignments). The roster was approved by voice vote (7-0).
Borough Manager Shane reported personnel news during his manager’s report, announcing the hire of Richard Haju as a part‑time EMT and welcoming reelected and newly seated council members.
The meeting closed after a motion to adjourn was made and seconded; the council adjourned at 6:32 p.m.
The council recorded unanimous voice votes (7-0) on the items noted above where vote totals were stated.
