Northampton council approves Ridge Street vacation and police evidence-policy amendments

The Borough of Northampton council voted to approve two agenda items after brief discussion: a petition to vacate part of Ridge Street that runs from the Northampton–North Catasauqua line to Wyandotte Street, and a request from the police chief to amend the department's evidence-handling policies.

On the Ridge Street petition, the clerk read that adjoining property owners and the North Catasauqua Borough Council had asked Northampton to assume responsibility for and improve the surface of the portion of Ridge Street that straddles the municipal boundary. Council member Trevor Stone moved to approve the petition; Ron Glassick was recorded as the seconder. After brief clarification about whether the action should be labeled a "dedication" or a "vacation," council members voted in favor and the clerk recorded, "The ayes have it."

The council next considered a written request from Chief Kadingo to amend language in the Northampton Police Department's standard operating procedures concerning the handling of physical evidence and property. The request was described as designed "to increase accountability and streamline department procedures," according to the clerk. Council member Jason Donahue moved to accept the revisions and Trevor Stone seconded; the council approved the amendments by voice vote.

Votes at a glance: - Ridge Street petition (vacation/dedication): motion by Trevor Stone; second by Ron Glassick; outcome: approved by voice vote (recorded "Aye"). - Evidence-policy amendment for Northampton Police Department: motion by Jason Donahue; second by Trevor Stone; outcome: approved by voice vote (recorded "Aye").

Context and details: the Ridge Street action references a borough code provision requiring that a neighboring municipality or court approval be obtained before changing the location or grade of a street that connects with another municipality. The council discussed whether the correct action language should be "vacation" or "dedication" and proceeded after confirmation that the petition called for vacating the portion of roadway. The evidence-policy amendment was presented as a routine update to standard operating procedures; no roll call tally was read — decisions were recorded by the meeting clerk as approved.

What's next: the minutes record the approvals; the clerk and staff will process the administrative steps to effect the street status change and to integrate the evidence-policy language into the police department's manual.