During the Sept. 15 Catasauqua Borough Council meeting, Solicitor Chuck Smith noted there are a few ordinances he is working on and expects to have ready for approval in October. These include required registration of businesses in the borough, details of the manager’s duties with cleaned-up language that makes more sense, sewer connection and rental surcharge levels to comply with the Environmental Protection Agency and camping restrictions on public property for public safety and general welfare purposes.

Engineer Vanessa Nedrick reported on the progress of the pocket park at 14th and Poplar streets.

She said the borough received a grant for the park, and the borough already purchased the new equipment. The bid for the work came in at a higher cost estimate. She said if they go with the original plan, the borough will have to pay more out of pocket.

She recommended putting the project out to public bid, which could make the process more competitive and help keep the project on budget with the originally planned $17,000 price tag. Council approved the recommendation.

Nedrick also asked council to approve a change order of $9,252.25 and a payment certificate for $45,260.47 for the electrical upgrades project at the wastewater treatment plant.

Borough Manager Glenn Eckhart asked council to approve the 2026 minimum municipal obligations. These include $260,994 for the nonunion pension plan and $322,756 for the police pension plan. Council approved the MMOs.

Additionally, council approved the Keycodes 2026 fee schedule. Eckhart noted there were only minor changes made, and he was still happy with the agreement.

Eckhart also presented a proposal for valuation and planning services of the water system for the possibility of potentially selling it in the future.

A resident asked if the borough has regulations for warehouses and/or data centers. Councilwoman Tara Nicholas and Eckhart reported that, through the River Central Multimunicipal Comprehensive Plan, there are plans for these sorts of developments. It was noted Catasauqua is not expected to have to add any additional warehouses or data centers, as these projects would be taken in by one or two of the other municipalities involved in the River Central planning.

Council President Howard Cunningham reported the Redevelopment Authority of Lehigh County is seeking additional grant funds for the Iron Works project. He also noted state Rep. Jeanne McNeil, D-133rd, and state Sen. Nick Miller, D-14th, have both submitted letters of support for funding toward the project.

Mayor Barbara Schlegel reported the police accreditation process is moving along well and making good progress.

The public utilities and works committee recommended relief for a portion of extra funds charged to First Presbyterian Church of Catasauqua due to a previously unknown water leak. A representative brought the issue before council at the Aug. 18 meeting.

There are vacancies on the borough code board of appeals and the borough authority.

Kelsea Thompson and John Adams were appointed as alternatives to the Civil Service Commission.

Schlegel noted the Halloween parade will be held Oct. 22, with a rain date of Oct. 29. She mentioned the parade has a new route this year. Eckhart said they are planning to have music at Catasauqua Park and Playground, 501 American St., as well as possible vendors.

Trick or treat will be 6-8 p.m. Oct. 31.

Borough council will next meet 6 p.m. Oct. 6 for workshop and committee meetings and then 7 p.m. Oct. 20 for the regular business meeting. Meetings are held at the municipal complex, 90 Bridge St.