Slatington Police Chief William Borst reported that the department handled nearly 300 calls in February and is nearing completion of upgrades to its station.

“We had 297 calls, 210 incidents and 38 parking tickets,” Borst said at a borough council meeting earlier this month. “Our renovations of our station are almost complete. We now have 10 work stations instead of two, which is separate from the squad room. We are working on an interrogation room next.”

Borst said the department has had an open detective position since 2022 and would like to fill it.

“We have had an open spot for a detective since 2022,” he said. “Since we have been able to add more officers, I would like to fill that spot. It will free up our officers to stay out on patrol and not have to handle the paperwork and investigating of incidents. I have a few officers that have the requirements for the job.”

Council agreed with the request.

Borst also reported that the department has ordered a new patrol vehicle.

“We have ordered our new car, a 2026 Ford Interceptor Utility,” he said. “We should receive it in another six to eight weeks.”

Fire Chief Justin Frable reported his department responded to 20 calls in February and the status of a new piece of apparatus remains.

“Our new truck, KME Pro Series Pumper, is on schedule,” Frable said. “I would like to thank Vigilant Fire Company for all their help with fundraising, especially Ron and Jeffery Hausman.”

Abigail Bartels of Acela Engineering provided an update on the borough’s 100 Steps project.

“We received a DM3 review from PennDOT for the 100 Steps,” Bartels said. “Hopefully it will be the last of the inspectors.”

Other business

• Council approved a Disabled Veterans Real Property Tax Exemption for Jared Unangst.

• Members also voted to advertise Ordinance 730, which would establish requirements for connections to the borough’s water and sewer systems, including permitting, inspection authority and inspection fees.

• Council approved the borough’s 2023 draft financial audit.

• Council approved advertising Resolution R-09-26, which would grant a supplemental vegetation management permit to PPL Electric Utilities for spraying on borough-owned parcel 555331725637.

• Council approved a memorandum of understanding with Venue22, 661 Main St., which will operate as a community hub offering year-round programming at no cost to the borough.

• Council made several appointments to the Zoning Hearing Board: Russ Hallman was named to a new three-year term ending Dec. 31, 2028; Bryon Reed to a two-year term ending Dec. 31, 2027; and William C. Smith to a one-year term ending Dec. 31, 2026. Smith may be reappointed in December 2026 for a full three-year term to reestablish staggered terms for the three-member board under the Municipal Planning Code.

• Council also approved $20,063.66 in Sewer Authority-related payments, including legal services, regulatory fees and reimbursements.

• Council approved the assistant treasurer’s time and travel report totaling $536.78, including mileage and 16.5 hours of work.

• Council entered executive session to discuss legal and personnel matters. When members returned, no action was announced.

• Mayor Jeralyn Schoch attended the meeting by phone. Borough Manager Roy Hambrecht, Councilman Andreas Hassold and Robert Krebs were absent.