Construction is underway on Slatington’s new fire truck as borough council formally approved its share of the funding during this week’s meeting.

Fire Chief Justin Frable told council the truck is progressing, with the cab currently being welded.

Council approved a proposed funding split of $800,000 from the borough and $400,000 from the fire department toward the purchase of the new truck, pending a formal letter of agreement from borough solicitor Lisa Young at next month’s meeting.

Councilor David Schnaars requested updated financial records from the fire department.

“We also need your financial reports,” Schnaars said. “They are to be given to us on a yearly basis.”

Frable said he would provide them promptly.

The chief also updated council on recent emergency responses. Fire police assisted with the St. Luke’s bike ride at the Trailhead, and Frable thanked Emerald’s fire police officer for additional support.

He also detailed a May 15 search for a missing child.

“I would like to thank Friedens Fire Department, Walnutport, NOVA, Lehigh County Emergency Management, Lehigh County Drone Team, Northampton County Drone Team, Wolfpack Search and Recovery, and Slatington Police,” Frable said.

The child was found safely after about 3½ hours by Wolfpack Search and Recovery.

Frable also reported a rescue at the Walnutport bridge involving an injured worker.

Police

In police matters, Police Chief William Borst was absent, so council President Ryan Mayberry delivered the monthly report. In May, borough police handled 278 incident reports, made nine criminal arrests and issued 18 traffic citations.

Mayberry said the new 2026 Ford Interceptor is now in service. He also announced the borough received an ALS grant for another vehicle totaling $36,241.

Council also received an update on the 100 Steps project. Abigail Bartels of Acela said all Pennsylvania Department of Transportation comments had been addressed and resubmitted, with only formal board approval remaining. Council approved the request.

In other business, council approved Venue 22’s application for a $75,000 USDA Rural Business Development Grant.

Council also approved: • A request from the National Memorial Trail Alliance to install two new signs Sept. 11 at the Trailhead and Heritage Trail.

• An Economic Development Committee power-washing event in the 600 block of Main Street from 9 a.m. to noon July 19. Solicitor Lisa Young noted the borough’s insurance carrier must be notified about the one-time power-washing event.

• Thirsty Thursday free concerts hosted by the Venture Group at the Slatington Trailhead on July 16 and Aug. 20.

• Council discussed obtaining more information about securing an animal control officer to handle aggressive animals.

• The Slatington Public Library requested that library employees be added to the borough health care plan. Council declined. “I’m sorry to say we cannot do that,” Schnaars said. “They are not borough employees.”

Council approved Resolution R-12-26 for a Greenways grant supporting revitalization of Roosevelt Park and Resolution R-11-26 for a Department of Conservation and Natural Resources grant for Phase 1 improvements at West End Park.

Council also approved sewer authority bills and administrative expenses, including legal fees and travel reimbursements.

• Officials reported borough water testing showed the water remains safe for human consumption.

• At the start of the meeting, former council member Kris Burek requested an executive session. “I have a request for council,” Burek said. “I would like an Executive Session with the council at the end of this meeting. I think it will be valuable. It’s not suitable for the public in this venue.” Council entered executive session following adjournment at 8:16 p.m. No action was announced afterward.

Borough Manager Roy Hambrecht, Mayor Jeralyn Schoch, Police Chief Borst and Councilor Kevin Steckel were absent.