Police Chief William Borst reported to Slatington Borough Council on Monday night.

Borst thanked residents for their assistance in helping police identify and arrest a suspect responsible for a monthslong series of vehicle break-ins.

“There were a lot of cars broken into,” Borst said, noting that one stolen item was a firearm.

Home security camera footage provided by residents played a key role in the investigation.

“The community with their home security systems really helped us,” he said. “We really appreciate it, and remember to always report a crime.”

Borst said the department handled 364 incidents during the reporting period, filed 270 reports, made 10 arrests, and issued 30 traffic citations.

He also announced that National Night Out will be held Aug. 4 at 5 p.m. at the Skeet Club, sponsored by the Slatington Lions Club, and encouraged residents to attend to meet local officers.

He said the department is also obtaining quotes for a new holding cell at the police station.

Fire chief

Fire Chief Justin Frable reported the department responded to 23 incidents, including assisting Allentown firefighters at a seven-alarm fire. He also reported firefighters conducted another search for a missing juvenile, who disappeared around 4 p.m. on Father’s Day and was found safe at 7 a.m. the following morning.

Frable said the fire department will also participate in National Night Out and announced joint training with the Wolf Pack will be held July 25 at 6 p.m.

Borough Manager Roy Hambrecht encouraged residents to sign up for the borough’s emergency and non-emergency notification system, noting only about 100 of the borough’s 4,400 residents have enrolled.

Hambrecht said the borough will transition to the Edmunds Financial System during the first week of August, with new utility billing software expected to be operational in October. He also said an antenna has been installed at Victory Park for the new water meter system, and residents will soon receive letters to schedule installation appointments.

Library

Hambrecht reported the borough has received grant awards for a new library roof and a police vehicle, but the funding has been delayed because required annual audits from previous years were not completed by the Dec. 31 deadline.

He said auditors expect to finish the outstanding audits during the first week of August, after which council can approve the required paperwork so the funds can be released.

During public comment, resident Kris Burek thanked Councilor Aaron Schoch and Hambrecht for following up on street lighting along Fourth Street.

Resident Gene Stalnecker said he researched the salary of the Lehigh County Animal Control officer and reported it is $48,976.

Other business

• Council approved advertising Draft Ordinance 732, which would establish additional duties for the mayor.

• Council amended the agenda to approve a final payment of $21,369.55 to Ronnie Folk Paving for the Maple Spring Drive project.

• Council adopted Resolution R-15-26 authorizing execution of a supplemental agreement with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, allowing the borough to receive an additional $220,000 in Transportation Alternatives funding.

• Officials announced bids for the 100 Steps project are due at 11 a.m. Thursday.

• Council approved $20,000 for Acela Engineering to complete engineering work related to the possible full reconstruction of Shadow Oaks Lane, including utilities and stormwater improvements.

• Council also approved a request from the Women’s Club of Slatington to plant a Franklin tree in Memorial Park on Second Street.

• Additional actions included approving a job description for a full-time code enforcement officer; authorizing preparation of a Main Street residential-commercial zoning overlay; approving Resolution R-16-26 for a six-month lease of a police training center at 7933 Route 873 for $1,200 per month; and approving a draft ordinance revising wastewater discharge regulations related to grease traps and enforcement for users connected to the borough sewer plant.

• Council entered executive session at 8:30 p.m. After the session, council approved a contract with the public works union and approved the pension payment for Officer Wagner through Foster & Foster.