Years after purchasing the former Northern Lehigh Recreation Center, members of Masonic Lodge No. 440 say a longstanding stormwater problem continues to damage the property and hinder plans for improvements.

Speaking during this week’s Slatington Borough Council meeting, Dale Steigerwalt of the lodge at 565 W. Church St. urged borough officials to address runoff that he said is flowing onto the property from streets uphill.

“I have come to meetings before, for years, about this problem,” Steigerwalt said. “The water is coming down from the streets above, like Franklin. I spent another $1,500 on stone to fix the holes for now, and I want to blacktop, but until the borough fixes the stormwater problem from up above, I cannot do that.”

Steigerwalt said the issue dates back to work completed when the Slatington Community Center project was undertaken years ago.

“Fourteen years ago when the Community Center was started, the piping that was put in was just enough to take off the surface water coming down from above,” he said. “It should not be our problem.”

The lodge purchased the 9,700-square-foot building three years ago through a tax sale for $1 plus back taxes. Plans call for about 5,500 square feet to be used as a community center, while the remaining space will house the Masonic Lodge.

Steigerwalt highlighted the organization’s community involvement, noting the nonprofit 501(c)(3) supports Slatington Borough and assists with grants benefiting the Northern Lehigh, Palmerton, Parkland and Northwestern Lehigh school districts. The lodge also supports the libraries in Palmerton and Slatington.

Council President Ryan Mayberry said the matter would be referred to committee for discussion.

Roadwork

In other business, council awarded several contracts and discussed upcoming infrastructure projects.

Council approved a contract with S&G Asphalt Service LLC for paving portions of South Street at a cost of $172,938.50. The work will be funded through a Community Development Block Grant.

A second CDBG-funded paving project, on Washington Street, was awarded to Ronnie C. Folk Paving for $69,248.20. Council also agreed to spread the remaining $273,272.74 cost of repairs to the borough’s 100 Steps over the next two years and include the expense in future budgets.

Officials said a boroughwide pavement study will be conducted to help determine priorities for road improvements based on planning needs and costs.

A repaving project on Shadow Oaks Lane is expected to be ready for budget consideration by October. Council said a surveyor is expected to visit the site next week.

Trailhead questions

Resident Crystal Bilby questioned council regarding the borough’s relationship with the Venture Group and management of the Slatington Trailhead.

Bilby said she received approval from the planning and zoning committee to operate a Coffee Wagon at the trailhead and was told the Venture Group collects rent from vendors.

“I was approved by the planning and zoning committee to house my Coffee Wagon at the Slatington Trailhead,” Bilby said. “I was told the Venture Group collects the rent. I cannot find any working agreement with Venture Group and the borough.”

She also questioned the group’s nonprofit status, saying she could not locate documentation showing it has 501(c) recognition.

Mayberry said the matter would be discussed in executive session.

Other business

Council approved the following requests:

• The Northern Lehigh Events Committee to hold its Halloween Parade on Oct. 24, beginning at 5 p.m.

• Members also approved St. John’s United Church of Christ’s Peach Festival at Memorial Park from 3-7 p.m. Aug. 22.

• Mayberry was appointed council representative to the Economic Development and Beautification Committee for a two-year term ending Dec. 31, 2027.

• Council approved appointments to the Economic Development and Beautification Committee, including Michael Retamar and Naomi Winch to four-year terms ending Dec. 31, 2029, and Alice Wanamaker to a two-year term ending Dec. 31, 2027.

• Council later amended the agenda to OK fundraising car washes at the Slatington Trailhead for the Northern Lehigh girls wrestling team on Aug. 29, with a rain date of Aug. 30, and the Northern Lehigh cheerleading team on Sept. 12, with a Sept. 13 rain date.

• The borough also approved payment No. 2 to National Meter for the water meter replacement project in the amount of $445,899.49 and appointed Ron Kratz as citizen representative to the Police Pension Commission.

• Officials additionally reported that recent water testing found the borough’s drinking water safe for human consumption.