MINUTES October 3, 2022  NORTH CATASAUQUA BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING  PEOPLE PRESENT CALL TO ORDER 7 7pm PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE PRESENT:  President Peter Paone. Councilpersons: Mark Gioielli, Michele Hazzard, Mike Macsisak, Dan Snyder, Jessica Cope. Mayor Wm. Molchany. Solicitor Steven Goudsouzian, Treasurer Annette Englert, Secretary Tasha Jandrisovits, Jr. Also present were Police Chief Christopher Wolfer and Fire Chief Roger Scheirer  Councilperson Kaitlyn Lawton.  ABSENT:  John Yanek  APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION:  By Michele Hazzard to approve the minutes from 9/19/2022. 2nd by Mike Macsisak. Jessica will abstain from voting as she did not have enough  time review. No further discussion. Approved.  Pete acknowledged the people present, and said since we were aware we were, going to have a large crowd this evening we are going to do things slightly differently. Chief Wolfer would like to address the people present, and then Solicitor Goudsouzian and Councilperson Jessica Cope  have statements.  STATEMENT BY CHIEF WOLFER  Iwanted to make a statement to help outline where we are today. I did not write anything down, as Iwanted to speak to you from the heart. On September gth, Friday at 5:30pm I received a call at home from my Detective. He informed me a woman had been seriously attacked by two dogs. The process is my guys will always notify mei if there is a major incident. Ipulled up my portable radio and listened to the calls. The 2nd call was that a cat was attacked and killed. There was then a report that the dogs were headed toward the North Catty Park. My heart sank, Ihave a 4-year-old daughter and 2 dogs. It made me sick, Ic called my detective and told him that Id didn't want him tol have to make al hard decision, that he had my authority if the dogs were attacking someone to do what he had to do, to dispatch the dogs. The safety of kids, the community, pets were the #1 priority. Contact was then made with the owners, who theyt took alongi in police cars, dogs were found and put into custody in our kennel for the Monday 9/12, Icalled the PAI Dog Warden, assuming - would be told when to euthanize the dogs. Iwast told to return the dogs to the owners. Iwas: speechless. Iwas under the full assumption that when a dog severely attacked someone they would be gone. This ist not the  weekend. The plan was to figure out what to do on Monday.  Page 1 of12    case, but the dog warden isi in charge of dog lawi in PA, l'am the Chiefo of Police, Ican't break the Fast forward to Saturday 9/24- - another call that the dogs got out. Went after people and pets, luckily this time no one was injured. To sayl I was upset is an understatement. Again, my choice was to break the law or return the dogs. At that point, I got on the call with anyone Icould think of, agencies, called any and every one, looking to get a new answer, it wasn't there. I then called the DA and was told the dogs are innocent until proven guilty, they get their day in court as well, laws pertain to dogs too. At that point, Ih had two options, to stay quiet and let time takes its course until the hearing and deal with it, but that's not my style, when Itook over as Police Chief, I promised this community tol bei transparent. So, Imade the press release, knowing it would get attention. In ai few minutes after posting, it was shared by Lehigh Valley Live and then shortly after Igot a call from WFMZ for an interview and la agreed. lwanted to bring light to an issue that needs it. Ican see the upset and anger in your faces, keep this energy, make calls, send emails, sign petitions, get on the phone will the lawmakers that can make changes tot these laws. Keep this energy and use it, be loud, Ihave your back. Atthe end of the day, we have done everything we can, but the law is not on our: side. Icannot break the law, Ican't have my officers break the law, Iwant to apologize to all of you, it's a hard feeling  law. All of us took this SO personally, the officers, everyone ini the office.  when you have to do something you don't agree with but it's the law.  STATEMENT BY SOLICITOR GOUDSOUZIAN- =  Steve stated he would like to address procedure. Those that have not been here before, during people present, you will get a chance to say what you would like, and you are welcome to do sO, we want to hear from you. It is your opportunity to tell us what you would like, however, it is not a question-and-answer session, there will not be conversation with council. Telling sO that you do not get frustrated ify you ask a question and do not get an answer. You have all heard Chief Wolfer, hopefully this provides you more information that what you came in with before today. There are a lot of you hear, as you listen, if you decide what you are going to say is just repeating what others have said, you are welcome to or you can choose not to speak. Jessica stated she did write her statement down, as this is something near and dear to her *Note - Jessica read the majority of the statement below during the meeting and provided a copy to the secretary for publication ini the minutes. Below' is a copy of the statement. As for all of the individuals that are going through this, Isympathize with you. This statement is not about what happened, but more about how an official statement was presented and the wording that was used. Iwish I had more information surrounding all oft the details of these I'm a life-long dog owner and over the past decade, I've rescued mix-breed dogs. l'am also an advocate for these dogs. Historically, "pit bulls" have been given a bad reputation, even though any dog can have aggression in them. It could bei fear motivated, food motivated, or it could  STATEMENT BY. JESSICA COPE-  heart.  events, other than what I saw on a Facebook post.  even be a strong prey drive.  Page 2 of12    These dogs have been described only as pit bulls. According to AKC/UKC standards, pit bull isa classification of a breed such as sporting breed, herding breed, etc. Pit bulls come in all shapes and sizes. For example, an American Staffordshire terrier averages 40-60 pounds in weight. What most people think of as a pit bull, is actually a mix of breeds. It think a better description could have included size, height, & coloring oft the dogs. By only describing the dogs as pit bulls, all you did was perpetuate fear mongering and set back pit bull advocacy, by years. There are dogs in my immediate neighborhood, which also seem to be aggressive, of which are not bully breeds. My personal experience has been several encounters with these non-bully breed dogs in my neighborhood. During one of these encounters, 1 have a video from a camera outside my front door, when these dogs charged at my house towards my child, husband, and my dogs. Ini this video you can hear my husband screaming "Someone Help! Someone Help!" and you can see one of the dogs charging the house. Icalled the police on this day, which is not the first time I've called the police about my neighbor's dogs. An officer did come out. Idid speak tot the officer briefly to which I've been told, in the past, that officers know this gentleman and his father personally and so all they do is call his dad when he doesn't respond. - also know, it's going to take more then 2 calls to the police department for anything to be done about the specific dogs in my neighborhood. But, there was no Facebook post stating these As a result of these incidents, Ih have brought upi to Council, a need for an animal control officer. What I've been told, and it is documented in past council minutes, is that the Borough had an animal control officer in the past. This individual claims to have sent an invoice, to which the Borough did not receive and was never paid. Therefore the Borough no longer has an animal control officer. From my past experiences and hearing from our police, this is needed sO they can do their jobs toi the fullest. It's apparent that the Borough is critically in need of an animal Now to what my issue really is, it's with the statement itself and how it was released. Immediately after seeing a Facebook post as the official press release, Ispoke to the mayor and asked why it was released. I was told because there are rumors that the police are not doing their job with this situation and sO they wanted to address those rumors. The way the statement was written, it buried the fact that legal proceedings have started to have a court hearing, to have these dogs deemed as dangerous. Using words like "stay vigilant" and "shelter in place", has seemed to cause hysteria within our community and invited hateful and down right disturbing posts about carrying guns and shooting dogs, carrying baseball bats and hitting dogs and/or poisoning meat and tossing it over their fence. Let alone a former council member putting the exact address of where these dogs live. When Iquestioned this ex-council member through a private text exchange, they said "I have had to keep my mouth shut for 12 years while on council about numerous topics. Ino longer answer to anyone but the Man upstairs." This is extremely problematic, that a past council member didn't feel they were allowed to speak up. WellIfor one am not afraid to speak my mind and not always be on a united front ifl don't feel the same about an issue. This is a proud responsibility as an elected official and one Ilost my beloved Patti Cakes a little over a year ago. She was a mixed breed dog and most likely an American bulldog and boxer mixed with an American staffordshire terrier. Near the end of her life, she had al brain tumor and she escaped from a section of our fence. You would've  dangerous dogs should be taken off the street.  control officer.  that Iwill continue.  Page 3 of12    never thought by looking at her size that she could've gotten through the very small opening. We now know it was due tol her brain tumor and trying to leave to die. What scares mei is that if she was alive right now, by just releasing a statement that only described the dogs as pit bulls, she could be targeted. How do we continue to make our residents, who own these types of breeds, feel comfortable and not worry if their dogi is next because of the way it looks? Ispoke with friends Ik know whol live in the vicinity of Willow Drive. One told me they had heard the rumors about these dogs but wasn'tf fearful until the police released this statement and Icannot talk about thet temperament of these dogs because I've never met them. Unfortunately, at this time, I do not know more of the details that caused this press release. Ithink it was reckless to release a statement of this nature and create the hysteria and fear Myself and my family, would try to contain any dog we see that is running loose. I'm now terrified that residents and nonresidents are encouraging one another to carry guns and shoot  now they'r 're terrified to go out of her home.  mongering that has since resulted.  dogs that go running up to anyone. We need to do better!  It's critical to make sure our outreach to our residents and the public at large are level minded and facts are stated without using wording that would create fear and discriminate against a breed and not focus on the individual dog. We cannot state words like' "stay vigilant" and Ihave always and will continue to support our police, fire and all emergency services. They are essential to keeping our Borough safe. NCPD officers even recently helped return my 10-year old black lab and 11 1/2-year old mix. I'm thankful that they had the understanding and proper attitude to help them, as my puppy has anxiety and is fearful to strangers, something that I've As a Borough, we need to figure out the animal control officer issue. Ini today's society, we need to communicate better through more concise statements and be transparent. Iknow we can do  "shelter in place" unless our residents are in imminent danger.  had him int training for since we rescued him.  this!  PEOPLE PRESENT  Sandi Eckhart - Stated she has an issue with the dog next door to her. The owner doesn't use a leash, the dog messes in her yard. Dog runs over, they get scared, they know to call and let the Tina Petko - stated her dog was almost attacked, if she was not able to get him into her garage and close the door he would have been attacked. Her rights are being taken away, what happens if something happens to her, these two dogs need to be take out of the neighborhood. Eileen Lapsansky- stated she was there when the dogs got loose. She has a little dog, she isa dog lover, been around dogs her whole life. She just feels nervous, and said this was prior to  borough know when this happens, the problem is the owner.  Page 4 of12    statement from the Chief even coming out, she now has tol look around, her dogi is only 20 Ibs., she is petrified. She knows, she worked at shelter in NYC, how to defend herself, now she has Richard Kleppinger - stated tot the Chief it was a nice speech you gave. He said while you may have had to return the dogs, the property should have been inspected prior to their return by the patrolman to see how they got out in the first place. How do they prevent them from getting out again. Stated if he would see a dog attacking a little girl, he will step in and do what ist necessary to stop them. He was a cop not a politician. You have a right to protect yourself. Jane Schubert -1 thanked everyone for being there and the borough for providing the forum for them to speak. The dogs ran through her yard, they ran up to her circling the dog, they were talking to the dogs at first, the one went away but the other one's! hair stood up and he charged her husband. He picked up the dog and threw him inside the bed of the pickup truck. They then ran off towards the playground. Its beautiful out, all those kids at soccer practice, and trick or treat coming up. She noted the mayor online and noted seeing his cat walk across the screen, she stated she was glad his cat is safe as Mrs. Drummer's cat is dead. The only good to Susan Hirner - stated she lives on Palamino Drive. She said the reason people were asking on Facebook is sO they knew what kind of dog do they need to run from. There are two bus stops, bunch ofl little kids on their street. The other day the bus came early, and she was the only adult there at the time, how was she going to defend 10 kids. These dogs are running all over the place, they need to be contained. She thoughts there was a 3-bite law and she also wants tol know when the hearing is - how long to they must they wait for that? Prominent older member of the community- Alex Daku- - walks that street daily, walks with umbrella. He would Cathy Spieth- lives on Willow Drive -across the street, stated about the press release, this community was already on edge, these dogs have gotten out over and over again. The last time, neighbor had a fenced in yard, sO they took their dog and threw him over the fence. They distracted the dogs sO she was protected, they then ran after al little boy, ran after him, a neighbor ran after him and he kicked dog to protect them from attacking him. She has been riled up for at few years, terrified for a few years. She noted she did not receive a 911 reverse call. The only way: she knew was because they all blew each other's phones. No one she spoke to received the call, so beyond the dogs, that information would be helpful as well. Two number she wants to share - 22 and 15. 22 children, 15 are 5 and younger. 3 school stops. Police presence is needed to protect the children, trick or treat coming up - the fear of parents allowing children out ini the neighborhood. Halloween parade too, the dogs have made it toi the Cindy Drummer - regarding the 9/9 attack on cat. Ambulance at her neighbor's house, neighbor came out to go to the hospital, she was attacked by two pit bulls. She could not find her cat and eventually saw Simon on the ground, he was mauled by these two. Having an autopsy done. He was attacked and killed. Listen to recording. On 9/24-s she was sitting on back deck steps, the dogs came charging across at her, she fell on her hands and knees, they started to circle and sniff her and the owner showed up looking for them. That is when she  to worry each day, scared to death. She thinks this is horrific.  come of this is it has brought the community together.  not even see them coming at him.  North Catty playground.  Page! 5 of12    learned the dogs were returned to her after the first time. The dogs should have been confined and isolated for a minimum of 10 days. There should be penalties by the courts on the owners an expense of others reimbursed. Apparently, you have to file a claim within 10 days, she did not know that, is there any way that can be rectified. She wants this resolved quickly sO people can feel safe and secure in their neighborhood again. She appreciates the time, energy and Joe' Weber - stated we are placing the blame at the wrong place. Iti is not the dog'sf fault. Itis the owner's fault. Numerous incidents, going back a year and al half ago. One time, the dogs got out of garage, they were unleashed and ran towards his wife and daughter and two little dogs, when his wife went to protect them and fell down. The owner came out of garage, her told her to get control of your dogs. She called them and got them backi in time. Dogs are like kids, owner needs to be held responsible, fined or arrested, there are leash laws, shots are not upi to date, his wife had to go through rabies shots. It's gone too far; this has been going on for Nancy Nonnemacher - lives on the border of North Catty and Northampton. Everyone brings up the animal, all blame on the dog, the owner is 95% responsible for everything. Walks all Amber Shrey - moved here 23 years, people are my family. Grown up with Cindy, with all the neighborhood cats, dogs and kids. They had a pit bill, he stayed ini the fence. Cats stay in their yards; she has never seen a dog get out or not be on a leash. Even one oft the cats is walked on al leash. Why, ift the fence is the problem, is the fence not fixed. Ifthel leash is the problem, fix the leash. Why are people not getting apologies. This hurts her family, the neighborhood. 23 years. She doesn't want to lose someone, or see another one get attacked. One of her neighbors is expectingagrandchid. She doesn'ts see why there is no consequence or they are Tanya Pridgeon - stated there are no words to describe how bad she feels about what happened. She said there are al lot of feelings here tonight. When someone says something because that's how they feel, doesn't make it credible. It'sb based on opinion. As far as rabies shots, she immediately left work after she heard what happened and came home and got certificate and it is valid for 3 years. She wanted to get it to the person, she knows the person bitten by the dog! has to get shots and they are horrific, sO she brough it to the police to avoid that person having to go through that. What does surprise her is that a month and a half ago there was a story on 69 news about a grey pit bull and two German shepherds running loose Ati this point, other residents in the crowd corrected her bys stating that was in Whitehall  effort the police are putting into this.  quite some time. Owners need to be held responsible.  over constantly.  not fixing.  and there was no town meeting then. Township, not North Catty.  Tanya continued that 69 news showed her house and car, sO now she is receiving death threats, people stating about shooting dogs, what happens ifthey are aiming at a dog and hit a child. Loose cannons and vigilantes, might shoot a neighbor or a child, before you throw poison meat over the fence, come shoot the dogs, appreciate they think twice before they come out. Peace  officers are supposed to keep the peace not insight anger.  Page 6of12    Deidra Garcia - stated she isi in fear that while she is out and trying to solve this issue, she is afraid she will come back to her house on fire and her mother inside. She stated she is afraid Tanya Pridgeon - stated she never brought it up before but she will now, her shed is sinking in her yard, the neighbor covered drain and causes water to back up in her yard. She had covid money reserved to pay bills, but the dogs are now kept in house, and when out on a metal Pete confirmed there was no one else who wanted to speak on this matter, including those attending virtually. Solicitor Goudsouzian told the people present they were free to stay for the rest of the meeting or they could exit at this time, it was their decision. He also announced we would bei taking a! 5- or 10-minute recess as people exited. Meeting resumed at 8pm. Mark Hillenbrand -A Autumnfest, discussed cars, vendors, horseback riding, craft tents, pumpkin decorating, ventriloquist, bounce house and obstacle course, inflatables for kids. Noted he did call Miller blood bank need to reserve them approximately 7 weeks ahead oft time.  family is going to die while she is out trying toi fix situation.  leash to walk around the yard.  TREASURER REPORT - Annette Englert  TREASURER'S REPORT OCTOBER 2022#1  1. Received our PA! State Aid check for the pension funds in the amount of $84,255.00. I must deposit $51,375.00 to the Police Pension Fund per our MMO Report and deposit the difference of $32,880.00 in the Non-Uniformed Employee Pension Fund. This leaves a difference of $1,367.78 which will have to be paid thru the General & Sewer 2. Received our payment from Penn Vest for the Main Street Sewer Project sO we were able to make the final payment of$216,326.101 to Barasso Excavation, Inc. 3. lwould like a decision from council as to whether they want to extend the quarterly garbage option to our residents for 2023. This year we had property owners take  Funds.  advantage of this service.  4. The Finance Committee needs to meet to review all budget worksheets that have been  turned in. Please let me know your availability.  OFFICE REPORT- = Tasha Jandrisovits  Approval of Storm Water Management Ordinance #437  Page7of12    MOTION:  By Mike Macsisak to approve ordinance #437 Storm Water Management.  2nd by. Jessica Cope. No further discussion. Alli in favor.  PUBLIC WORKS SUPERVISOR REPORT - Travis Brett no report  POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT = Chief Wolfer  North Catasauqua Borough Police Department October 2022 1st Monthly report  October Dispatched calls- 2022 Total for September: 246 2021 September total- 218 % Change year over year- +12.8% Traffic stops- 36 Domestic violence- 14 Armed person-1 Burglary- 2 Shooting/tabbing- animal complaints- 10 Suspicious activity- 3 EMS-1 15 Fire calls-7 MVA's-3 follow up investigations- 47 citizen assists- 24 911 hang-up's-5 Burglar alarm- 1 Welfare check- 6 Assist other PD- 11 Theft-2 Vandalism- Assault-1 1 Fight in progress- Harassment- Fraud- Wanted persons- 1 Warrants served-3 3 Psych emergencies-  Page 8 of12    Indecent sexual assault- 1 Threats-1 Fireworks- Emergency PFA's- Trespassing- 1 Public drunks- Pursuit- Use oft force- 2 Report of shots fired- 2 Recovered stolen vehicle- Bomb squad call out- Parking tickets- 5 Traffic citations- 9 Traffic written warnings-1 Summary arrests-  1-0 Operating vehicle with fraudulent inspection 4-Operating vehicle with expired inspection 3-Operating vehicle with expired registration 1-0 Operating vehicle without insurance 2-F Failure to stop at properly posted stop sign 2-Possession of dog without proper license 6-Harboring of a dangerous dog 8-B Borough ordinance, dog at large 1-P Parking in a no parking: zone 1- Animal cruelty 2-failure to use turn signal 3-V Vehicle inspection code violation  Misdemeanor arrests-  3-P Possession of a schedule 1 controlled substance 5-P Possession of a small amount of Marijuana 6-P Possession of drug paraphernalia 4-D DUI Schedule 1 controlled substance 5-DUI general impairment unsafe driving 1-DUI highest rate of alcohol 1-C Corruption of minors 1-Endangering the welfare of a child  Felony Arrests- Moving Forward  New SOP finalized and put into full effect for project Lifesaver on 8/12/22 Tramonte andl Iparticipated in a County DUI checkpoint on Schoenersville road 8/13/22 1ST Neighborhood watch meeting was held 9/26/2022 @ 1800 hours. Minimal participation. Discussed it was an open session and they had pamphlets for those that  and 248 on 8/19/22  Page 9 of12    attended, they discussed mail fishing, trends in the community and other items. Chief Wolfer stated he started this at the request oft the community and hopes that more  people attend the next meeting.  TRAINING COMPLETED  Sgt. Tramonte completed training in SFST's & drugs advanced recognition Ofc. Santiago completed CPR & 1st aid instructor training through the NYC completed training in Interview and Interrogation law through the Blue2Gold Sergeant Tramonte, Ofc. Santiago, and I completed enforcement of the vehicle inspection regulations training through the Institute for Law Enforcement Sergeant Tramonte, Ofc. Santiago, Ofc. Hazim, and I completed vehicle search and seizure training through the Institute for Law Enforcement Education Ofc. Douglas and Id completed Crisis Intervention Training through Northampton Ofc. Pursell and Icompleted red dot pistol instructor training through VIGR Sgt. Tramonte completed annual IACP impaired driving and traffic safety  through the National Association of Prosecutors  department of health academy Education  County Crisis  training LLC. We are now both red dot optic instructors. conference through the International Chiefs association  CIMILSERVICE - Roger Scheirer  Interview will be held 10/12-will bring list to 10/17 council meeting to approve.  EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT REPORT - Roger Scheirer  Thanked rec committee for their $1k donation towards the fire investigation equipment and  vehicle.  FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT - Roger Scheirer  Roger provided training reports for his department to council for review. 26 fire calls for the month of September. They will attend fire prevention on 10/7, Autumnfest on 10/9 and Halloween on 10/19.Alltrucks will remain in service during. On Fridays and Saturdays in October  they will be on call for Whitehall while they do their Haunted Woods. OFFICE INSURANCE & PERSONNEL REPORT: - Mark Gioielli - no report  PUBLIC WORKS REPORT John Yanek = no report RECREATION COMMITTEE REPORT - Michele Hazzard for Sunday 11/27 with a rain date, Monday 11/28. LAW COMMITTEE REPORT Michele Hazzard- no report  Rec meeting on 10/24 at 7pm here in community room, discuss tree lighting which is scheduled  Page 10 of12    PUBLIC PROPERTY & PARKS REPORT . Jessica Cope - no report PUBLIC SAFETY-POLICE- - Michael Macsisak -no report PUBLIC SAFETY-FIRE REPORT - Daniel Snyder no report MAYOR REPORT - William J. Molchany, Jr.-r nor report SOLICITOR REPORT - Atty. Steven Goudsouzian COUNCIL PRESIDENT REPORT- Peter Paone  Main Street Greenway estimate - agreed to give estimate to fill in hill and other items, Discussion with DL - guard lock, wall like structure by bridge into Hokey. Report done by Hunter Research, 5 different proposals. Pete discussed with the DL their preferred options. Updated estimate of ones preferred by county and DL, will share with council Letter to the County being drafted for Sherry Acevedo to attempt recovery of grant funds DLF Ribbon Cutting - was held last Monday, good event with al lot of representation. Pete spoke to a rep with Mako's office to elevate the complaints regarding the dogs and Regarding the crossing guard, Pete spoke to. Jason Bashaw and was told they are looking toi implement bussing for 5th and 6th grade students startingi in November, as long as they can hire school bus drivers. Jason stated it was premature tol hire a crossing guard when this was happening. Jess asked if the bus driver positions were advertised yet and Pete said he assumed so, since they want to start in November. Mayor confirmed that Officer Santiago watched the bus stop at Grove Street for a week and there were only 3-41 kids to  will discuss with council in at the next meeting  once received. for storm sewer project.  they will get back to Pete next week.  pass by daily. NEW BUSINESS  Dan = asked about the animal control ordinance. Issues on his side of town with other things. Pete stated we can always review, this would fall under the law committee, at any time those ordinances can be reviewed. Pete suggested Dan discuss within the committee, but noted the  State law will always supersede and preclude our local ordinance.  APPROVAL OF BILLS MOTION:  By Mike Macsisak to approve payment of alli invoices. 2nd by Dan Snyder.  No further discussion. Alli in favor.  Page 11 of12    ADJOURNMENT MOTION:  By Dan Snyder to adjourn the meeting at 8:25pm. 2nd by Michele  Hazzard. No further discussion. All in favor.  ATTEST:  a Tasha. Jandrisovits  Page 12 of12