MINUTES 9-16-2024  NORTH CATASAUQUA BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING  CALLTOORDER PLEDGE ROLL CALL PRESENT:  President Pete Paone, Counciipersons: Michele Hazzard, Mike Macsisak; Dan Snyder, Adam Landis, Mayor Molchany; Solicitor Stephanie Steward. Treasurer Annette Englert, Secretary Tasha Jandrisovits. Police Chief Christopher Wolfer. Vice President John Yanek and Councilperson Jessica Cope. Fire Chief Roger  ABSENT:  Scheirer.  APPROVAL OF MINUTES Correction on page 2.  MOTION:  By Dan Snyder to approve the meeting minutes September 4, 2024. 2nd by Adam Landis. No additional discussion, all in favor.  PEOPLE PRESENT-  Susan Hirner- - Susan asked how involved or how much work it would be to get a 4-ways stop at Howertown and Willow. Expressed that cars fly up Howertown. She asked about the process, aware there is now a crosswalk and a traffic cone, but people are not stopping. Itisall hours of the day. Pete discussed we did a traffic study at 4th and Chapel and determined we needed a stop sign. Chief Wolfer shared he had information on this he was going to discuss on his report, he would share now. He did a mini traffic study and also had conversations with the school district. There is an option to place a crossing guard there, the borough would have to share the cost 50/50 with the: school district. Discussed hard to see when turning out on to Howertown from side streets. Will review and have residents trim bushes, etc. to clear line of site, following our grass and weed ordinance. Pete discussed we will continue to review and take it step by step. Chief Wolfer agreed he will continue to research and review what can be Crystal and John Arnold - discussed crime watch meeting with council. Noted people on their block put trash cans out tol block spaces, knock on doors if someone parks in their spot. Chief Wolfer once again confirmed they are public streets, and no one has assigned. spots. Crystal mentioned front street has lines painted to prevent people from taking up two. spaces. Chief Wolfer confirmed we don't have a parking enforcement office and/or thet time to monitor lined parking, however, if cans are seen saving spots they will be removed by police.  done.  Page 1 of5    OFFICE REPORT -7 Tasha Jandrisovits  Approval to order three new devices.  $2520 - will transfer existing licenses Pete confirmed we will be Tax exempt-yes.  Spend up to $2600.  MOTION:  By Mike Macsisak to approve the purchase oft three new devices spending up to $2600. 2nd by Adam Landis. No additional discussion, all in favor.  Firewall renewal quote/approval.  Cost was $1999 per firewall for the one year and $1699.00 for the three-year  option.  3-year option is $600 savings Pete suggested we go with that.  MOTION:  By Dan Snyder to approve the purchase oft the 3-year firewall renewal for both at $3398.00. 2nd by Dan Snyder. No additional discussion, all in  favor  2025 budget items Stratix - server - hardware or cloud, devices not compatible with Windows 11, many other things. We have asked Stratix to complete a full assessment 2025 Keycodes fee schedule = prices have increased across all permits by about 10%, there was no increase made in 2024. We will need to increase our rental and CO inspection fees for 2025. Mike stated he thinks Keycodes is too expensive due tol his own pool permit cost. Pete asked ifMike had any suggestions for other companies to review, Mike said no, but he would look into it. Pete agreed we can review pricing for 2025 at a  and meet with us to discuss.  later meeting.  TREASURER REPORT - Annette Englert MMO pension approvals-  MOTION:  By Michele Hazzard to approve the 2025 MMO plan. 2nd by Dan Snyder.  No additional discussion, all in favor.  Annette stated she received the Upset sale information from the County. She also reminded council to meet with their departments and have budget worksheets in by the end of  September. Page 20 of5    PUBLIC WORKS SUPERVISOR REPORT -Travis Brett no report. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT REPORT - Greg Scheirer - no report. IRE/CIVILSERVICE/OPERATIONS - Roger Scheirer - no report.  POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT- Chief Wolfer  See attached report.  Chief Wolfer will need approval to advertise the updates to the handicap parking ordinance.  Stephanie reviewed the following changes were made:  E B6-language  B7-streamline - report from applicant'st treating physician is not needed. No more than 2 spaces per block, except with good cause = give some latitude = not too many on one: street - where there is a need not precluded from approval. Updated provision regarding one space on block with parking on one side street  except with good cause. shown. C4-10t to 30 days  Chevy Tahoe's - Enterprise found 4 will hold for 48 hours. Council discussed costs and  details. Chief will reach back out to Enterprise for updated quote.  MOTION:  By Adam Landis to advertise the changed to the handicap parking ordinance to allow regular mail and then the use of certified if no response. Also allows the Chief discretion to allow additional spaces as warranted per street. 2nd by Dan Snyder. No additional discussion, all in  favor.  Executive session.  John - arrived 8:06pm  OFFICE INSURANCE & PERSONNEL REPORT - Adam Landis - no report.  PUBLIC WORKS REPORT- John Yanek- asked that a new application by submitted. RECREATION COMMITTEE REPORT - Michele Hazzard - Autumnfest will be held on Sunday 10/13. LAW COMMITTEE REPORT- Michele Hazzard - no report. PUBLIC PROPERTY & PARKS REPORT- Jessica Cope - no report.  John will review budget with Travis. Asked for status of handicap issue on Green Street - Chief  PUBLICSAFETY-POLCE- Michael Macsisak-  Page 3 of5    Mike stated he spoke to acting Chief, signs were put up, no dues, kept signs up. Chief Wolfer stated he thought that was incorrect, he too spoke to Acting Chief Wiseman - stated the signs were before his time, he knows nothing about them. Mike said he will check with Northampton as they have an active crime watch. Discussion on what is the goal, can't just put a sign up to make people feel good with a random phone number - who will monitor 24/7 to make sure calls are handled. There could be liability there. Suggestion made to post the non-emergency police phone #. Stephanie will review. Pete stated signs are approx. $200 per sign = they will need to  add value.  PUBLIC: SAFETY-FIRE REPORT - Daniel Snyder - no report.  MAYOR REPORT - William J. Molchany conference; report attached.  Trick or treat will be held on 10/31 from 6-8pm. Bill read off information learned at his mayor's  SOLICITOR REPORT-A Atty. Stephanie Steward - no report. COUNCIL PRESIDENT REPORT: Peter Paone  Halloween parade 10/16 = route in North Catty will come down 4th - right on to Buttonwood end at park near Grove - maps will be posted online with ending location. Issues w/turn left from arch to grove - past issues with various routes. House bill 1976 and House bill 2045 - Upper Saucon township sent us a letter along with copies of their resolution. Stephanie drafted a resolution for the borough; however, this does not directly affect the borough asi ifist fortowns with 5kr residents or more. However, we are part of River Central multi municipal plan and there are members who will be impacted. Stephanie drafted a resolution to express disfavor based on participation in River Central. These bills propose that they could make changes to municipalities planning to take away their autonomy, for example to require multi family dwellings irrespective of council's will. Stephanie certainly agrees with the letter from Upper Saucon where they are speaking out against it, the authority that municipalities have to make decisions for themselves based on needs and characteristics for their own town. Highlands Conservation Act Resolution #392-from Planning Commission -the Highlands conservation region was federally designated land with boundaries established. Originally North Catasauqua wasn't' a part of the area, we are now within the boundary. If we adopt, we can then qualify for financial and technical assistance. This was recommended by the planning commission and would open us up for grants.  Free hot dog and water for those participating  MOTION:  By Dan Snyder to approve passing Resolution #392- -H Highlands Conservation Resolution. 2nd by Mike Macsisak. No additional  discussion, all in favor  Executive Session  Amend agenda to discuss once back from executive session = Michele - 4 police vehicles = 2nd  Mike. Page 4 of5    Executive session - began at 8:28pm personnel and legal matters, Regular session resumed at  9:30pm.  MOTION:  By Michele Hazzard to amend the agenda to review purchase of 4 police vehicles. 2nd by Mike Macsisak. No additional discussion, all in favor  Chief Wolfer received a readjusted quote - they removed MDT and radio, and camera system will move from prior vehicle - new monthly payment $1241.36. Tasha and Annette confirmed this is comparable to what we are paying now. Chiefi is working on a grant for the radios. 4 vehicles, 76, 77, 74 and 75. Pete pricing accurate up to $52k - 4 vehicles, lease, all language approved by attorney. We are ok to do a verbal agreement SO we can put all other documents.  Stephanie will review laguda and add to next agenda.  MOTION:  By Mike Macsisak to provide verbal confirmation to Enterprise to order the 4 Chevy Tahoe's currently available, with final review by solicitor and confirmation to be made by Resoltion or Ordinance as the next council meeting. 2nd by Adam Landis. No additional discussion, all in favor  NEW BUSINESS-  Annette mentioned zoning hearing. Tasha confirmed with council that there is a zoning hearing tomorrow evening at 6pm to discuss Mosaic application for a special event center.  APPROVAL OF BILLS - MOTION:  By Mike Macsisak to approve payment of all invoices. 2nd by Adam  Landis. No additional discussion, alli ini favor  ADJOURNMENT MOTION:  By Mike Macsisak to adjourn the meeting at 9:47pm. 2nd by Adam Landis.  No additional discussion, all in favor  ATTEST:  Tasha Jéndrisovits Borough Secretary  Page 5 of5    Mayors Conference Report  1. PNC Chief Economist  Augustine Faucher Small business = strong optimistic despite inflation  Interest rates have Peaked Record High Stock Prices US Economy doing well  Global supply chain Pressures are now below average  Tight labor market post pandemic  US economy to grow over the next years which means no recession in site. 2. Scope and trends of Drug Trafficking in Pa. Sgt. Frank Konek Western Section Commander, Drug Law Enforcement Division-Amanda Dogka PaCIC  Analyst of the Drug Analysis Unit  This team discussed overdose outreach analysis  OIDN Overdose information Network Which our Police Department has 3. Recent Legal Developments Affecting Mayors and Municipalities. This Particular Act 49 of 2024, which is a change to police pension with Part Act 134 of 2022 refers to Criminal History record Information Act. 4. Attorney General Michele Henry spoke Combating Harmful use of Al. 5. What is the Local Government Commission? David Greene Executive Director local government Commission of Pa General Assembly. Working toward more effective and efficient local government for Pa. Doing study on Police Regionalization Study and Enhanced Taxation for Fire 6. Innovative Strategies for attracting Police applicants and recruiting  used in the past years.  Time.  Provide Service to General assembly.  and EMS.  volunteer firefighters. work to keep them.  Police - Market your department and attract new candidates and do the Fire - Market department for recruitment and should have a plan for  Retention Assessment for new members.    -  ai S E : 9 S2 E t A S DE  S   00    14 GI