Hellertown Council Adopts Tree Ordinance, Mayor Addresses Threats

Hellertown Borough Council took action on several items during Tuesday’s meeting, including an updated tree ordinance that gives the borough new enforcement powers and a $582,000 contract that will fund major improvements to Reinhard Park.

Tree Ordinance Adopted 

Council unanimously adopted Ordinance 860, which expands the borough’s nuisance code to address problematic trees that pose safety risks to neighboring properties.

The new ordinance allows Borough Code Enforcement Officer Terri Fadem to cite property owners whose “damaged, dying, diseased or dead trees” constitute a nuisance by being “in danger of collapse” due to storm damage, disease, insect infestation or other conditions that threaten public safety.

A borough resident who addressed council during public comment specifically asked whether the ordinance would cover trees that could damage neighboring properties, as opposed to public areas like streets and sidewalks.

Solicitor Michael Corriere confirmed that neighbors are covered in the ordinance, explaining that the borough can now require property owners to address dangerous trees even if they threaten private property.

The ordinance takes effect immediately.

Reinhard Park Project Moves Forward Despite Contractor Concerns

Council approved a $582,325 contract with Grace Industries for improvements to Reinhard Park, but not without adding stipulations to help ensure their timely completion.

The project, funded through grants, includes ballfield renovations that must be completed this fall, plus allowances for sidewalk improvements around the park and public works building, and new crosswalk installations.

Council President Tom Rieger insisted the final contract include “financial penalties for defined completion dates.”

“I want financial penalties if they’re not done by that date,” Rieger stated. “It is a very active field, and I think if it is not done, we’ve had unfortunate experiences over the last few years.”

Borough Engineer Bryan Smith confirmed that Grace Industries recently completed a $1.3 million sidewalk and bridge project in another municipality ahead of schedule, providing some reassurance about their capabilities.

The contract award is contingent upon final approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, which provided grant funding for the project.

Police Chief Marks Impressive First Year

Hellertown Police Chief James Baitinger used his monthly report to detail a remarkable first year leading the Hellertown Police Department, highlighting major operational improvements and significant criminal cases despite operating at just 67 percent of authorized strength.

“The Hellertown Police Department has committed to professionalism, transparency and community partnership,” Baitinger said. “The accomplishments reflect the dedication of our officers, supporting federal leadership and the strength of our community partnerships.”

Key achievements during his tenure include:

Equipment and Technology Upgrades:

• Replaced a failing body camera system at no additional cost through contract renegotiation
• Installed six new in-car camera systems through grant funding
• Implemented seven license plate readers throughout the borough
• Upgraded to new taser equipment

Organizational Changes:

• Successfully increased department strength authorization to 12 officers
• Promoted detective sergeant for better night shift supervision
• Implemented new “pitman schedule” that officers prefer and improves coverage
• Hired new administrative assistant after long-time staffer retired

Training and Policies:

• Hosted FBI interview and interrogation class for multiple jurisdictions
• Completely rewrote all police policies and procedures to modern standards
• Updated mission statement and core values

Major Criminal Investigations:

• Assisted Allentown police in capturing a triple homicide suspect found hiding in Hellertown, recovering evidence that linked the suspect to the crimes
• Recovered stolen items from the Democratic Club, including an irreplaceable charter, through “tenacious police work”
• Conducted multi-jurisdictional drug investigation resulting in arrests of residents for allegedly trafficking fentanyl, crack cocaine, marijuana and pills through the U.S. Postal Service
• Arrested and extradited an interstate truck driver on charges of sexually assaulting a Hellertown minor

Mayor David Heintzelman praised Baitinger’s leadership impact on the entire department.

“It has a lot to do with leadership. And your leadership skill is something that I feel our police officers wanted. They needed that leadership,” Heintzelman said. “I think with the changes that you have made and the police officers have adapted to all comes down to one thing: it’s something they needed, wanted, desired, and now we’re seeing the fruits of their labor.”

Mayor Addresses Anonymous Threats

Heintzelman revealed he recently received an anonymous letter containing threats related to a borough issue.

“I recently received an anonymous letter stating that if I didn’t take care of a certain borough issue, the next step would be they would come after me,” Heintzelman told council.

The mayor, who has served nearly eight years and is seeking re-election this fall, said this wasn’t his first experience with threats, but emphasized that intimidation won’t influence his decisions.

“Understand this, there are certain things that are beyond my authority, and there are things I cannot change,” he said. “If you want to send me a letter, sign it, and we can discuss it. I’m willing to meet anyone at any time, whether here at the borough hall, the park, even the cemetery.”

Heintzelman concluded with a message about civic responsibility. “True teamwork begins with trust, and real integrity is found in doing the right thing even when no one is watching,” he said.

Construction Dust Draws Complaints

Council also addressed ongoing complaints about dust from construction at the Lehigh Valley Health Network site by Sheetz, with several residents reporting significant dust clouds affecting their neighborhood.

Borough Manager Cathy Hartranft confirmed that both the borough and conservation district representatives have been monitoring the situation daily, requiring the contractor to provide water trucks for dust control and street cleaning.

Smith explained that dust control falls under state and county agency oversight through the conservation district and Department of Environmental Protection, limiting direct borough enforcement options.

Corriere suggested the borough could explore adding dust provisions to its nuisance ordinance to provide additional enforcement authority.

The next Hellerown Borough Council Meeting is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 15 at 7 p.m. at Borough Hall. Meetings are open to the public and are livestreamed on both the borough’s Facebook page and via Zoom.