Hellertown: Heintzelman Temporarily Out, Seeks Parade Help
Mayor David Heintzelman told Hellertown Borough Council at last week’s meeting that an upcoming medical procedure would require him to temporarily turn over his duties to Council President Lynley Solt. He also asked residents to help with the upcoming Hellertown Halloween Parade, which he said he would be unable to attend.
“I will try my very best to get back as soon as I can,” Heintzelman added.
Heintzelman said his recovery would take time, and he didn’t give a return date.
He told council Solt would assume the mayor’s duties during his absence, with the council vice president filling in if she were unavailable. He also said he would give up his mayoral salary while unable to work.
Mayor Seeks Parade Help
As for the parade, Heintzelman said three people had emailed offering to help, and several previous volunteers were willing to return. He asked others to contact the borough rather than him so a volunteer list could be assembled.
“I’m asking for patience. I’m asking for help, please, because this has been my baby for too many years and I don’t want it to go awry,” he said.
Memorial Garden Fees Waived
Council approved waiving permit and inspection fees estimated at $1,200 to $1,600 for a private memorial garden at 630 Linden Ave. Council Vice President Larry O’Donnell said the Kaufman family planned the garden at their home site, where a tragic fire occurred several years ago.
O’Donnell said the Planning Commission recommended the waiver and that the garden would be for the family, not a large public venue. Zoning and Codes Officer Terri Fadem said the anticipated work included a fence, fountain and pergola, along with sidewalk, electrical and plumbing permits.
Police Pension Option Approved
Council adopted the 2027 police pension funding option with a 0 percent member contribution rate after reviewing it against a 2 percent alternative. State aid is expected to cover the borough’s approximately $86,367 minimum municipal obligation under the selected option.
The pension fund’s actuary explained that because the plan was overfunded, officer contributions would reduce the state aid needed to meet the obligation. Based on the projections presented, neither option would require a borough contribution beyond state aid.
Sidewalk Funding, Parking Changes
Council authorized a $310,460 grant request for sidewalk improvements along Cherry Lane and Easton Road. Borough Engineer Bryan Smith said the request would cover part of a larger project, including stormwater work and pedestrian improvements such as crosswalks.
Smith said the proposed work would begin connecting sidewalks from Cherry Lane around the corner onto Easton Road. He said the funding could help support applications for additional phases.
Council also authorized the solicitor to prepare and advertise parking-ordinance changes for Kichline Avenue. The proposal would establish no-parking stretches on the north side extending 60 feet west from Franklin Street and on the south side extending 270 feet west from Main Street.
Smith said parked vehicles near Franklin Street were obstructing drivers’ view of approaching traffic. Council did not adopt the ordinance amendment at this meeting.
Police Radios & Salary Bump
Borough Manager Cathy Hartranft announced a $125,000 grant for police radios. Chief James Baitinger said the anticipated total was about $161,000 and that the borough was awaiting word on another grant.
Council also approved a $2,000 salary increase for Finance Manager Lisa Carl, retroactive to June 1.
The next Hellertown Borough Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. Meetings are held at Hellertown Borough Hall, 685 Main St., Hellertown, and livestreamed online. Agendas are shared on the borough’s website in advance. Meetings are open to the public.
