Hellertown Approves Police Contract, Clarifies Council Compensation Policy

Hellertown Borough Council approved a three-year police contract and tabled an internet service provider agreement during Monday’s meeting, while also addressing internal compensation policies and announcing several significant grant awards.

Police Contract Approved

Council approved the Hellertown Police Department collective bargaining agreement for 2026-2028, with the contract retroactive to Jan. 1. The agreement includes wage increases of 5 percent in 2026, 3.5 percent in 2027 and 3 percent in 2028.

Under the new contract, annual base compensation ranges from $68,197.92 for a starting officer (67.5 percent of scale) to $113,707.25 for a sergeant by 2028. The contract maintains the “Pitman Schedule,” a 12-hour, non-rotating shift schedule that was implemented on a trial basis in June 2025.

Greenlight Energy Agreement Tabled

Council voted to table approval of a Point of Presence site agreement with Greenlight Networks, LLC, after several concerns were raised during public comment and council discussion.

Solicitor Michael Corriere acknowledged several issues need to be addressed with the company, including changing the jurisdiction for potential litigation from New York to Pennsylvania, clarifying the easement terms and potentially increasing the monthly fee.

Grant Awards Announced

Borough Manager Cathy Hartranft announced that the borough and Hellertown Borough Authority recently received several sizeable grants, including:

• $50,000 for the borough’s small water and sewer fund
• $173,000 to the Authority for inflow and infiltration work
• $125,000 to the Authority for water main lining
• Grants for a utility vehicle for watershed work and a solar panel project at the Authority building

Council Compensation Policy Clarified

Council addressed the enforcement of its existing compensation ordinance, which requires council members to attend at least 50 percent of meetings in a month to receive that month’s compensation.

The policy came under scrutiny after a council member in 2025 was paid despite not meeting the attendance threshold, while another member who did meet the requirement wasn’t paid.

“We directed our attorney to mediate the issue and contact the individual with regards to repayment of funds received for non-participation and to make right for the month that a former councilperson should have been paid and wasn’t paid,” councilwoman Gail Nolf said.

Going forward, council will be paid on the first of each month for the previous month’s work, with attendance tracked to ensure compliance with the 50 percent requirement.

Under the current ordinance–adopted in 1996–the Council President receives $2,400 annually ($200/month), while other council members receive $1,920 annually ($160/month). The mayor receives $2,400 annually, per the ordinance.

Meeting Structure Changes

Council voted to reorganize its meeting structure, splitting the discussion of elected and appointed official reports between the two monthly meetings.

Council Vice President Larry O’Donnell proposed the change to be more sensitive to people’s time and better organize the meetings.

“I think that would be sensitive to people’s time, and it would help kind of organize us, because I think it would be good, too, because we could prepare,” O’Donnell said.

Winter Parking Reminder

Public Works Director Barry Yonney reminded members of the public to be conscious of where they park during winter weather.

“Please get your vehicles off the street. It makes our life a lot easier to plow,” he said. “It’s scary when you’re weaving in and out of cars.”

Engineering Projects

Borough Engineer Bryan Smith provided an update via Hartranft on several ongoing projects:

• Dewey Firehouse stormwater improvements: The contractor is installing the stormwater system improvements, however the work has been delayed by the discovery of an unmarked utility, which is being relocated by Verizon at no charge.
• Reinhardt Park: The gazebo has been installed and concrete walkway work continues, weather permitting.
• Gregory Park: Fence installation is complete. The playground safety surface installation is delayed until April due to temperature requirements for the work.
• Sheetz/LVHN-related construction along Franklin Street: Work is on hold until the spring. A temporary patch over a gas line will be removed before the final paving.

Local Events Approved

Council approved two event applications:

• 2026 Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by Hellertown Historical Society on Saturday, April 4 at Dimmick Park.
• Freedom First Rescue event on Saturday, Aug. 22.

Heritage Day Planning

O’Donnell announced that the Hellertown Historical Society is planning an expanded Heritage Day celebration for May 16, celebrating America’s 250th birthday at the Grist Mill.

“It’s going to be bigger than ever this year,” he said. The event will feature historical reenactors, craft vendors, antique cars and kid-friendly activities.

The society is seeking volunteers, including Eagle Scouts and National Honor Society members looking for service hours.

Dewey Fire Company Audit Accepted

Council accepted Dewey Fire Company No. 1’s most recent audit, which allows the fire company to receive its $10,000 allocation. The fire company will also pick up a $4,000 check allocated for fireworks.

The next Hellertown Borough Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 2 at 7 p.m. at Borough Hall. Meetings are open to the public and livestreamed via the borough’s YouTube channel.