By Mark Rosman
Staff Writer
ALLENTOWN – Residents who volunteer to serve on boards, commissions and committees in their community may not always be recognized by their neighbors, but their efforts to play a role in many aspects of a municipality are appreciated by the elected officials who rely on volunteers for many hours of dedicated service.
During the July 26 meeting of the Allentown Borough Council, the members of the governing body passed two resolutions thanking residents who recently served in volunteer positions on two panels.
The first resolution expressed appreciation to members of the mayor’s ad hoc committee on sewer issues.
As stated in the resolution, the borough’s waste water treatment plant needs to be upgraded and brought into compliance with current standards. Officials have been making plans to rebuild and replace the existing treatment plant.
Several residents with experience, interest and time offered to provide assistance related to waste water treatment and served on the ad hoc committee.
The council thanked Gregg Barkley, Tom Braunworth, John Elder and Peter Russo for attending meetings, listening to presentations by engineering firms, working with the Borough Council’s Utility Committee to develop a request for proposal for engineering services, attending interviews with seven responding engineering firms, and ultimately participating as part of a review committee meeting in May during which the engineering firm selection took place.
The second resolution expressed appreciation to members of the historic streetscape project which seeks to revitalize Allentown’s downtown area with pedestrian-friendly upgrades including sidewalks, lighting and ramps to accommodate individuals who have a handicap.
Several residents with experience, interest and time offered to serve on the Streetscape Committee with Mayor Greg Westfall and Councilwoman Madeline Gavin.
The council thanked Ann Garrison, Don Swaysland, Martha Ploshay, Jolene Bauer, Carla Lebentritt, Thomas Fritts, Jan Meerwarth, Margaret Rose, Lynne Meara and Kris Danch for their efforts to improve Allentown’s downtown streetscape in order to improve the quality of life for residents and to ensure visitors have an enjoyable, safe place to visit.