Easton to Review Policies for Large Public Events, Mayor Says

By Christina Georgiou

An estimated 17,000 people attended Bacon Fest II in Easton last Saturday.

A crowd of nearly 17,000 descended on the City of Easton for Bacon Fest II last weekend, and while the crowds that and other annual city festivals are drawing are a mark of success, more formal policies need to be considered to ensure public safety and that city services can continue to operate smoothly during large events, Mayor Sal Panto said Wednesday.

To that effect, he plans on meeting with the organizers of a number of the city's most popular events, including Heritage Day and the Easton Garlic Fest to discuss their needs and gather input before possible future policies are put in place.

"We're going to come up with a policy for special events," Panto said.

Some things that might be considered for the future include:

• a possible ban on closing Larry Holmes Drive while Centre Square is also closed to motor vehicles, to make sure traffic flows more smoothly through the city during festivals
• prohibiting the pitching of vendor tents in the Centre Square roadway area due to emergency response concerns
• ways to eliminate access to city shops being blocked by temporary vendors and festival activities

As the number and scope of special events in the city has grown, some may go by the wayside, Panto said.

"We might look at some of the smaller events and eliminate them, like we've eliminated Community Spirit Day this year," he suggested.

Others might be moved from Centre Square to the riverfront and take place in Scott and/or Riverside parks, he added.

But most events probably won't be relocated and the city will just work to make things run more smoothly when crowds attend them.

"The traditional big meeting space in the city is Centre Square," he said.

City EIT Rate Hike Passes, Rental License Fee Increase Fails

By Christina Georgiou

A 0.2 percent increase in Easton Earned Income Tax (EIT) was passed unanimously by city council members Wednesday evening, raising the rate to 1.95 percent for residents. The EIT rate paid by those who work in Easton but do not reside in the city will remain at the current 1.75 percent rate.

A last-minute attempt to fill a $110,000 hole in the city's 2014 budget proposal by increasing the city's residential licensing fee by $25 per unit annually failed to get city council members' approval.

The shortfall cropped up after the council rejected a provision during a budget hearing Tuesday night that would have raised rates in the city's South Third Street parking garage from $2 to $3 per hour during summer months.

City Administrator Glenn Steckman suggested at Wednesday's meeting the hole could be filled by raising the residential licensing fee to $80 per rental unit, up from the current $55 rate.

The 2014 budget proposal calls for a $5 increase in the fee to $60, which the council said it agreed with, but members balked at the sharper rate increase.

"I just think it needs a lot more thought," said Mayor Sal Panto, who attended the meeting by phone. Panto is in Seattle, WA at the National League of Cities' annual conference.

Steckman said the increase would support more vigorous code enforcement and rental unit inspections.

"Although I support (that), and I want to support it, I think it will take months to implement it," Panto said. "So I have some reservations about putting this in place in 24 hours, but I do support the intent."

The city plans to hire one additional code enforcement officer next year to help with rental unit inspections. The budget proposal calls for the new position to be filled in April, but city officials said Tuesday evening that might be pushed back until June to help cover the shortfall after the parking rate increase failed to gain traction.

Easton Council member El Warner said the new proposed rate increase was too steep.

"We're talking about making this cost $80, a $25 increase," she said. "I'm just not ready to do this on 24 hours notice."

Steckman said raising the fee more than the budget originally called for would help the city recoup costs associated with city rental unit inspections and code enforcement, noting that Councilman Roger Ruggles had said he wished the fee was reflective of the expenses to the city to do so.

"What this gives to me is a vision for the future of where this may go. But...it may not be this, and this may not be where we go," Ruggles said.

"I think it may be what we all want to do, but not at this time," Vice-mayor Ken Brown said.

Panto suggested that "baby steps" towards a higher fee might be taken along with better enforcement through coordinating city departments to make sure rental units comply with health and safety ordinances.

Technology upgrades, which the city is working on implementing soon, would allow police to better communicate with the codes and health departments after situations such as drug raids, he suggested.

Steckman seemed frustrated the suggestion was rejected.

"I've done this in other communities," he said, adding that such rate hikes are "aimed at increasing rental property values."

The city administrator then suggested that city council could opt to leave the $110,000 shortfall in the proposed $32 million budget for now, and approve it as it stands at the next regular city council meeting. The administration would then further work on ways to eliminate it in the first quarter of 2014, in January.

He also suggested city council might reconsider the parking deck rate hike, saying that traffic in the municipal garage is mostly monthly pass holders during the week, and city visitors on weekends.

Panto said he favors finding other ways to cover the shortfall in January.

"I'm not on board with the increase Monday to Friday," he said.

The mayor suggested the bulk of the $110,000 could be made up through the elimination of a "long empty" city position through attrition.

"I'm not talking about a person, I'm talking about a position," he added.

City Finance Director Chris Heagele said he'll be working immediately to identify other places the shortfall might be made up, noting that eliminating the vacant position is a good place to start. With salary and benefits being the majority of the amount, he said it may be possible for him to identify other small cuts to cover the rest of the amount.

City EIT Increase Likely, But Parking Rate Hike Off the Table for 2014

By Christina Georgiou
 

Easton city council members rejected raising municipal
parking deck rates from $2 to $3 per hour during the peak
summer season in 2014 during a budget hearing
Tuesday evening. As a result, both curbside metered parking
and municipal garage fees are expected to remain the
same next year.

Easton's Earned Income Tax seems likely to be raised by two-tenths of a percent, to a total of 1.95 percent, for residents in 2014, but city council members roundly rejected the idea of raising parking fees in the municipal parking garage to $3 per hour during summer months at a budget hearing on Tuesday evening.

Those who work but do not live in Easton will continue to pay 1.75 percent as implemented by the council at the beginning of this year, city officials said.

The increase in city parking deck fees would have brought an estimated extra $160,000 to Easton's coffers next year, but council members said the hike isn't justifiable and would hit residents as well as visitors to the city's attractions.

City administrator Glenn Steckman said the increase is necessary to control traffic in the parking deck during peak times. The deck was recently been filled to capacity during the Easton Garlic Fest and last weekend during Bacon Fest II. As a result, it was shut down until spaces opened

Steckman also suggested some of the extra revenue from the increased rate might go towards paying for the construction of more parking in the future.

"I do understand the supply and demand issue...but I do have an issue with rates going up and down," said Councilman Jeff Warren. "I really believe there needs to be some consistency."

Councilwoman El Warner, who has opposed parking rate hikes in the past, said, "I'm actually not in favor of doing this at all."

Mayor Sal Panto, attending the meeting via phone due to his attendance at a national mayor's conference in Seattle, WA this week, said it would be good to have the revenue, but not at the expense of city residents.

"I think it's great to get $3 per hour from visitors and tourists from out of town, but we need to figure out a way that residents (can pay less)," he said. "I think we need to make it fair for our residents."

He added that he agreed Easton will need more parking in the future, but said, "I don't think the people going Downtown (in the summer) on a Thursday night should pay for a garage we might build next year."

Warren agreed, saying, "We don't want to--I don't want to say 'gouge'--but we don't want to stick it to them."

Easton Councilwoman Sandra Vulcano suggested that trolley service be offered during large city events to ferry visitors from lots and parking spaces further from the center of the city to solve overflow issues. The cost of the service might be borne by charging riders $1 each, and the shuttle could travel in a loop to make it convenient for all, she added.

After council members made it clear they wouldn't vote in favor of the parking garage seasonal rate increase, Steckman said adjustments would have to be made to make up for the $25,000.

"I can count as well as anyone," he said, referring to the majority of council that voiced objections. "We'll come back with a revised budget for you tomorrow."

Steckman said the necessary cuts might come from delaying the hiring of a new building codes enforcement officer to handle landlord licensing and rental inspections from April to June and axing the purchase of a paving melting pot for the public works department.

City administrators also recommended an increase in the city's residential rental license of $5 per year from $55 to $60, which would bring in an estimated extra $25,000 per year, and raising the real estate transfer tax from $125 to $140.

City finance director Chris Heagele, along with Steckman, recommended council vote to increase the city EIT by 0.2 percent at its regular meeting tonight, which is the amount the budget proposal is based on. Without it, the city faces a shortfall in excess of $1 million and severe cuts to services and city programs would be necessary, they warned.

"All the assumptions in here assume a 0.20 (percent) EIT and the rental license fee increase. Roughly every tenth of a percent is $400,000," Heagle said. "If we don't enact that ordinance, we would either need to raise revenue substantially or take an axe to the budget."

Panto reiterated that he recommends raising the EIT rate.

"It's either raise it by two-tenths of a percent or raise it more, because at this late date, we can't screw with the budget," the mayor said.

The council introduced three ordinances at its last meeting, knowing only one would be voted on, to give them latitude in the decision--an increase of one-tenth of a percent, one at two-tenths, and a third at three-tenths.

In the event the council decides against any increase, they could reject all three measures, and the EIT rate would remain unchanged.

However, that council will vote in favor of two-tenths of a percent increase as recommended by city administrators seems to be the most likely scenario at this point.

"I've never had a problem with (1.95 percent)," Warren said.

Updated to correct the amount of the current rental licensing annual fee.  It is $55, not $50 as the article originally stated.

Easton Peace Candle Sponsors Can "Light a Night"

A crane stands at the ready on Centre Square Tuesday
evening. Easton's Peace Candle, a decades-long
tradition and the largest non-wax candle in North
America, is set to be erected today over the
Soldiers and Sailors monument.

Volunteer and city workers are set to erect Easton's Peace Candle today on Centre Square, and the traditional lighting ceremony will happen on Black Friday, November 29 from 5 to 9 p.m., but keeping the largest non-wax candle in North America lit throughout the holiday season, until January 20, requires a community effort.

To that effect, the Easton Main Street Initiative (EMSI), which has taken over the organization of the Peace Candle lighting event in the past few years, is seeking businesses and individuals to "Light a Night".

For $30 a day, sponsors can honor a loved one or promote their business, the organization has announced. Event sponsors will be listed in the official event program and be listed on a display on Centre Square.

The donations are tax-deductible.

More information can be found on the EMSI website here, and "Light a Night" sponsorship forms can be downloaded directly by clicking here.

Completed forms with a check for $30 made out to the Greater Easton Development Partnership (GEDP), can be mailed to:

Easton Main Street Initiative
c/o Peace Candle
35 S. Third Street
Easton, PA 18042

Sponsors may also drop off their forms with payment at Crayton's Creations, 249 Northampton St. during business hours--Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sundays from noon to 4 p.m.

Space Station Scientist to Speak at Lafayette College

The chief scientist for NASA’s International Space Station (ISS) program, Julie A. Robinson, will give a talk entitled "Gravity: The Absolutely True Story of Scientific Discoveries and Engineering Achievements on the International Space Station" next Monday, November 18 at 7:30 p.m. at Lafayette College's Colton Chapel.

Robinson has overseen the transition of the ISS laboratory from the assembly period, with just a few dozen active investigations, to full utilization, with hundreds of active investigations. She represents all space station users, including NASA-funded investigators, the new community of investigators using station as a National Laboratory, and the international research community.

Now in its third year of full science operations, the International Space Station is growing in impact. Major publications in fields including astrophysics, nanomaterials, combustion, microbiology and physiology have headlined ISS research results. Some of these discoveries and engineering applications are making their way back to Earth to benefit humankind.

The lecture will highlight some of the most dramatic discoveries and benefits, and talk about how scientists and engineers can access this amazing research facility.

The talk is free and open to the public.

Click here for a campus map.

Art Auction Hosted by Farmers' Market to Feature MaGiK Studios

The Easton Farmers’ Market will host an art auction for Emmy award-winning animator and artist, Maciek Albrecht this coming Saturday, November 16 at 325 Northampton St., soon to be the home of the EFM's indoor market space.

Maciek Albrecht, in MaGiK Studios gallery, located at 34
Sebring St.

Albrecht, owner of MaGiK Studios just off South Fifth Street, will auction original pieces of art including sculptures, paintings and props from his animated films, many of which depict local scenes and concepts from recent film shorts featuring Easton. Works that were seen in "Easton Musician's Town", "Karl", "E Stone", and  "To The Market", all featured at the Movies at the Mill film festival, will be up for bid at the auction.

Also available will be a number of Elli Albrecht's abstract paintings.

Fifty original works in total will be auctioned, with a preview beginning at 9 a.m. Dotta Auctions will begin the bidding at noon.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit Easton Farmers’ Market.

"The Easton Farmer's Market's has an extraordinary energy. (We) hope this auction will allow them to grow in their new location on Northampton Street," the Albrechts said via email.

MaGiK Studio is located at 34 Sebring St. in Easton, behind The Nurture Nature Foundation. The artists' gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and by appointment. Visit www.magikdesigngallery.com for more information about Maciek and Elli Albrecht.

For more information about the upcoming auction, visit www.EastonFarmersMarket.com or call 610-330-9942.

This Week in Easton, November 11 to 14

Veterans Day means a lot of people get a three-day weekend...why not take a moment of that time to say thanks to a vet?

Monday, November 11

Today is Veterans Day.
Formerly known as Armistice Day, November 11 is the anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I in 1918.
Federal, state, and most local government offices are closed. There is no mail delivery today, and post offices are closed, along with most schools.
LANTA Bus service will run on its regular schedule.

Free Car Wash for Veterans: Shammy Shine Car Washes will honor and recognize all retired and active members of the armed forces during regular business hours today. Click here for more details and locations in the Easton area.

City of Easton Veterans Day Service: 10:30 a.m. Upper Hackett Park, just off Hackett Avenue (make right on Mary Way), Palmer Township.

Maxim's Birthday Bash and Armistice Celebration: Begins at 4 p.m. Help the restaurant celebrate its first birthday. Music by Lelica Trio featuring Doug Hawk and BD Lenz playing from 7 to 10:30 p.m.  Drink specials, oysters galore, and Maxim's (the owner's son) birthday. Maxim's 22, 322 Northampton St. 610-252-2622 or www.maxims22.com

Palmer Township Board of Supervisors meeting: 7 p.m. In the Palmer Library meeting room, at the Municipal Complex, 1 Weller Place (off of Newburg Road), Palmer Township.

Trivia Night: 8 p.m. Two Rivers Brewing Company, 542 Northampton St. 610-829-1131 or www.tworiversbrewing.com

Tuesday, November 12

Duplicate Bridge: 11:30 a.m. Temple Covenant of Peace, 1451 Northampton St.

Easton Historic District Commission meeting: 5:30 p.m. (Date changed to Tuesday due to Veterans Day.) City Hall, city council chambers, 6th floor, 1 South Third St.

Easton City Council committee meeting: 6 p.m. 2014 city budget proposal review session. City Hall, city council chambers, sixth floor, 1 South Third St.

Easton Area School Board Standing Committee meeting: 6 p.m. Education Center, board room, 1801 Bushkill Drive, Forks Township.

Palmer Township Planning Commission meeting: 7 p.m. In the Palmer Library meeting room, at the Municipal Complex, 1 Weller Place (off of Newburg Road), Palmer Township.

Williams Township Recreation Board meeting: 7 p.m. Williams Township Municipal Complex, Community Building, 655 Cider Press Road, Easton (Williams Township)

Line Dancing: 7 to 9:30 p.m. Beginner lessons 7:15 p.m. Open dancing follows. $5 per person. Tatamy Fire Company, 164 Bushkill St., Tatamy. 610-759-2786 or www.purecountrydancers.com

Trivia Night: 7 to 10 p.m. Hosted by comedienne Liz Russo. Rivals, 5 Lehn's Court. 610-392-2932 or www.rivalseaston.com

Bingo: 7 to 10:30 p.m. Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church, corner of South Fourth and Ferry streets.
 
Koresh Dance Company: 8 p.m. Includes the sensuous and beguiling Koresh Bolero (to Ravel), an indisputable masterpiece in the company’s recent touring repertory, and Koresh’s most recent work, "Come Together", that features intimate compositions for small ensembles of dancers—duos, trios and quartets, as well as vibrant and kaleidoscopic tableaus for the splendid company, shown in full force. Tickets are $18. Lafayette College, Williams Center for the Arts, 317 Hamilton St. 610-330-5009 or williamscenter.lafayette.edu

Blues Jam with Maria Woodford: 8 to 11 p.m. Riegelsville Tavern, 1274 Easton Road, Riegelsville. 610-510-3030 or www.riegelsvilletavern.com

Wednesday, November 13

Easton City Council meeting: 6 p.m. City Hall, city council chambers, sixth floor, 1 South Third St.

Williams Township Board of Supervisors meeting: 7 p.m. Williams Township Municipal Complex, 655 Cider Press Road, Easton (Williams Township)

Free Texas Hold'em: 7 & 9 p.m. Registration is 15 minutes prior to each game. La Pazza, 1251 Ferry St. 610-515-0888 or www.lapazza.com

Tower Suite: 7 p.m. Vintage Restaurant at The Club at Morgan Hill, 100 Clubhouse Drive. 610-923-8480 or www.vintagerestaurantandbar.com

Traditional Irish open jam session: 7:30 p.m. Porters' Pub, 700 Northampton St. 610-250-6561 or www.porterspubeaston.com

Brazilian Dreams: 8 p.m. Paquito D'Rivera and New York Voices. Composer's chat with Paquito D'Rivera, 7 p.m. Tickets are $22. Lafayette College, Williams Center for the Arts, 317 Hamilton St. 610-330-5009 or williamscenter.lafayette.edu

Hollywood 2: 8 p.m. Riegelsville Tavern, 1274 Easton Road, Riegelsville. 610-510-3030 or www.riegelsvilletavern.com

Waver Wednesday: 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. All new wave, dark wave, indie and electronica music with DJ Brad Scott Smith and DJ Mumbler. Two Rivers Brewing Company, 542 Northampton St. 610-829-1131 or www.tworiversbrewing.com

Thursday, November 14

Colonial Herb Gardening: 10:30 a.m. With Penn State Master Gardener Becky Short, who will portray a colonist, Mistress Rebecca, who arrived on the Mayflower in 1620. Travel back to the early days to discover how herbs were used in everyday life. Easton Public Library South Side Branch, 401 West Berwick St., room 102. www.eastonpl.org or 610-258-3121

Children's Health Insurance Program sign-up event: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sign up for free or low-cost health insurance for your children. Question and answer session from 6 to 6:30 p.m., sign up from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Bring ID, Social Security numbers and birth dates for all applicants, proof of income, insurance information if your family has had insurance in the past six months, and car insurance info if applicable. Child care is available during the session. Paxinosa Elementary School, 1221 Northampton St. Call 484-546-6934 to preregister.
 
Forum - "The Lehigh Valley Local Food Economy": 6:30 to 9 p.m., doors open 6 p.m. Lynn Prior, director for Buy Fresh Buy Local of the Greater Lehigh Valley, will speak, and public input will be gathered to guide the creation of a Fresh Food Access Plan towards a healthier, more sustainable food environment in which fresh food is available to all Lehigh Valley residents, both now and in the future. A local foods reception will follow the forum. Free, but pre-registration is strongly encouraged. Nurture Nature Center, 518 Northampton St. Call Brooke Kohler at 610-253-4432 or email info@BuyLocalGreaterLehighValley.org to register. Click here for more details.

City of Easton Board of Health meeting: 6 p.m. City Hall, city council chambers, sixth floor, 1 South Third St.

Forks Township Supervisors 2014 budget work session: 6 p.m. Forks Township Municipal Complex, 1606 Sullivan Trail, Forks Township.

Forks Township Planning Commission: 7 p.m. Forks Township Municipal Complex, 1606 Sullivan Trail, Forks Township.
 
PBR Retro Thursday and Game Night: Available for your endless enjoyment and nostalgic lapses are a wide assortment games we all grew up playing, plus, Ring-the-Bull and Shut-the-Box. PBR cans are $1 from 4 p.m. to midnight. La Pazza Bar, 1251 Ferry St. 610-515-0888 or www.lapazza.com

Bring (or wear) Your Own Vinyl night: 8 p.m. to midnight. With the Easton Record Exchange. Black & Blue, 683 Walnut St. 610-438-3604 or www.blackandblueeaston.com

The Chris Cummings Standards Trio: 8 p.m. Porters' Pub, 700 Northampton St. 610-250-6561 or www.porterspubeaston.com

Karaoke: 8 p.m. Riegelsville Tavern, 1274 Easton Road, Riegelsville. 610-510-3030 or www.riegelsvilletavern.com

DJ Realion: 9:30 p.m. Pearly Bakers, 11 Centre Square. 610-253-9949 or www.pearlybakers.net

"This Week in Easton" lists what's happening during the weekdays, from special events to who's playing to government meetings, all in one handy place. Not just in the City of Easton, but for the entire greater Easton area...Published every Monday morning!

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