Odds and Ends from City Council

Councilman Roger Ruggles plans to introduce an ordinance aimed at reducing the number of vacant properties in the city, and there will be discussion on the proposed law at the next city council workshop meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 13.

“It takes a...different tack,” Ruggles said. “It goes a little beyond that are actually lived in but not kept up.”

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Mayor Sal Panto said the Tuesday, Aug. 23 earthquake was quite noticeable in the Alpha Building, particularly on the upper floors.

“This building did shake and it did have a shakingness enough that we evacuated the building,” he said. “If you were on the seventh to ninth floors, you definitely felt it.”

Structural , including the elevators, early on Wednesday.

“We did have some minor issues with a back door that wouldn't close,” Panto said. “So we know the building did move a little bit.”

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Projection equipment that the city expected to take delivery on in early July has finally arrived, the mayor announced, though too late for the “Summer Movies in the Park” program.

However, the city plans an autumn “Movies in the Park”, and plans to show flicks during two weekends in September at Centennial Park at 12th and Ferry streets, as well as showings at Riverside Park before the weather turns cold.

Exact dates and times will be announced.

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With the exception of the chamber's table, , Panto said. The city has taken delivery of the sound and media equipment and city workers will install it shortly.

A dedication ceremony and reception is planned for the Sept. 28 city council meeting, and the city plans to invite every living former elected official to the event, the mayor said, adding that refreshments will be served and the city will hire a professional photographer to record the event.

The only thing that will be absent is the chamber's table, which isn't expected to be completed until November.

Panto said the city initially had trouble finding a craftsman to make it, but finally found one that is an Easton native with a workshop in Allentown.

The table will cost $5,000, and the 8 week turn around time was the fastest the artisan could offer, he added.

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City events upcoming in September:

• Sept. 4 – Community Spirit Day
• Sept. 11 – “Tribute to 911”
• Sept. 24 – City surplus auction, 500 Bushkill St.
• Sept. 24 – “Movies at the Mill III”
• Sept. 28 – New city council chambers dedication