On Monday night, Jann Paulovitz, President of the Quakertown Alive! Main Street Program, presented the organization's annual report to council. Prior to the report, Paulovitz, along with Main Street Manager Naomi Naylor and other QA! representatives, presented a check for $1,864 to the Parks and Recreation department. The funds were proceeds from 50/50 tickets raffled during the borough's Sounds of Summer concert events.

            During the check presentation, Paulovitz thanked the Parks and Recreation department as well as other borough departments for collaboration that has made the Main Street Program endeavors successful.

            "DCED (the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development) has called us a model Main Street Program," Paulovitz said. "They are really happy with the work we have done and continue to do." In addition, the organization won two Townie Awards from the Pennsylvania Downtown Center.

            Main Street Programs operate through various community and economic development projects to revitalize downtowns nationwide. Quakertown Alive! was founded in 1998.

            So far in 2018, QA! Has received a $50,000 matching grant from DCED for downtown façade improvements. Schuylkill Highlands awarded the organization with a $3,600 grant to build upon the borough's trail networks. A $16,500 grant from the Pennsylvania Downtown Center will promote nature-based economic development in downtown Quakertown.

            Paulovitz also talked about successful events hosted by the organization this year. Last Saturday, over 8,000 people came out for the Autumn Alive! fall festival. A Christmas Tree Lighting Festival is scheduled for November 30, 6 p.m. on Broad Street.

            Each spring, the Arts Alive! Fine Arts and Crafts Festival attracts nearly 6,000 people.

            Amy's Ride, Run & Walk for Pancreatic Cancer has coincided with the spring juried exhibition since 2015. The cycling, running and walking event raises money for pancreatic cancer research, advocacy and awareness.

            In other business Monday night, council discussed options for a parking permit program to offer as an option for vehicle owners who frequently use parking meters. Council will review an outline of the program for consideration during its November work session.

            According to Borough Manager Scott McElree, the proposed 2019 borough operating budget should also be ready to advertise by the November 26 meeting. Council anticipates voting on budget adoption during its December 5 regular board meeting.

            Council adjourned to an executive session to discuss personnel matters.