Thomas Wascura

The Council meeting involved various motions, including the adoption of an ordinance to regulate on-street parking on Dolph Street, the adoption of a resolution supporting Safe Streets Lackawanna, and the approval of a change in the scope of work for the ARPA Small Water and Sewer grant. The Council also authorized bidding for the Sturges Street Stormwater Improvement Project, entered into a contract for animal removal services, and approved scheduling software and new graphics for police vehicles. Additionally, a committee was formed for union contract negotiations, and the Council moved to draft an amendment to a zoning ordinance regarding noise and vibration, with a public hearing to be advertised. Further actions included hiring a seasonal employee, applying for a flood mitigation grant, and accepting resignations and appointing committee members for a revitalization plan.

The Council meeting addressed various municipal operations including awarding a three-year refuse collection contract to J.P. Mascaro and authorizing the sale of the bank building at 210 Church Street with a minimum bid requirement. Discussions included a study for repurposing the bank building for borough offices and retrofitting current offices for the Police and DPW. The Council adopted several resolutions and ordinances related to park improvements, zoning amendments, nuisance identification, dog regulations, and vendor permits. Additionally, the Council made personnel appointments, including a temporary sergeant and a new Planning Commission member, authorized vehicle equipment upfits, approved funding for local hose companies, and hired summer camp staff. Financial actions included reinvesting funds with People's Security Bank and authorizing a bonus for the Borough Manager.

The Council discussed various municipal matters, including the presentation of a proclamation for the local track and field team, a petition to the LCB for noise regulation, and the advertisement of an RFP for a revitalization plan. The Council approved motions regarding the hiring of seasonal and summer camp staff, the appointment of committee members for the revitalization project, and various ordinances related to noise, vibration, handicapped parking, and vendor permits. Additionally, the Council authorized the advertising of an ordinance for Borough Manager office creation, approved change orders for road work, accepted several resignations and appointments to municipal commissions, and authorized grant applications for flood mitigation. Bids for refuse collection and various equipment purchases and repairs were also reviewed and acted upon.

The Council conducted an executive session regarding personnel. Motions addressed included the hiring of a new Chief of Police with an annual salary set at $85,000.00 and a proposal to contract with Tamaqua Truck and Trailer for the outfitting of a Peterbilt dump truck, which was subsequently tabled.

The Council discussed various infrastructure and community projects, including the installation of ADA curb cuts, paving a gravel parking lot, and pursuing a grant for a fitness court. Key actions included approving the upfit of a truck, hiring a police officer, and adopting several resolutions related to an employment contract for the Chief of Police, real estate documents for Sarah Bratty Park, and a study of local hose companies. Additionally, the Council addressed licensing for a movie event, reinvestment of funds, and plans for advertising a public hearing and a budget work session.