Numerous topics were discussed during Tamaqua Borough Council’s regular public meeting held Tuesday, September 16, 2014 at the borough hall.
Like all meetings, residents were encouraged to attend and speak during the meeting.
Officials attending the meeting were Tamaqua Mayor Chris Morrison, Borough Manager Kevin Steigerwalt, borough secretary Georgia Depos-DeWire, solicitor Michael Greek, Council President Micah Gursky, councilmen Dave Mace, Brian Connely, Tom Cara, Dan Evans, Justin Startzel and Tamaqua Police Chief Rick Weaver. Not present were Fire Chief Tom Hartz and councilman Kerry Dowd-Lasky. (Page down further to view video and photos.)
Below is a simple list of actions that occurred during the meeting (page down further to view photos and a video of the meeting):
– Startzel presented a letter of appreciation to Schuylkill County District Attorney Christine A. Holman and Tamaqua Police Chief Rick Weaver for recent drug busts.
– Morrison presented a certificate of appreciation to the Tamaqua Fire Police for their help during National Night Out and for their volunteerism throughout the year.
– DeWire read correspondence asking for “no parking” along West Mauch Chunk Street on Saturday, October 4, 2014 for the Memorial Bike Run For Zack Hess at Freddy’s Pub. Registration: 10 AM. Starts: 12:30 PM. It was approved.
– DeWire read correspondence from the Tamaqua Area and Panther Valley Girl Scouts announcing there Pink Light Walk on Saturday, October 4, 2014. Start time is 5 PM. It will travel from the Bungalow Park to Depot Square Park. They also requested fire police. It was approved upon availability of fire police.
– DeWire read correspondence from the Tamaqua Salvation Army praising the community for their support during their Kidz Karnival held last month.
– DeWire read correspondence from Brian Keich, President, Tamaqua Lions Club, announcing the Tamaqua Halloween Parade date as Tuesday, October 28, 2014 at 7 PM. Rain date is October 29. Route will travel west from (MAFF Motors) East Broad Street, north onto North Greenwood Street, west on East Mauch Chunk Street, south onto Pine Street and west onto Broad Street. Keich asked for traffic to be banned along the parade route and End End Avenue be made a one-way going west from Laurel to Columbia Street so traffic is going in one direction for drop-off of the Tamaqua Band and Soccer teams at the M & M Storage lot. It was approved.
– DeWire read correspondence about Minimal Municipal Obligations (MMO’s) for 2015.
– DeWire read correspondence announcing the annual White Wash to be held on Monday, September 29, 2014 from 3 PM to 4:30 PM at the top of Stadium Hill in Tamaqua. Rain date is October 6, 2014.
– DeWire read correspondence about easement approval for 309 West Rowe Street. (permission to cross borough property).
– DeWire read correspondence (1) (2) from the Schuylkill County Board of Supervisors regarding the Schuylkill Youth Summit Town Hall Meeting set for October 29th, 2014 from 6 PM to 8 PM at the Tamaqua High School auditorium.
– DeWire read correspondence from Tony A.E. Rodrigue, II, Chairman, Tamaqua Zoning Board.
– Steigerwalt talked about the 2014 Community Development Block Grant application. The discussion will continued on the third Tuesday in October at 6:30 PM.
– Steigerwalt talked about the 2014 Insurance Policy renewal.
– Steigerwalt talked about the Schuylkill Fall Recycling and Cleanup event scheduled September 22 to September 27, 2014.
– Steigerwalt talked about the Schuylkill County Hazardous Waste Drop-Off event scheduled for Saturday, November 15, 2014 from 8 AM to 2 PM at the Schuylkill Mall in Frackville.
– Steigerwalt talked about the Schuylkill Keep It Pretty cleanup scheduled Saturday, September 20, 2014. It starts at 8:30 AM at M & T Bank parking lot.
– Steigerwalt discussed advertising for a number of vacant positions. Two vacancies noted were street maintenance worker and water distribution worker. Call (570) 668-3444 for more information.
– Steigerwalt and Micah discussed a number of properties up for Judicial Sale in the borough. List of properties for sale (as of Sept. 12th) are 104 Pitt Street, 335 Rowe Street, 421 West Broad Street, 13 Market Street, 310 East Broad Street, 256 Cottage Avenue, 266 Van Gelder Street, 214 Race Street, 160 West Spruce Street, 63 1/2 Bowe Street, and 750 East Broad Street.
– Steigerwalt talked about advertising for bids for demolition of three properties (67 Hunter Street, 252 Cottage Avenue, and 301 Pitt Street). It was approved. He added that there are over 20 homes set for demolition – although funding is short.
– Weaver mention to council about their Police Department’s recognition and awards program planned for Saturday, September 20,, 2014 at the Tamaqua Community Arts Center. He told TamaquaArea.com that press wasn’t invited.
– Council members discussed the need to purchase digital radios before October 1, 2014. A majority vote approved the purchase of 2 mobile radios and 6 portable radios at a cost of $33,735. Connely voted no. Financing would be determined later. Green’s Communications quote: Pages (1) (2) (3).
– Cara motioned to hire Justin McCarroll as borough assistant mechanic/worker. It was approved.
– Startzel motioned to advertise for bids for the sale of 311 Orwigsburg Street. It was approved.
– Startzel motioned to adopt a resolution revising the (2009), (2010), and (2011) Community Development Block Grant Program. All three were approved.
– Mace, who also serves on the Eastern Schuylkill Recreation Commission (ESRC), stated the resignation of Jason Boris, Executive Director, ESRC. Mace, Gursky and the council praised Boris for his hard work with the commission. Gursky mentioned numerous community and park projects Boris has done over the years.  Mace added that this will result in a vacancy in the ESRC position.
– Morrison said Trick Or Treat Night in Tamaqua will remain on Halloween (Friday, October 31, 2014) from 6 PM to 8 PM. He added that Trick Or Treat is only moved when safety is a concern.
– The borough agreed the advertise twice for a new ordinance preventing parking on both sides of Race Street (from Coal Street to North Lehigh Street).

CORRESPONDENCE: