NUMEROUS ITEMS DISCUSSED DURING TAMAQUA BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING ON OCTOBER 21, 2014; (VIDEO)

Numerous topics were discussed during Tamaqua Borough Council’s regular public meeting held Tuesday, October 21, 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, Kerry Dowd-Lasky, Fire Chief Tom Hartz and Tamaqua Police Chief Rick Weaver. (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):
– Borough secretary Georgia Depos-DeWire read correspondence regarding David Christ’s reappointment in the Tamaqua Water Authority.
– DeWire read a resignation letter from Randolph Gormley from the Board of Health.
– Jack Kulp was reappointed to the Tamaqua Borough Authority (5-year term).
– Borough Manager Kevin Steigerwalt read two resolutions regarding the 204 Community Development Block Grant Application. They were approved.
– Steigerwalt read a bid sale for 311 Orwigsburg Street for $3,165. It was approved.
– Steigerwalt went over bid results for demolition project at 67 Hunter Street for $15, 630. (Bid doesn’t include sidewalk reconstruction.) It was approved.
– Steigerwalt went over bid results for demolition project at 252 Cottage Avenue for $49,220. It wasn’t approved.
– Steigerwalt went over two bid results for this year’s Heating Oil Contract. Superior Plus Energy Services was approved.
– Tamaqua Police Chief Rick Weaver said the digital communication systems were installed. This included 6 portable and 2 mobile radios.
– Councilman Dan Evans, Chairperson, Parking & Traffic Committee, made a motion to adopt an ordinance prohibiting parking on Race Street between Coal and Lehigh Streets. It was approved.
– Councilman Brian Connely made a motion to inquire about placing a plaque on the new East Broad Street Bridge remembering the late councilman Kenny Smulligan and John Trudich Jr. They noted to gather more information.
– Councilman Justin Startzel, Chairperson, Neighborhoods, Downtown and Historic District Committee, went over a list of properties sold and unsold during a recent repository sale.
——Properties sold included 104 Pitt Street, 335 Rowe Street, 13 Market Street, 310 East Broad Street, 256 Cottage Avenue, 214 Race Street and lot at 700 block of East Broad Street. Borough rejected sales of 335 Rowe Street and 256 Cottage Avenue.
——Properties not sold (and still available for sale) include 421 West Broad Street, 266 Van Gelder Street, 160 West Spruce Street, and 63 1/2 Bowe Street.
– Tamaqua Mayor Chris Morrison brought up numerous community events. He also stated that Trick Or Treat will remain the same date (Friday, October 31, 2014), despite Councilman Justin Startzel’s request to move it.
– Veterans Day Parade is set for Saturday, November 8, 2014. Staging is 9:30 AM at the East End of town. Starts at 10 AM.
– Steigerwalt went over the 2014 Insurance Policy renewal.
– Motion was made to advertise the floodplain ordinance.
– Borough went over the Multimodal Transportation Grant. This involves a Streetscape Project to improve the first block of Center Street. Cost is $196,200 with the borough matching $20. Start date was September 9, 2014. End date is listed as June 30, 2017.
– Tamaqua Borough President Micah Gursky talked about establishing a City Revitalization and Improvement Zone (CRIZ) Authority.
– Councilman Brian Connely made a motion to purchase a hydraulic hose and fitting machine for the borough via the equipment fund. It was approved.
– Connely went over recent functions of the Schuylkill United Way.
– Members of the public also spoke. See video for more information.
The next borough council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 4, 2014. Subject to cancellation, due to being election day.