Palmerton seeks to fill borough council vacancy

Candidates are sought to fill a vacancy on Palmerton Borough Council.

Council on Tuesday unanimously agreed to accept the resignation of Councilman Brad Doll.

Doll, who submitted his letter of resignation Nov. 18, was elected mayor earlier this month. He will replace mayor Peter Delich Sr.

Council President Terry Costenbader thanked Doll for his tenure on council, and told him officials look forward to working with him in his new capacity.

"We really appreciate you stepping into that part," Costenbader said.

Borough Manager Rodger Danielson said candidates interested in a seat on council should submit their letter of interest to the borough by Dec. 11.

Doll's resignation also leaves vacancies on the borough Planning Commission and borough Shade Tree Committee.

Danielson said the borough will also look to fill those vacancies, and urged interested parties to step forward.

Also on Tuesday, council heard a complaint from a resident about a noise issue at the Coal Bowl playground area.

Bradley Billig told council there's an "ongoing problem" near the playground at Third Street and Franklin Avenue.

"I must have called the police two dozen times," Billig said. "It starts from 4 or 5 to 11 p.m., where there's a parking lot full of kids with music blasting that shakes the house."

Billig said he believes alcohol could be involved, as well as drugs.

"If that's happening, why isn't it being stopped? "It's a circus every night, seven nights a week."

Danielson told Billig council could pursue one of several options.

"We can talk to the police department about getting some lighting," Danielson said. "I think we have some things to consider."

Billig then asked whether council would consider the adoption of a loitering ordinance.

Councilman Richard Nothstein said the matter should be addressed.

"They shouldn't be allowed to smoke, certainly not drink, certainly not do drugs," Nothstein said.

Borough solicitor Michael Ozalas said no action could be taken as of yet on council's behalf.

"This is an issue that needs to be discussed with the police," Ozalas said. "There are options you need to discuss, but you need to talk with the chief."

Councilman Chris Olivia said he and Danielson will speak with police Chief Randy Smith about the issue.

In an unrelated matter, council also heard a complaint from a resident who questioned the issuance of a letter.

Walter Haas told council his boss recently received a letter in the mail for parking a dump truck in front of his home.

"But, it's only there for six hours; I see other vehicles parked in front of houses, and they don't get a letter," Haas said. "This here I think is being picky with me."

Danielson told Haas the borough does have such an ordinance in place. He said council would review the matter.

In other business, council:

• Passed a resolution to eliminate Police Pension Fund contributions.

• Passed a resolution for a traffic signal conversion program.

• Adopted a resolution to dissolve Fire Company #1.

• Agreed to hold a public hearing at 7 p.m. Jan. 28 to consider the enactment of an ordinance that would open a portion of Princeton Avenue as a public road.

• Announced council's next meetings are scheduled for Dec. 3 and Dec. 17.