New police corporals in Tamaqua

The Tamaqua Police Department has two new corporals. Mayor Nathan Gerace presented officers Thomas Rodgers and Michael Hobbs with their promotions at Tuesday night’s council meeting. Council President David Mace complimented the new corporals on the many excellent years of service they have provided to the borough and said that he expects the level of excellence to continue in their new rank.

In other business, council voted to purchase four Remington 870 12-gauge shotguns, totaling $1,705.64. Police Chief Henry Woods noted that Cpl. Rodgers had been instrumental in facilitating the sale of the guns that were being taken out of service, netting the department approximately $1,500 to offset the cost of the new guns. Council also approved $992.01 for the purchase and installation of a light package for the rifles.

Council approved the sale of the old SCBA air compressor system to the Hometown Fire Company for $1,000, with proceeds to be deposited in the equipment fund.

Council heard from CRIZ authority Chairman Dan Evans, who asked that the borough consider increasing the CRIZ authority attorney retainer from $2,500 to $4,500 for the upcoming year. Evans cited an increase in the funds being distributed through the CRIZ and the additional paperwork that will be required to manage the funds as a need for the increase, which council approved. Mace said the CRIZ authority will be distributing about $400,000 this year, and pointed to new businesses like Wheel, which will be opening by July 1, as having been attracted to Tamaqua by the CRIZ program.

Council approved the advertisement of an increase of late fees on utility services to 10 percent per quarter. Borough Manager Kevin Steigerwalt said the increase is in line with what other surrounding communities charge, and will hopefully encourage more residents to pay their bills on time. He also said that due to recent changes in how the billing is processed, the borough could consider returning to a 30-day window for bill payment, instead of the 20 days that residents currently have to pay bills before they accumulate late charges.

Gerace announced he will be holding a meeting for a new group called THRIVE, and he encouraged residents who have issues in their neighborhoods and want to improve the Tamaqua area to come to the meeting, which will be held at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 12, at borough hall.