Palmerton fills vacant civil service seat

After gaining and then losing a member of the Palmerton Civil Service Commission, the vacant seat was filled during Thursday’s borough council meeting.

“Rich (Kost) is a lifetime resident of Palmerton, a graduate of Kutztown University, he’s self-employed, and he has no problems stepping up to the plate,” Vice President Kris Hoffner said before making a motion to nominate Kost for the civil service position.

Kost’s nomination was unanimously approved, and he was immediately sworn in by Mayor Christopher Olivia. Kost will take the seat of Phil Binder, whose resignation from the committee was accepted during September’s meeting, after Donald F. Heiney was sworn in to the Civil Service Commission.

Kost’s familiarity with the borough and the police department make him an ideal candidate for the position, and Olivia has not been shy about getting him to apply and fill the vacancy.

“I’m a longtime resident, and the mayor was asking me for a while, ‘Do it, do it, do it!’ ” Kost said. “I know some of the police officers, and I grew up with the chief, Randy Smith. I said, ‘Why not? I can give back to the community. I’ve lived here for 62 years, it’s about time to do something.”

Kost said that he is happy to help with the commission, which meets about once a year to discuss police personnel matters.

“I’m looking forward to serving, making sure everything goes well,” he said. “If there are no problems, there are no problems. If there is a problem, we’ll get to an answer.”

Other business

• The board accepted a letter of resignation from Public Works Department employee Dennis Behler, effective Feb. 23, 2018. Behler served in the department for more than 30 years. The board thanked Behler for his dedication and service to the borough.

• The borough tentatively passed its 2018 budget. Board member Holly Sell said there will be no tax increases for Palmerton residents. The budget will be advertised for formal adoption at the Dec. 7 meeting.

• Part-time police officer John Orsulak was removed from the roster due to being unable to fill necessary shifts.

• Palmerton Police Department officers were fitted for bulletproof vests on Wednesday.

• Palmerton’s trick or treat is set for Saturday between 6 and 8 p.m. Olivia said that any homes participating in the event should leave their porch lights on.