Nesquehoning Borough Council president Mark Stromelo, who heads the Sanitation Committee, reported at Wednesday's council meeting that the garbage truck broke down and was put in the repair shop at Kovatch's. The truck was purchased in May 2006 and hauls Nesquehoning trash to a dump site in Hegins.

On Wednesday the Kovatch Corporation refurbished the radiator and the truck was on the road again in the afternoon, trying to play catch up on collecting the trash into the evening hours..Bids came in from various hauling companies which will be tabled until next month's meeting. It was added that an elderly gentleman from New Columbus fell the other morning and was helped by the garbage collectors, Bob Pilla (driver), Matthew Miller, and Andy Staehle. He publicly thanked them for their assistance.The borough noted that they will post for a sanitation picker position. Approximately $400,000 is spent on the sanitation right now which includes office staff. This amount will be compared to what would be paid to those submitting bids.The following have sent in proposals to the borough office: Waste Management 1 year- $331,128; 3 year- $1023,480; and 5 year- $1,768,800; Got Trash Inc. 1 year -$359,672, 3 year- $1111,711, and 5 year -$1,901, 872; Tamaqua Transfer Mascaro 1 year- $295,480, 3 year -$886,440 and 5 year -$1,504,258; and Solid Waste Service Inc 1 year -$308,400, 3 year- $934,848, and 5 year-$1613,640.During the visitors participation Michael Matalone again asked council what is being done about 127 East Columbus that is in disrepair. Atty. Robert Yurchak said that he advised the borough to take the property by eminent domain and then have it torn down. Matalone replied, "I hope it happens in my lifetime."John Barna of East Columbus Avenue questioned council about the weekend of Dec. 19 and 20 when it snowed. He said the morning of the 20th all vehicles were ticketed. They were all parked on the south side of the street and the borough's plow had not cleaned the other side of the street for them to park there, so they did not move their cars. He wants to know why the plow just went down and cleared the middle of the street and not the parking places. He wants an answer.Tom Merman still is questioning the paper street in town which has the signature of the owner on it. Councilman Richard Zabroksi told him he asked about it at the county court house and was told that it was never a road and Sam Devin cleared the land for many years and he laid claim to it.Ted Dacey wanted to know how the new police station is coming along and Mayor Tony Walck and President Stromelo told him they stop by frequently and it's coming along nicely, meeting the time frame.John McArdle, fire chief for the Nesquehoning Fire Company, asked for the next $10,000 payment on the fire truck. The council then went into executive session to discuss personnel matters.The borough has announced that Brian White is the new full time police officer for Nesquehoning. He has been working part time in the borough. The other applicant is Justin Sannie who will be offered a part time position if he wants it. They both must pass the psychological and and physical tests. If Sannie doesn't accept the borough will advertise for part time police.Councilman Frank DiMiceli said he would like the snow parking guidelines changed back to what they were before the new ones were enforced. All agreed and next winter there will be new No Parking signs in the borough for snow removal.Mayor Walck noted that the next Crime watch meeting is March 23 at 7 p.m. in the borough chambers. The Junior Recreation Committee will be selling ham tickets with the proceeds going to the American Cancer Society.Council will send Police Officer Carl Breiner to NRA firearms school and pay for this course. Councilman DiMiceli asked for signs be posted on the borough buildings "For Borough Officials Only".Councilman David Hawk asked for a motion of a donation of $500 for Friends of Animals for the work they do in Nesquehoning. Council woman Rose Walck seconded the motion and it will be added to next year's budget and thereafter.Councilman Zabroski thanked Kovatch Corporation for again allowing its employees to leave for ambulance calls.