In an effort to make the Community Center in Summit Hill more user friendly, a major change was made by borough council regarding approval for using the facility.

Effective immediately, all requests for using the center can be approved or denied by a three-member committee consisting of Borough Secretary Kira Michalik, councilman William Chapman, and Recreation Commission Chairman Monica Marshall.In the past, approvals had to be made by the full borough council, meaning requests could take a full month to be reviewed. The council generally meets just once a month.The change means that the facility could be utilized for such functions as funeral luncheons.The committee will have the option of rejecting uses which it might deem inappropriate such as bachelor parties or religious rallies.Council President Joseph Weber said the new rules are a "win-win" situation for perspective users as well as the borough.In another matter related to the Community Center, Marshall said used kitchen equipment was purchased for $4,200 from Dean Anthony's Restaurant in Jim Thorpe. She said the owner of Dean Anthony's gave the borough a great deal on the equipment.The items being purchased include an 11-foot hood, double deep fryer, stove, oven, shelving, prep table, and serving tables.Councilman Michael Kokinda said there will be some additional costs incurred for the installation of the items.In one more matter on the Center, the council said it will study the possibility of hiring a professional cleaning firm for the building. The responsibilities would also include cleaning the Municipal Building, which includes the police station.Attorney Matika was instructed to draw up specifications for such a contract.In other business last night:• A complaint was aired by the owner of a hair salon, about the borough's zoning officer for not getting back to he and his wife on a decision regarding a fence installed on a neighboring property. The borough's solicitor, Attorney Joseph Matika, said he spoke with the zoning officer and was informed that the investigation on the fence has been completed. Matika said he has instructed the zoning officer to notify all involved parties of his decision and inform them of the appeals process.The hair salon owner also said application was made on Aug. 9 for an additional sign on the property and still hasn't received a reply.• The council agreed to extend the 5 percent franchise fee with Blue Ridge Communications on cable television service. Weber said if the fee wasn't approved, the borough would have to impose an additional one mill tax increase. "I don't think it's really an option," he said. Kokinda abstained from voting on the matter.• A public hearing will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 11, regarding the Community Program Inc. The program provides loans and grants to qualified home owners for property improvements.