A new five-year contract with the police department was approved last night by Lehighton Borough Council.

The approval is contingent upon review by the borough's solicitor, attorney James Nanovic.The pact still must be ratified by the nine-members of the police department that it covers.Borough manager Nicole Beckett said there are "no significant changes" in the new agreement from what currently exists in their contract.The contract calls for a 2.5 percent pay increase each year.Beckett praised the negotiating teams from both sides for achieving a quick resolution on the labor matter.In other business:• Mayor Donald Rehrig reminded the council that the monthly Crime Watch meeting is scheduled for 6:30 this evening at Lehighton Area High School. He said since it is the Lehighton Area Crime Watch, he is hoping to see more participation from neighboring townships and Weissport borough.The speaker this evening is scheduled to be Don Snyder, who will talk about "Accountable IDs." The purpose is for an identification process to account for all personnel during any given event.• The council agreed not to enact an ordinance that would prohibit "Jake Brakes" on trucks in the borough."Our police department has more important things to do than listen to noise," said Councilman Scott Rehrig in voicing his objection to such an ordinance.Council members were concerned that such an ordinance couldn't be enforced.The matter arose because borough resident Rodney Snyder of Millway Street has complained at prior meetings that trucks with Jake Brakes, which travel on Route 443, are disruptive.• The council agreed to allow the Lehighton Downtown Initiative Committee to have a "Harvest Festival" on Saturday, Oct. 27, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. as part of the downtown Farmer's Market along Sgt. Stanley Hoffman Boulevard. This will be the final Farmer's Market of the year, it was reported.It was noted that there might by music at the event, but the council said any electricity used will have to be purchased.• The Lehighton Lioness/Lions Club was granted permission to have its annual Pink Light Walk on Tuesday, Oct. 2, at 7 p.m.• The Lehighton Touchdown Club was approved for its annual parade and bonfire on Thursday, Nov. 1. The parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. and the bonfire will be held at the conclusion of the parade.• Blocker Enterprises of 497 S. Ninth St., Lehighton, was given approval to host its annual Fall Foliage Ride. This is the first year the event will be hosted from Blocker's new store.