Police issues dominated a large part of Lansford Borough Council's regular meeting last night. The meeting began with a moment of silence in memory of the late David Midas, a part-time Lansford patrolman who committed suicide last month.

The council and assembled public bowed their heads. Some members of the public issued short prayers and made the sign of the cross.The meeting then turned into a discussion on the need for more officers and new police cruisers.Midas' death, the resignation of Patrolman Jeffrey Ohl, and the arrest of Officer Robert Shubeck has left the department very short handed, with only three full-time officers.Mayor Ronald Hood asked council to hire part-time patrolman Jason Helmer as a provisional full -time officer, in accordance with emergency provisions of the borough's Civil Service Act. He also asked council to approve advertising for full- and part-time officers. Council agreed to both of these requests. Helmer will be given a non-competitive test, in accordance with the provisional regulations. If he passes, he will be hired as a full-time officer, with the understanding that he may go back to part time following the competitive test.The board refused to comment in any detail regarding the charges being filed against Shubeck, which include criminal attempt to suppress evidence, stalking, corruption of a minor, furnishing alcohol to a minor, and harassment. The charges stem from an alleged relationship Shubeck had with a 17-year-old male."It is being handled," is the only response offered by President Rose Mary Cannon.The TIMES NEWS had previously reported he is on paid suspension.Mayor Hood reported that as of Nov. 6, Lansford Police collected $1,600.15 from fines and magisterial fees, $355 from parking violations, $135 from miscellaneous sources, and $25 from meter permits and soliciting, for a monthly total of $2,115.15. The mayor and Sgt. Jack Soberick requested council's permission to proceed with gathering more information about trading in the police department's current 2007 Dodge Charger and 1997 Ford Crown Victoria and purchasing two new police cruisers from KME for a total price of $66,000.Reportedly, there is $11,000 in the budget for a new car. With the trade-ins, it would cost $36,000 for two new cars. The first payment on the vehicles wouldn't be due until 2015, as delivery would not occur until early 2014.The board was in favor of the idea of trading in and replacing the old police cruisers, but was uneasy regarding the details and language of the mayor's request. Councilman Lenny Kovach had concerns."I think what they need to do, is tell us what they would give us for the Dodge Charger. The problem is they need to break it down. It doesn't tell you anything here. It tells you how much both the cars will cost. I want to see the options on those cars. I want to know the breakdown and the features of those cars," explained Kovach.After further discussion, council passed a motion to allow Soberick and Mayor Hood to get a breakdown of how each of the new cars would be equipped, the options that each will have, the amount that each car will cost and the trade in value of the Dodge Charger.Council regretfully accepted the resignation of councilwoman Danielle Smith, who had submitted a letter of resignation on Oct. 31."I have purchased a home and will be moving outside the borough, making me ineligible to finish the remainder of my term," Smith said in correspondence with the council.Smith's resignation left an opening on the Lansford Civil Service Commission. Councilwoman Samantha Yasson was appointed and sworn in to fill the vacancy.