Lehighton Borough Council has pledged its support to enable Lehighton Area School District to determine the financial feasibility of an elementary center.

By a unanimous vote, council on Monday approved the ACE grant support letter so that LASD can apply for the grant, which is aimed to encourage energy efficiency.The school board voted to apply for the grant Monday night.Borough Manager Nicole Beckett said, "It appears to conform to our comprehensive plan and ordinances."Former mayor recognizedAlso on Monday, council recognized former borough Mayor Donald Rehrig with a plaque for his many years of service, both as mayor as councilperson.Rehrig expressed his thanks to council."Thanks everybody," Rehrig said. "I appreciate it."Fire/police departments laudedCouncilman Scott Rehrig commended the fire company and police department for their work in handling a fire last week at a home along Bridge Street.The home at 357 Bridge St. sustained major damage from the fire that started just before midnight March 18 that displaced a family of four.In other business, council:• Announced that the borough's Mahoning Creek Trail Signage & Creek & Trail Bank Stabilization Project has been approved to receive a 2014 Pocono Forest and Water Conservation Landscape Conservation Assistance Program minigrant in the amount of $5,000.• Adopted a resolution to become a member of the Carbon County Council of Governments, and appointed Council President Grant Hunsicker and Councilman Scott Rehrig as the borough's voting and alternate representatives.• Adopted a resolution appointing the chief administrative officer of the Police and Non-Uniform Pension Plans.• Agreed to advertise for adoption, an ordinance to allow for alcoholic beverages on borough property with authorization and proper insurance.• Granted permission for the 2014 Senior Games to be held May 6-15, using the Recreation Center and Baer Memorial.• Accepted the resignation of Dale Traupman from the borough's Planning Commission due to his family's decision to relocate.• Appointed Henry Long Sr, and Allen Young to serve on the borough Planning Commission.• Granted a 90-day waiver to Sal Melo for his Ochre Street project.• Granted permission to the SS Peter & Paul School to hold its annual 5K race/fun walk on May 24.• Agreed to donate $250 to the United Veterans Organization.• Agreed to put a $50 advertisement in the 2014 Carbon County Sports Hall of Fame.• Approved the purchase of $30 gift certificates for Administrative Professionals Day.