A crosswalk once alerted drivers to pedestrians crossing Route 209 midblock near the Panther Valley Mini Mall in Lansford.

Borough council members would like to see the crosswalk brought back, because of the number of pedestrians that continue to use the crossing.At the recommendation of the public safety committee, council voted 4-0 Wednesday to contact the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and start the process of applying for a crosswalk permit.Councilman John Turcmanovich, a retired police chief, said PennDOT took away the old permit."We've been watching the area, especially now that school has started, and there are a lot of people, especially kids, who are crossing," Turcmanovich said.In Lansford, Route 209 is known as Patterson Street. The Turkey Hill across the street from the Mini Mall is popular, especially among kids. The Mini Mall was built as Brights Department Store, which closed in the '70s.Last month, a resident approached council and asked about returning the crosswalk.Turcmanovich said Wednesday that he would also like to see a placard to alert drivers to yield to pedestrians.Police mattersCouncil also announced they had hired a new police officer and promoted another to sergeant after a recent executive session.Shawn Nunemacher was promoted to sergeant after the Sept. 9 meeting, which was advertised as an executive session only.Also at that meeting, council hired Jarrod Bulger as a full-time police officer. Turcmanovich said that Bulger has passed his written and physical exams, and they are currently awaiting the results of his polygraph test and background check."After that, he can begin his duties," Turcmanovich said.Other businessCouncil also:• Heard a request from Lansford Palace LLC to designate seven on-street parking spaces for doctors at the proposed St. Luke's Lansford Campus. The parking spaces are located immediately adjacent to the proposed facility at Patterson and Coal streets.• Applied for LSA grants to fund the Lansford Pool renovation, Edgemont Bridge renovation, and streetscape lighting.