Lehighton Borough Council has been holding residential holiday lighting contests for years.

This year there is something new added.The council will also have a lighting contest for borough businesses.Brenda Koons, borough secretary, said there will be four prizes of $100 awarded to four local businesses. The $100 will be deducted from their electric bills.The judging will not only be for downtown businesses, but businesses anywhere in the borough, the council said.A "secret" group of judges will go around town and choose the winners the week between Christmas and New Year, Koons said. The winners will be announced at the council meeting on Jan. 27, 2013.The awarding of the prizes to businesses is in addition to 10 awards totaling $25 each to residences.In other borough business:• The council agreed to hire Barry Isett & Associates of Trexlertown as its Pa. Unified Construction Code enforcement officer, and provide zoning officer services. A list of fees was approved for the Isett firm including $120 for up to 500 gross square feet of decks/accessory & utility buildings and $8.50 per 100 gross square feet above 500; $225 for fire sprinkler systems, $95 for above-ground swimming pools if one visit is required, and $190 for in-ground swimming pools if two visits are required. Demolition permits will cost $100.• Tom Evans was hired as property manager for the Borough Annex at a fee of $7,500. He presently serves as the borough's recreation director. He told the council in his letter of application, "After reviewing the utility bills (gas and electric) I know I can make a difference in the daily operation of the Annex; and make the Annex more cost efficient."• Approval was given to purchase a new sound and recording system from CSI at a cost of $14,065 on the COSTARS contract. The system will be used in the Municipal Building.• The council tabled a proposal to replace three sets of double exterior doors at the Community Center at a cost of $5,800. The council said it wants prices on solid doors which are better insulated instead of the doors included in the proposal.The next meeting of the borough council will be held at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16 in the Municipal Building.