The Coaldale-Lansford-Summit Hill Sewer Authority will not exonerate the building housing the Summit Hill Fire Department from sewage fees.

Summit Hill Borough Council said Monday night a request it made for the $40 quarterly exoneration was rejected, even though the building is owned by the borough.Correspondence from the authority said the only exceptions are borough buildings which house monthly council meetings.Some council members questioned if correspondence from the authority indicated the vote against the exemption, but it didn't. The council noted that there are three representatives from each of the three boroughs on the authority and they wondered how the Summit Hill representatives voted on the matter.The authority said if the bill is paid, it will waive a late charge.The council agreed not to pay the bill and instead ask for reconsideration of the fee waiver.In other business last night:• The council agreed to another garbage fee exemption, bringing the total number of exemptions to 59 for the year. Councilman Michael Kokinda recommended the garbage ordinance be changed so that only buildings permanently made not-habitable qualify for the exemption, but no action was taken because the solicitor was absent.• Debbie McCollough of East Amidon Street said raw sewage has been backing up into her basement. She said two plumbing firms have been contacted and it still hasn't been determined if the problem lies in the main, which would be the borough's responsibility, or the lateral going into the residence.The council agreed to utilize Lansford's sewerage system camera to try to determine the source of the problem.• It was agreed to waive the borough's portion of application fees for the Summit Hill Water Authority's solar panel project.• Councilman John O'Gurek, chairman of the street committee, said plows and other equipment have been prepared for winter weather. "We're ready for the big one," he said.• Three appointments were made to two-year terms on the Recreation Commission. They are Monica Marshall, president; Cheryl Schoch, and Heather Schleicher. Larry Marek resigned as a commission member.• William MansberryJr. resigned from the Summit Hill Civil Service Commission. Council President Joe Weber said this leaves a vacancy on the commission. Any resident willing to serve should apply at the borough office.• The council agreed by a 5-1 vote to refund $725 to Tamaqua Transfer, the borough's garbage hauler. The council said the funds were deducted because of residents missed in pickups. It was noted that the borough's solicitor recommended the money be refunded. Only councilman Bill Chapman opposed.• Councilman Kokinda said two years ago the borough published a list of delinquent garbage customers in the TIMES NEWS. He asked if the borough could do this again.Borough Treasurer Kira Michalik said she was advised by the solicitor, Attorney Joseph Matika, that such lists can no longer be published.