Tamaqua Borough Council approved the retirement of long-time borough worker and director of public works, Bill Willing, effective Feb. 10.

Council president Micah Gursky thanked Willing for his years of service and wished him well on his retirement. Although Willing was not at the meeting he will be presented with certificates of appreciation at a later date. The borough also hired Rob Jones to fill Willing's role.Recreation and youth chairman David Mace requested that a three year lease agreement for the Bungalow Park concession stand be drawn up. His request was approved. Mace also indicated that Jim Fulmer and Morgan Jones, the individuals who have been operating the stand, are interested in continuing to do so. The borough also accepted a $60,000 grant from the John E. Morgan Foundation for the pool operating expenses for the 2011 season.Borough manager Kevin Steigerwalt said that an agreement has been reached with A One Service of Shenandoah to begin testing on the wild cat sewers along the Wabash Creek. Weather permitting the process is slated to start on Feb. 21 and should last approximately five days. DEP has been notified of the borough's progress in the matter.Steigerwalt announced that the borough had put the bid for cold patch out for a second time and for a second time had received no bids for the 2011 road projects. He said that companies have told him they are not sure if or when they will be producing the material and several companies are now manufacturing a different type of material. Steigerwalt said that he will attempt to negotiate directly to obtain the material.The borough opened bids for the sewer plant energy project. Steigerwalt said the bids had come in well under the anticipated amount. The project was awarded to Spotts Brothers of Schuylkill Haven for $255,260. The project includes the installation of a geothermal heating system, insulation and roof repairs, and associated work.Steigerwalt said that the borough has received approval to rebuild pumping station #1, which sustained heavy damages after a car ran into it in November of last year. The borough's insurance will cover all but the $1,000 deductable for the repairs.The parking and traffic committee submitted the final revisions to the handicap parking application and council approved the new applications. The new application will need to be completed by anyone holding a handicap parking space, those who have recently submitted applications that have been on hold, and new applicants. Chairman of the parking and traffic committee said that applicants who have applied in the past will not need to get new medical information from their physicians, but they will need to reapply for the permit.Council approved a request from police Sgt. Richard Weaver for Heart & Lung Act benefits for a work related injury.Council held an executive session to discuss personnel matters.