Palmerton Borough Council has agreed to purchase winter bike gear for members of its police bike patrol.

The council, on a 6-0 vote Thursday, with Councilman Jeremy Barbosa absent, agreed to spend $373 in total to buy equipment for two police officers.Patrolman Christopher Ritter approached council with the request from the department for the equipment, which consists of jackets, pants, and other articles of wear."We do need specialized gear so that we can continue to ride through the winter months," Ritter said. "I really believe in this program, and really want to see it continue."Councilman Richard Nothstein said he supported the request.So, too, did Councilwoman Holly Sell, who added that the bike patrol appears to have had a positive impact on the community.Ritter said the bike patrol has induced 15 traffic stops, handed out four citations for loitering, and dealt with 14 other general incidents since it began in June."There's been issues with kids vandalizing," Ritter said. "If I can reach them now, when they're older, I've already established that communication."Also on Thursday, council appointed Lamont Musselman to the borough's Civil Service Commission.Musselman will fill the remainder of former member Barry Scherer's term, which expires at the end of the year. At that point, Musselman will be eligible for a six-year appointment.Due to a change in state law, Scherer had to resign in July because he serves as a member on the school board.