Weissport Council voted to hire an assistant secretary-treasurer and possibly an aide to assist the police department with filing overdue reports.

Council members went into executive session on Monday night to discuss personnel issues and said they would not announce any names until the candidates accept the positions.Police officer Steven Armbruster, who is taking a community approach to policing Weissport, said that he is trying to assist families in need rather then to turn them over to the justice system.Armbruster said that by helping the families with their needs, he is hoping to make permanent changes that will improve lives.He noted that there are a backlog of files that need to be completed and by bringing in an assistant, he can spend more time out on the street.Council discussed one of two PennDOT easements. Weissport will receive $800 for the easement to use borough property during the bridge construction and any items that are damaged during the reconstruction, such as fencing, will be replaced at no cost to the borough.Council was also notified that UGI has agreed to pay Weissport a $5,000 fee for an easement to use a section of the tennis courts to lay an underground gas line.Council members also voted to join the Carbon County Council of Government.Sue Pywar, vice president, said that she believes it would be beneficial to Weissport."If four or five of us get together it would help us to apply for grants and to share equipment," said Pywar. "We might want a street sweeper and share the costs. It seems like a good idea."Pywar said that of the 23 communities eligible, 11 have attended meetings."It saved $907,000 of taxpayer dollars when they got a grant for the radios," she said. "We all need to work together to get more bang for the dollar."Council president Gene Kershner said that the idea has been working in the Hazleton area."Hazleton has been doing this since 1991," said Kershner. "It specifically helps the smaller townships."Tim Rehrig, council member, added, "Its at no cost and if you feel you have to back out, you can."Council voted to send a letter of intent.