Palmerton may consider an alternation to an ordinance that would allow for 24-hour parking around the perimeter of its park.

Borough Council, on a 5-0 vote Thursday, agreed to have the matter sent to the borough's public safety committee for review. Councilman Kris Hoffner and Councilwoman Holly Sell were absent.The matter came to light after Mayor Chris Olivia said there were five residents from the Palmer House along Delaware Avenue who have vehicles, but no where to park them, as the facility only has so much space.As a result, Olivia recommended that council consider a change to a borough ordinance that would allow people to park their vehicles on the east side of the park, from Delaware Avenue to Franklin Avenue, where 18 parking spaces are available."This way, if one of those seniors is sick, they can keep their car there for a day," Olivia said. "I just need that small section, from Delaware to the crosswalk."But, council President Terry Costenbader said he didn't necessarily believe that had to be the case."I'd like to sit and monitor this thing for a month before we do this," Costenbader said. "I just feel that we're going to open ourselves up."Further, Costenbader said he believes the parking situation has been worked out."The cars aren't there now," he said. "Evidently, it took care of itself."Olivia said he was merely looking out for the residents."That's the part I'm looking at," he said. "They're senior citizens; they're elderly."Costenbader said he understood where Olivia was coming from."I'm not saying don't do it," he said. "Just give us a shot, and if it still persists ..."Councilmen Jeremy Barbosa and Jason Behler said they believe that 24-hour parking should be allowed around the perimeter of the park.At present, parking is restricted there from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., according to borough Manager Rodger Danielson.Also on Thursday, Olivia informed council that the police department will have the patches on the sleeves of their uniforms changed.Olivia said the old ones had 1898-1998 on them. The new ones will say "Pride & Professionalism", est. 1898.