Palmerton is in search of members to fill out the ranks of its new municipal fire company.

On a 5-1 vote, borough council on Thursday agreed to advertise an ordinance that would establish the Palmerton Municipal Fire Company. Councilwoman Holly Sell was opposed. Councilman Jason Behler was absent.Borough Manager Rodger Danielson said the Palmerton Municipal Fire Company would work in tandem with West End Fire Co. 2 as members of the Palmerton Fire Department."They will be a company that will be run under the fire chief appointed by council," Danielson said. "Membership is granted through the borough."Council President Terry Costenbader announced that the borough will accept applications for membership to the Palmerton Municipal Fire Company.Applications will be available at the borough office, located at 443 Delaware Avenue, Costenbader said.Council's decision comes on the heels of the completion of the borough's new, $1.2 million, three-bay fire station, located in the borough lot at Fifth Street and Lehigh Avenue.Also on Thursday, Councilman Kris Hoffner took a moment to recognize several borough Public Works Department employees.Hoffner specifically praised Joe Kercsmar, Dennis Behler, and Todd Merkle for their assistance to help set up the Christmas in the Park program to be held from noon to 5:30 p.m. Saturday in the borough park."The poles that the snowflakes are on - they designed and manufactured the brackets to put on the poles," Hoffner said. "I think it's (the program) going to be rather impressive."Afterward, Sell said she wanted to publicly thank Hoffner for his involvement as a member of the holiday lighting committee."It looks beautiful," Sell said. "It was tremendously well-organized; and the park's going to look extremely well."Councilman Michael Ballard also expressed his appreciation toward Hoffner."Yes," Ballard said. "Thank you so much."In other business, council:- Approved the 2014 salary schedule.- Approved the HIPAA security policy and procedures