Newly elected Nesquehoning Borough Councilman Michael Sniscak Jr. announced that it was "Headache time" before he brought up the subject of the ongoing issue involving Police Chief Sean Smith's employment agreement.

Smith's contract was recently declared void by Carbon County Judge Steven R. Serfass; however, according to Sniscak the Fraternal Order of Police intended to appeal the decision and Sniscak, along with Councilman Don DeMarco, made a motion to for council to drop the case."Nobody has won anything," said Sniscak.It was Sniscak's contention that by continuing it will have cost $20,000 for a $3,500 contract."Let's not mislead the public," countered Councilman Robert Marouchoc.Marouchoc then went on to explain that over the course of three years, Chief Smith received a total raise of 15.4 percent and that the problem wasn't with money, but with the 15-page contract which bound the hands of council.Councilwoman Mary Fox noted that Chief Smith was the highest paid police chief in Carbon County.After a roll-call vote, the motion died.Council President David Hawk noted that council needed to await the outcome of the judge's decision on the appeal before deciding on further action.Solicitor Robert Yurchak discussed the establishment of safety zones within the borough.The posted areas will prohibit hunting within 150 yards above the highest point of an occupied building for a gun and 50 yards for a bow.The game commissioner will be responsible for enforcement.Mayor Sam Kitchko announced that the Nesquehoning and New Columbus fire companies are presently looking for volunteers to serve as fire police.In other matters council voted to:• Submit a grant application for gaming funds to purchase a $75,000 utility vehicle for Nesquehoning Hose Company No. 1.• Approve the request of the sewer committee to have specs drawn up and for the soliciting of bids to rehabilitate the headworks.• Approve the purchase of a custom-built computer for the sewer plant in the amount of $790.• Reappoint Tom Ouly to the zoning board.• Accept the resignation of Frank Jacobs on the Civil Service Commission and appoint Rita Marie Trucios to the commission.• Appoint Matt Miller as deputy emergency management coordinator.• Reappoint Cindy Stromelo to the recreation commission.• Advertise for the sale of a 2002 Chevy pick-up truck.The recreation commission will meet at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 3.The next council meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26.