The state of the borough's cleanliness became an unintended focus at Slatington's Borough Council meeting Monday night.

From public comment about general exterior building maintenance throughout the borough, discussions eventually devolved into one resident accusing a councilperson of having an unkempt property.First up during public comment, resident Ronald Scheffler rebuked council for a recent newsletter he said was sent to all borough residents concerning the general upkeep of their properties.With four poster boards full of at least 100 color photos, Scheffler set up a display beside himself before embarking on a five-minute discourse about what he calls all the "dilapidated" properties in the borough."I'd love to see Slatington the way it was in 1964," Scheffler said before announcing that he has many old pictures given to him by an aunt that he would like to share with the sesquicentennial committee, but only if council first cleans up some of the borough.Next, resident Mel Gildner brought up the newsletter, demanding to know who had written it.After council determined it had been written by zoning Officer Duane Dellecker, Councilman David Schnaars and the office staff, Gildner asked why some people get cited for violations but others do not.President Daniel Stevens explained that most citations are "complaint driven," to which Gildner then accused Ordinance Enforcement Officer Linda Nails of "not (telling) the truth all the times in all matters." He also accused Councilman John Rinker of having junk on his property.Rinker asked Gildner where he saw junk on his property, to which Gildner did not respond. When Stevens pounded the gavel, Rinker said, "I'm being publicly attacked here, and I want to know where he sees junk."Gildner again did not respond.Later in the meeting, Schnaars noted that the state has promised to restore the Truckers Mill historic marker that sets at the base of the Gen. Thomas R. Morgan Bridge before August's weeklong sesquicentennial celebration.In other news, Police Chief David Rachman discussed details about a first-ever program called "Lehigh County Citizens Police Academy" that he says will help citizens better understand how local police officers are trained.Flyers about the program, and applications for it, are available at the police department.Later, council convened for an executive session to discuss real estate, legal and personnel matters, including the possibility of advertising for a borough manager position.Earlier in the night, resident George Moyer said he hopes council will let the public know the criteria they plan to use for hiring a borough manager "before any votes (are) counted".Both Rinker and Schnaars noted council will do so.