Palmerton residents who suspect any water leaks are urged to contact the borough office with any details they can provide.

Borough Manager Rodger Danielson explained to borough council on Thursday that the water department will begin flushing hydrants soon."We do believe we've got some leaks somewhere," Danielson said. "Residents should notify us if they see leaks."Police officer resignsAlso on Thursday, council, on a 5-0 measure, accepted the resignation of full-time patrolman Robert Cohowicz. Councilmen Jeremy Barbosa and Michael Ballard were absent.A borough police officer for the past six-and-a-half years, Cohowicz has accepted a position with the Stroud Area Regional Police Department.Cohowicz, who attended the meeting, thanked council for giving him his opportunity, which he said has allowed him to grow on both a professional and personal level.He also praised the borough, as well as members of the police department, whom he said he will miss a great deal.Councilman Richard Nothstein said that on behalf of the borough, "We hope you accept our thanks to you."Council President Terry Costenbader told Cohowicz that he is always welcome back in the borough.After the meeting, Danielson said council plans to replace the position vacated by Cohowicz."This is an immediate need now," Danielson said. "Once we get the logistics worked out, and the applicants tested, then we'll consider appointments in the near future."With the resignation, the police department now consists of six full-time officers, as well as police Chief Randy Smith, and several part-time officers.Warning systemNothstein asked whether any progress was made on his previous suggestion that the borough needs to have a warning system in place in the event of an emergency.Hoffner agreed with Nothstein's suggestion."I think we need something; we really do," Hoffner said. "We had some close calls."Councilwoman Holly Sell agreed with Hoffner's sentiment."God forbid if something did happen so that we'd have a way to communicate with them," Sell said.Danielson assured Sell that would be the case.In other business, council:• On a 4-0 vote, with one abstention, appointed Councilman Jason Behler to the Palmerton Municipal Fire Company. Councilman Kris Hoffner, Nothstein, Sell and Costenbader were in favor. Behler abstained from the vote.• Cautioned residents to be prepared to move their vehicles next week as the borough plans to begin its street-sweeping program.