A moment of silence was held at the beginning of the April 14 Slatington Borough Council meeting in memory of Bill Stein, who passed away two weeks earlier. He was a former tax collector, head of the borough authority, and he was on the parks and recreation committee.

In public comment George Moyer was told the owner of a building that is decaying was sent a certified letter so he is aware the building is dangerous.Moyer asked if land received from PPL would be suitable for a skateboard park. A meeting will be set to discuss the possibility.Ed Zeigler again brought up the subject of recycling. He said based on what Walnutport earns from recycling, Slatington should be able to earn $14,000.Ron Scheffler questioned the lack of snow removal at seven properties beginning at 1201 Main St. and 901 Main St., was still icy on March 14. He suggested registration of vacant properties. There should be a fee for registration. An ordinance would be required.He wanted to know how videotaping sewage laterals was proceeding. He paid $250 to have his done privately but can't do work on the lateral until Oakhurst Drive is fixed.A generator has been on the list of purchases that are unfunded. It would be for the police and borough building. Councilman Jon Rinker said there is no money available.Mayor Walter Neidermeyer said he led a tour of the building for Sen. Pat Browne's staff.Police Chief David Rachman said a man who committed four burglaries was captured. He was chased over a fence and through yards while the chief followed the chase from his car on the road in case he tried to cross the road. The auto theft division from Allentown was also looking for him. He admitted to everything. Neidermeyer said it had been right to have one man working on this issue.Rita Stein was appointed new tax collector.Mike Lutte from PPL proposed that Slatington join a program for municipalities, schools and nonprofits that would produce a substantial saving in electricity cost plus a rebate on materials. If the entire program is initiated, the cost to the borough would be $33,000 for installation. There was talk of only doing outside lights at this time while the rebate program is in effect. Council members were surprised to learn that the building had 190 interior lights.Since the current completion date is May 9, council was concerned that the work might not be finished in time. PPL has goals to lessen consumption that have to be met or the company will be penalized by the Public Utilities Commission, said Lutte. He said the savings would pay the cost within a year.After Lutte left, President Daniel Stevens asked why lights replaced two years ago should be replaced again. Councilman David Schnaars said the borough does not have enough information.Councilman Byron Reed will call Lutte and get more information. Councilman Jon Rinker said the outside lights should be changed because it can take up to 15 minutes for the present lighting to come back on after a break in electricity.