Tamaqua has obtained a transportation grant from the state's Commonwealth Financing Authority for $196,200, which is intended to be used for a streetscape project on the recently completed Center Street bridge and the first block of Center Street.

This includes the area from the bridge to Spruce Street and would include lighting on the bridge, sidewalks and other streetscape elements. The grant would require a 20 percent match in funds from the borough.The announcement was made by Tamaqua Borough Manager Kevin Steigerwalt during Tuesday's regular meeting of council.There was only one bid for the sale of 311 Orwigsburg St. Council approved selling the parcel to Davmar LLC for $3,165. Davmar LLC also owns the adjacent property at 309 Orwigsburg St.Council approved a bid from Superior Plus Energy on a floating price of 17.9 cents above cost per gallon of heating oil for the upcoming winter season.Steigerwalt said the amount was the same as the previous year. He said after reviewing last year's invoices, the floating price worked in the borough's favor.In parking-related matters, council finalized the approval of an ordinance prohibiting parking on Race Street between Coal and Lehigh streets.Council also briefly reviewed the parking and traffic changes necessary after the completion of the Broad Street bridge project.Steigerwalt said several of the changes made before the project have already been reversed.Parking on both sides of Cedar Street has been resumed between Center and Greenwood streets. Parking has been reinstated on the east side of Greenwood Street between Cedar and Broad streets.Trucks over 40 feet in length are allowed to travel on Cedar Street again. Parking is allowed on the north side of Mauch Chunk Street between Pine Street and Schuylkill Avenue on Sundays. Parallel parking has been restored to the sections of East Broad Street that had been affected by the project.Steigerwalt said several other changes made during the project will be reviewed by the parking and traffic committee because they seem to be improving the traffic and parking situation in the downtown.In other matters related to the bridge project, Councilman Brian Connely requested the borough look into somehow recognizing the efforts of Councilmen John Trudich and Ken Smulligan, who both passed away before the completion of the project.The project was "near and dear to both men," Connely said.Tamaqua resident Daniel Poncavage asked whether the guiderails on the bridge meet safety standards.He feels the bars being placed horizontally are an invitation for small children to use them as a ladder and also that they are too far apart, as a child may get their head stuck between them.Steigerwalt said the matter will be looked into as others have made similar observations.Council approved the demolition of a garage behind the Hunan House on West Broad Street.Steigerwalt informed council the new insurance policy that went into effect on Oct. 1 will cost the borough approximately $15,000 more annually than the previous policy.Steigerwalt said the increase was related to workers' compensation.Council approved a request from the American Legion to hold the annual Veterans Day parade on Nov. 8, beginning at 10 a.m.Mayor Christian Morrison confirmed that Trick or Treat night will be held on Oct. 31. Councilman Justin Startzel asked him to change the date because of the Tamaqua versus Marian football game, which will be held the same night. After some discussion, Morrison did not change the date.Council also recognized Rachael Paisley for the completion of her Girl Scout Gold Award. Paisley championed breast cancer awareness efforts, including holding the Pink Light walk through the downtown area, as part of her project.