Tamaqua Councilman Justin Startzel requested a leave of absence from his elected duties during Tuesday night's council meeting, probably for the remainder of his time in office. The request was made due to Startzel's enlistment in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard.

"I will be leaving for basic training this summer and will be unable to attend meetings during that time. I'm also not sure about the time for my advanced training, so the leave could extend into the fall," said Startzel. "And, just in case, I want to thank everyone here for working with me. This has been one of the best experiences of my life."Council President Micah Gursky thanked Startzel for his commitment to the community and his country. He noted a leave request wasn't really necessary, that Startzel would be a council member until Dec. 31 and could attend meetings whenever he's available.In other matters, borough manager Kevin Steigerwalt told council about a need to change the utility bills sent to residents."Our water, sewer and garbage bills are now printed here, at borough hall, on a dot matrix printer," he said. "Our software provider is urging us to switch to a laser printer, which will mean we will no longer be able to use post cards."He provided council with samples of the proposed new bills, as well as price quotes from two local printing companies.The new bills wouldn't go into use until late this year or early next year, so council held off on taking any action.Council also approved a handicap parking space for 443 E. Elm St. and hired Justin Huegel for summer employment at the Bungalow Pool.