Lehighton intends to expand its police station, and on Monday moved to take the first step in that direction.

On a 5-2 vote, borough council agreed to authorize contracting with F.J. Lesher General Contractor of Palmerton, at a cost of $6,182 to install a new door between the evidence room and engine company No. 2 bay.Councilman Joe Flickinger and Councilwoman Helen Torok were opposed."The police department is in need of space for vehicle storage, along with increased measures for officer safety," borough manager Nicole Beckett said.In 2011, the department moved from the municipal building on Second Street to its current headquarters, which was the former Engine Company No. 2 building, and then Station 2 of the Lehighton Fire Department in the 100 block of South Third Street.The station was named after the late Wilbur A. "Cap" Bauchspies, who served as mayor in the borough for 28 years beginning in 1969.He died May 13, 2009, at the age of 81.At the time of his death, he was a member of borough council.