Short on numbers, a new volunteer board in Lehighton could eventually have nonresidents serve on it.

On a 6-1 vote, borough council on Monday agreed to advertise to change an ordinance related to the borough's newly created Parks and Recreation Board. Councilwoman Helen Torok was opposed.The borough sought letters of interest from borough residents to serve on the seven-member volunteer board.To date, just four residents turned in letters: Autumn Abelovsky, Clark Ritter, Maureen McTague and Brenda Sacramento.The amendment to the ordinance would be to allow nonresidents to serve on the seven-member volunteer board,Councilwoman Lisa Perry said she doesn't think it should matter whether the people who serve on the board are residents or not."I think we should open it up to nonborough residents," Perry said.Torok said she hoped to have more residents serve on the board, and that for the people who have been complaining, now is their chance to step up."I'm still hearing complaints about residents not being involved," Torok said.Councilman Scott Rehrig suggested that council should table the matter for the time being.Council agreed to table the advertising, but will continue to accept letters of interest from both residents and nonresidents.Borough Manager Nicole Beckett said the borough has posted on its website that council is accepting letters of interest for people to serve on the board.She previously said members of the Lehighton 150th Anniversary Committee initially proposed the idea for the board after the borough's sesquicentennial.Council agreed to create the board to continue hosting events within the borough, Beckett said.The board will serve in an advisory function to council and support community event planning and fundraisers, and be responsible for providing recreational opportunities and establishing special events to promote the borough.