Without giving any specifics, Lansford Mayor James Romankow issued a warning that people should not throw anything at borough workers, especially snowplow drivers.

The mayor said during a meeting of the borough council on Wednesday that he understands people clear parking spaces and driveways, and then have them closed again by snowplow drivers. He said this is often unavoidable.

Council member Joseph Butrie said the borough’s plow truck has a one-directional plow so it is always tilted toward the sidewalks.

The mayor said if anyone tosses anything at borough workers, he will get the police involved and might even have police officers accompany the workers in the area where the situations occur.

“They should thank the borough workers for plowing,” he said.

Mayor Romankow suggested that if residents have a pot of coffee brewing, they should offer the snowplow operators a cup to show appreciation. While plowing, the operators get very few breaks, he said.

In another police matter, council member Bob Silver said the borough is “way too low” on the pay for part-time police officers.

“We’re the lowest-paying municipality for part-time officers,” said Councilman John Turcmanovich, noting that other towns pay their part-time police officers as much as $20 to $24 per hour.

Borough secretary Jill Siegendall said part-time officers in Lansford are paid on a graduated scale depending on their hours of training. The most a part-time officer is paid is $18 per hour.

Turcmanovich said because of the low pay, the borough has a difficult time getting and retaining part-time police.

He said three holidays — Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day — occurred recently, and because of the lack of part-time police officers, full-time police had to cover shifts on those days.

In other business

• The borough was notified that a request for a grant for funds to repair the closed Lansford Pool has been denied by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

• A request to have the council reorganize was rejected.

Council member Marie Ondrus made the motion to reorganize and Irma Leibensperger seconded it. It was rejected by a 5-2 vote.

Councilman Joseph Butrie opposed the motion when Ondrus made it, saying the council reorganizes every two years.

“This is our town,” said Ondrus. “I care about this town.”

• The changing of areas that have parking meters in town was tabled.

On another note regarding meters, Mayor Romankow suggested that the borough look into hiring someone who could check meters for a couple of hours a day and also do clerical work for the police department. He said such a position wouldn’t have to be filled until next year.

• Robert Gaughan said he is not interested in being reappointed to the borough’s zoning hearing board. The borough will advertise for people needed to fill vacancies on various boards.

• Lehigh Valley Inspection Service sent a letter to the borough that it is resigning as the zoning officer and code inspector effective Feb. 4.

The council will advertise for qualified individuals to serve as zoning officer, code enforcement officer and Unified Construction Code inspector, with applications accepted until Jan. 31.

• The borough approved five repository sales. They are at 116 W. Ridge Street (the Ridge Center Building) for $1,200, 204 W. Snyder Ave. for $801, 208-210 W. Ridge St. (a parking lot) for $801); 201-203 W. Ridge St. (AMVETS Building) for $2,600, and 630 E. Bertsch St. for $1,000. Butrie voted against the last sale because there was no proof the owner was up to date on bills with the borough such as trash collection.