With the hiring of an assistant code enforcement officer earlier this month, Tamaqua borough has been able to institute enforcement of the quality of life ordinance, and not everyone is happy about it.

“There was quite a rant on Facebook, and we’ve had several phone calls about it,” said borough Manager Kevin Steigerwalt, who also clarified that it is the code enforcement department issuing the tickets, not the police department.

Steigerwalt did float the idea of a quality of life education program, to be shared via the borough’s website and possibly social media.

“We would simply spell out what you can get a ticket for on your property,” he explained.

Steigerwalt said that the biggest offenders were inside furniture being used outside, high grass and weeds, and garbage or construction materials.

“Let’s be clear, we’re not talking about you moved a couch outside on Monday to go into the garbage on Wednesday,” Councilman Brian Connely said.

Steigerwalt said that using furniture meant for indoor use outside can result in the development of mold and can also attract animal inhabitants.

Steigerwalt said when the code enforcement officers are responding to a complaint, they will be looking for other offenses in the area.

“Now is a time when a lot of people are home, you have some time to do some spring cleaning. Use this time to spruce up your property,” he suggested.

Council President David Mace said that he doesn’t feel the citations are excessive. “I don’t think we’ve overstepped the line. We’re looking for enforcement.”

Council also heard communication from a resident who said that someone is going through her trash regularly and asked what could be done about it. Steigerwalt said that the borough’s trash hauler has also called to complain that garbage is being ripped apart and the garbage men are getting the blame.

Police Chief Henry Woods suggested that anyone who finds someone going through their trash call the nonemergency police number to report it.

Council voted to extend the 30-day disaster declaration amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Woods advised council that the police department is running low on masks. Connely suggested that requests be made to the other first responder departments in the community to see if they had extra.

Steigerwalt said that they would also be looking into ordering more. Currently, all borough employees are following the PPE and distancing recommendations.

“Other than that, the borough staff is going about the day-to-day business of running the borough,” he said.

Other business

In other business, council approved a request for four waivers for the school district’s proposed solar array installation behind the elementary school.

The approval was based on the recommendation from the county planning commission and the local planning and zoning committee.

Steigerwalt said that the borough is slightly below the state’s average for 2020 census responses. Steigerwalt said that in order to qualify for numerous federal funding programs, census numbers are critical, and asked all borough residents to please fill out the forms and return them by mail or go online and complete the information.

Council approved a rate of $50 per scan for Jeffrey Hartz to use his personal vehicle scanner. It’s estimated that the borough uses this service 12-15 times per year. It would not be cost efficient for the borough to purchase its own.

Council hired Tavio Agosti as a part-time seasonal worker at a rate of $10 per hour. Director of Public Works Rob Jones said that the part-time positions are not limited to summer work. Due to several students attending LCCC, there have been several positions filled throughout the year.

Council approved the purchase of a new drinking fountain with a bottle filling option for the office.

Scouts from Troop 755 also participated in the Zoom meeting as part of a merit badge requirement.