Lehighton has decided to open its swimming pool to several neighboring municipalities.

On a 6-1 measure, borough council on Monday agreed to open Baer Memorial Swimming Pool to Jim Thorpe, Nesquehoning, Summit Hill and Lansford residents. Councilwoman Autumn Abelovsky was opposed.

Borough recreation director Tom Evans said the caseloads of known COVID-19 cases are 23 in Jim Thorpe, 10 in Summit Hill, eight in Lansford, and five in Nesquehoning. He said Lehighton had 60.

Evans said the pool has averaged about 150 people per day, adding that he plans to close the gate at 200.

“Everybody stays 6 feet away,” Evans said. “Everybody is far away from each other.”

Councilman Joe Flickinger cautioned Evans that despite the caseloads being what they are at present, it can’t be known when spikes are going to happen.

Councilman Donnie Rehrig told Evans the only way he would support his request was if everyone’s temperature is taken.

“Numbers are on the rise,” Rehrig said. “We need to be considerate of our residents.”

Councilwoman Lisa Perry said she wanted to be sure that opening the pool up to only those four communities wouldn’t be discriminating against other towns, for example Palmerton.

Ultimately, council agreed to the measure, contingent upon review by borough solicitor Jim Nanovic, and that everyone’s temperatures are checked.

In a related matter, council agreed on a 6-1 vote, with Abelovsky opposed, to hire additional Baer Memorial Swimming Pool employees as recommended by Evans.

Last month, council on a 5-1 vote, with Abelovsky opposed, voted to open the pool opened June 13, with memberships and day passes available for Lehighton Area residents only, unless someone has an existing out-of-town membership.

Council said at that time memberships and day passes would be available for Lehighton Area residents only, unless someone has an existing out-of-town membership.