Tamaqua Borough Council approved a request from Laughlin Seiger, a Life Scout, to complete his Eagle Scout project at the Willing Park basketball court and park.

Seiger plans to rehabilitate the court and make several improvements.

It was also noted during the meeting that the “On the Grind” organization that is the playground association for the Willing Skate Park, has started advertising events to benefit the park.

Council also voted to extend the disaster declaration related to COVID-19 for another 30 days.

Borough Manager Kevin Steigerwalt said that the county election bureau has reached out again to ask if the borough hall can accommodate voters for the November election.

Steigerwalt said that the borough had been reimbursed for the expenses incurred during the spring election, and recommended that the same arrangements be made for the fall.

Council approved the design submitted by Alfred Benesch for improvements to a wall along Lincoln Street that has been deteriorating and is in need of repair.

Although the repairs will be expensive, Councilwoman Mary Linkevich noted that they’re only likely to become more expensive over time and that the proposal to build a new wall in front of the existing wall will need to be done.

Director of Community Development Ann Marie Calabrese said that she is looking to organize crews of adult volunteers to help clean up the Bungalow Park and Kellner’s Dam. Much of the work is typically done by student volunteers, but because of restrictions on school-related activities, Calabrese said that that can’t be counted on this year.

Council approved two certificates of appropriateness for 20 N. Greenwood Street and 42 W. Broad St.

Mayor Nathan Gerace said he has been approached by members of Tamaqua’s senior citizen group who have lost their meeting place due to the closing of the Tamaqua YMCA.

They are asking the community to help them find a new place to meet.

Council held an executive session for personnel matters and approved $0.38 per hour raises for Edie Moyer and Christine Zamudio.

They also made a motion to advertise for part-time seasonal workers at a rate of $10 per hour.