Tamaqua Borough Council received a letter of intent to resign from Councilman Tom Cara. The letter will be effective in January.

Cara cited family reasons as his need to step down. Council will be seeking letters of interest to fill the vacancy.

There is some good news on the horizon for the residents of Tamaqua. council approved a request from the Spirit of Christmas committee to hold a modified event this year.

The event will be missing certain key components, like the Santa Claus parade, but organizers are scheduling events that will allow the spirit of the holiday to be enjoyed in a safe and socially distant manner.

The event will be held from Dec. 4-6.

Council is currently accepting proposals for cleaning services for all their buildings. They also raised the rate for part-time, seasonal workers from $10 per hour to $12.50 per hour, hoping to attract more interest in the position.

Councilman Brian Connely recommended hiring Andrew Seip as a full-time police officer to fill the vacancy that was created by the retirement of Chief Henry Woods and the promotion of officer Michael Hobbs to the chief’s position.

Connely requested that the Civil Service Commission hold a sergeant promotion exam, saying that there are sergeant and corporal positions open, but no current candidates for them.

He also requested an exam for a police officer, and requested at least three candidate recommendations for that position.

The department is currently seeking part-time officers at a rate of $17 per hour.

Certificates of appropriateness from the HARC were issued for 39 Mauch Chunk St., 35 S. Center St., 539 E. Broad St., 633 Arlington St., and 211 E. Broad St.