The Tamaqua Public Safety Committee has recommended the approval of a rifle package to upgrade the police department’s equipment.

Councilman Brian Connely said part of the cost will be covered by a private donation, as well as funds received by the department from the District Attorney’s office for work that has been done in conjunction with that office.

The department will also try to recoup some of the cost by selling the outdated equipment parts, which are valued at $1,250.

A civil service exam will also be scheduled in the near future for the police department.

Stop sign

Council will be advertising the placement of a stop sign at the intersection of Brown and Pitt streets. The intersection is currently uncontrolled, and there is heavy traffic in the area due to school drop-offs and pickups. The parking and traffic committee will be looking into other intersections in the area for similar concerns.

Cleanup

Director of Community Development Ann Marie Calabrese said last week a successful cleanup event was held at Kellner’s Dam.

She thanked employees of Highwood and the seventh-grade students at the Tamaqua Middle School for their help with the cleanup.

Highwood also donated material to replace slats on seven benches, and another 10 benches were upgraded by Logan Betz as part of his Eagle Scout project for Troop 755.

The Tom Banditelli Sr. Memorial Fishing Derby, sponsored by the Tamaqua Chamber of Commerce, will kick off on Saturday and run through the month. More information can be found on the chamber’s Facebook page.

Pool staff

Upon the recommendation of the recreation and youth committee, Ethan Turrano and Ben Turrano were hired as assistant managers for the Bungalow Pool at a rate of $15 per hour. Hailey Toth was hired as head lifeguard, at a rate of $11 per hour, plus an additional 25 cents per hour per year of service.

The following were hired as lifeguards, at a rate of $10 per hour, plus an additional 25 cents per hour per year of service: Emily Breslin, Serena Jones, McKayla Kester, Alex Porambo, Josie Schickram, Riley Wenzel, Emma Coccio, and Nick Wall.

The following were hired as clerks at a rate of $9 per hour, with $0.25 per year of service: Madison Wickersham, Cindy Dover, and Connor Knowlan. The Bungalow Concession Stand will be operated by David Funk for the upcoming season, pending the receipt of a signed lease agreement.