Summit Hill Borough Council named a new council member, hired a full-time police officer and approved a four-year contract with the police department during a special meeting Monday.

Alan Kruslicky was appointed to council, filling a vacancy from the resignation earlier this month of Michael Alabovitz, who resigned because he accepted a seat on Panther Valley school board.

Kruslicky was one of three individuals to apply for the vacant seat. Others were Sherri Buzik and Edward Kane.

Council member Karen Ruzicka nominated Kane, David Wargo nominated Buzik and Billy O’Gurek nominated Kruslicky.

Ruzicka and Joseph Weber cast the only votes for Kane. Wargo was the only vote for Buzik. The vote for Kruslicky was tied 3-3, with O’Gurek, Eugene DeGiosio and council President Michael Kokinda lending him their support. Mayor Jeffrey Sczcecina broke the tie and then swore in the new councilman.

Kruslicky is a lifelong resident of Summit Hill. He is a member of the Summit Hill Fire Department where he’s held the offices of president, treasurer, captain and lieutenant.

The council hired Jason Bell as a full-time police officer. Bell has been a part-time police officer in the borough since last summer.

He will begin his new position after giving his current employer notice. The police department will now have six full-time employees - the chief, a sergeant and four officers.

Council approved a collective bargaining agreement with the police department that extends from Jan. of this year to Dec. 31, 2026,

Serving on the negotiating committee for the borough were O’Gurek, Weber and Ruzicka. The contract grants a four percent salary increase in each year. It also provides a 55-cent shift differential.

O’Gurek said the police officers have already ratified the agreement.

In other business:

• Council approved a request from Ruzicka to register for an online four-part series for grant writing at a cost of $100.

• A contract of $34,900 was awarded to Larry McCullion & Sons for electrical work at the Heritage Center. The Heritage Center was awarded a government grant for the project.