Summit Hill Borough Council on Tuesday hired a full-time police officer who will also eventually serve as the town’s zoning enforcement officer.

Tara Strauss of Hometown will begin her duties in the borough on Monday.

She will initially only work as a police officer while undergoing training for the zoning officer position.

She succeeds Jason Bell, who had been holding both positions until being released by the council on July 18 before his probation ended.

Danny Matika, a former zoning officer, has stepped-in and was approved as interim zoning officer last month.

On a motion by councilman David Wargo, it was agreed to have Matika continue serving as interim zoning officer until Strauss’ training is completed. After that, a decision will be made regarding naming an assistant zoning officer.

Strauss’ hiring comes at a crucial time as the police department had been down to four officers.

She most recently worked fulltime for the Freeland Police Department, resigning to work for Summit Hill. She also works part-time for the Rush Township Police Department.

She was one of three individuals who applied and were tested for the fulltime position.

In the police department monthly report, it was stated 189 calls were answered between September 5 and October 5.

In that span, there was one criminal arrest, two non-traffic citations issued, one traffic citation given, and seven parking tickets and two quality-of-life tickets were issued.

Police also are investigating a burglary at the Lansford Little League, which is actually in Summit Hill Borough, and they have made an arrest of a female fugitive from New Jersey.

In his zoning report, Matika gave the council a list of quality-of-life issues he is addressing.

He also issued 12 permits during the month.