For the first time in over three decades, Lehighton Borough Council has a new leader at the helm.

On a 6-1 vote, borough council at its reorganization meeting on Monday appointed Dave Zimmerman as president. Newly seated Councilman Joe Flickinger was opposed.

Zimmerman replaces longtime borough council President Grant Hunsicker, who had served in that capacity for the past 32 years.

Also on a 6-1 vote, borough council appointed Councilwoman Becky Worth as vice president. Flickinger was opposed.

Before that, several councilors were sworn in, including Flickinger, as well as incumbents Worthy, Dr. Jordyn Miller and Dave Arndt.

Borough manager reappointed

Later in the meeting, council on a 5-2 vote reappointed Dane DeWire as borough manager; with Flickinger and Hunsicker opposed.

Before the vote, Flickinger questioned why council would reward DeWire, for whom he noted several staff members have left under his watch, along with disputes that have led to conversations between DeWire and several members of council.

Additionally, Flickinger noted that DeWire has exhibited “violent actions.”

“For the (amount) our residents are paying for this position, I don’t think we should continue to reward (him) for bad behavior,” Flickinger said. “And that’s what it is.”

In July, Flickinger, the borough’s former emergency management coordinator, accused DeWire of altering his reimbursement for transportation receipts.

In June, borough council accepted the resignation of deputy emergency management coordinator Tanner Eckman, whose resignation came after borough council in May accepted the resignation of Flickinger, who vacated his post as emergency management coordinator after citing concerns for his safety.

In his letter submitted to borough council in May, Flickinger said he served 10-plus years.

“This was not an easy decision, however, due to acts of intimidation by some borough council members as well as multiple hostile and violent actions directed at me by borough administrative management, has created concerns for my safety,” he wrote. “Under these conditions, I am unable to provide the level of safety and preparedness that our residents deserve.”

After executive session, DeWire, along with several members of borough council who were nearby during that meeting, declined comment on Flickinger’s accusations.

In February, Flickinger said he believes borough council has been in violation of the Sunshine Act.

Also at Monday’s reorganization meeting, borough council reappointed Jessica Ahner as borough secretary, and Jim Nanovic as township solicitor.

Both measures passed on 6-1 votes with Flickinger opposed on each.

Other appointments

• Brooke Lichtenwalter, assistant borough manager.

• Tara Takerer, borough treasurer.

• Barry Fisher, L & P superintendent.

• Jeff Repsher, L & P Vice superintendent.

• Kris Kunkle, public works superintendent.

• Jeffrey Smith, assistant public works superintendent.

• Tom Evans, recreation director.

• Remington Vernick, borough engineer.

• Berkheimer, tax collector for earned income tax and local service taxes.

• Barry Isett & Associates, zoning/code enforcement officer and BCO.

• Barry Isett & Associates, health officer.

• Patrick Mriss, fire chief.

• Michael Mriss, assistant fire chief.

• Troy Abelovsky, police chief.

• Karen Shaffer, police administrative assistant.

• Dylan Saunders, emergency management coordinator.

• Times News, official public notification.

• System Design Engineers, sewage enforcement officers.

• Ryan Saunders, Lehigh Canal Recreation Commission.

• Steve Hawk, library board.

• Jordyn Miller, council representative for police pension committee.

• Brooke Lichtenwalter, delegate, and Tara Takerer, alternate, to the Carbon County Tax Collection Committee.

• Becky Worthy, delegate, and Joe Flickinger, alternate, to the Carbon County Council of Governments.

• Grant Hunsicker, delegate, and Dave Arndt, alternate, for the PSAB Annual Conference (5/31-6-3).