Bowmanstown Borough Council last week decided to add one full-time employee to assist with public works.

The council said at the meeting that Doug Larson of Lehighton will join Public Works Supervisor Chris Bixler to assist with various town needs, including water and sewage treatment.

In addition to hiring a full-time public works employee, the council discussed hiring a part-time office employee to assist Secretary/Treasurer Tracy Csrenko. The office employee would assist with landlord sheets, meeting minutes, sewer/water checks, the quarterly newsletter, and other tasks as needed.

Bowmanstown resident Phyllis Kreiss commended the road crew’s performance after the latest snowstorm, which brought over a foot of snowfall in town and surrounding areas. “The road crew doesn’t often get noticed for their hard work, so I would like to commend you for that,” Kreiss said.

Kreiss also expressed her concern about the quality of the water supply in the borough, considering the issues Palmerton has had with such matters.

“Yes, we test for PFOs, (Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, often referred to as forever chemicals) and we are well under the legal limit,” said council member Darren Thomas.

On the topic of Fire Committee business, council member Kara Scott suggested opening the fire company for emergency shelter in place needs, should any residents lose heating in their homes and need a temporary place to stay.

Council said most residents did a good job of digging out of the snow and helping those who were unable to shovel.

Public Works Supervisor Chris Bixler said he’d like to see borough plow trucks have the ability to plow curb to curb, but some residents have been leaving piles of snow in the street, making it difficult to plow. Council asks residents to place snow in the grass as much as possible.

Some residents were unable to get to their mailboxes due to the snow. Council members said it’s the responsibility of residents to make sure their mailboxes are shoveled, making sure the snow is removed from behind the curb line.

Mayor Sean McDermott discussed the issue of some borough residents not shoveling their sidewalks. “We don’t want to have to start writing tickets, but we may have to start issuing some warnings if it continues,” McDermott said.

Other news

In other borough council news:

• Council would like to purchase a new truck, which will cost approximately $95,000. Council will look to a municipal lending source to finance a portion of the cost of the truck. Darren Thomas will bring finalized quotes to March’s meeting.

• Council is looking for a backup snowplow driver should a full-time employee be unable to work after a snowstorm.

• Presidents Day is now a paid holiday for borough employees, and will be included in the employee handbook.

• The Palmerton Library would like to include its annual fundraiser in the borough’s next newsletter.