Kerry Dowd-Lasky has been appointed to fill the vacancy on Tamaqua Borough Council that was created when Councilman John Trudich passed away last month.

Council received several letters of interest in the position, but Councilman Tom Cara called Dowd-Lasky's letter "really outstanding."Dowd-Lasky has been a Tamaqua resident since 2008.A 15-year veteran broadcaster, she and her husband, Rob, also have two children.Having been raised in the Midwest, and "living everywhere in between," Dowd-Lasky brings a fresh perspective to council."I love preserving the integrity of small-town America," she said. "We raise our children here and we are proud to be residents," she said.Dowd-Lasky will serve the remainder of Trudich's term, which continues through December 2015.In other matters, Councilman David Mace, chairman of the recreation and youth committee, complimented new volunteers on their efforts at the North and Middle Ward playground."I'm pleasantly pleased with the work they've accomplished there in just a few weeks," he said.Mace said the Bungalow Park Commission is also currently without membership."We need members of the community to pitch in and keep that the high-quality park that it has been."Council approved the extension of the town's current garbage contract for one year. Borough manager Kevin Steigerwalt said the rates will be subject to a consumer index adjustment.Council voted to approve one repository sale of a property at 27 Elm St. Two other property sales were shot down; one because the property, 252 Cottage Ave., is on the borough's list for potential demolition, and one because the corporation listed as purchaser is not registered in Pennsylvania.Council President Micah Gursky noted that repository sales have historically proceeded whether or not council approves them.Council moved to advertise several vehicles for sale, including a 1974 Diamond Reo Triaxle, a 1961 CAT grater, a 1987 Chevrolet pickup, a 1992 Mercury Topaz, and a 12 HP Gravely riding mower.Councilman Brian Connely said all of the vehicles have been out of service and are no longer being used by the borough.Other council actions included:• approved the planning commission's recommendation for a subdivision of Mady's car wash property;• voted to advertise for part-time, seasonal laborers at a rate of $8 per hour;• appointed Cara to serve on the Tamaqua Public Library Board, Mace to the Schuylkill tax collection committee and Justin Startzel to the nonuniformed pension committee;• also appointed Mace as president pro tem;• held an executive session for personnel matters.