A recent decision to enter into an agreement with PPL to replace Tamaqua's high-pressure sodium lights with more energy efficient LED fixtures, at a minimal cost to the borough, was rescinded by Tamaqua Council on Tuesday night.

The motion was made by Councilman Dan Evans, who based his request on the estimated $1,200 the borough would save annual by implementing the change."I believe the project has merit. I believe there is some significant potential in the long term. I just think there's bigger money out there," he said.Councilman Brian Connely agreed with Evans' statements."We're saving over $7,000 a year just by switching phone systems. Switching out 485 lights is only going to save us $1,200? What money are they (PPL) pocketing? We're not getting it," he said.Council President David Mace, using a rough figure of $1,000 per light fixture that needs to be replaced, said the "flip side is that the borough doesn't have to put out $485,000."Mace based his figure on one quoted by MEM several years ago when the borough agreed to purchase the streetlights through the third party. The executives of MEM eventually ended up being found guilty of theft from other municipalities and the proposal fell through.Councilman Tom Cara said the borough will not be able to come up with the $485,000, or more."That quote was from five or six years ago," said Cara."We're spending X, there is a potential savings of Y," said Evans."I'm not an electrical engineer, and I think we need some expert guidance on this. At the end of the day, if that comes out positive or negative, I'm OK with that."The motion to rescind the decision to enter in the agreement was approved. Following that motion, another motion was made to request a proposal from an engineering firm to conduct a study of the potential costs and savings of the project.Councilman Micah Gursky said the borough will have to act quickly if it wants to get the information completed before the window to participate in the PPL program, at minimal cost to the borough, closes.In other business, council approved a three-year agreement with Salute LLC to continue operating the concession stand at the Bungalow Pool.Council approved a request to hold the Salvation Army's Third Annual Kids Karnival to coincide with National Night Out onAug. 2.Council approved a request from the East End Fire Company to hold its annual block party and truck parade to celebrate the company's 100th anniversary on June 10-12.Council approved cycling out of the oldest police vehicle under the borough's leasing plan to replace cars every three years. The new unit, which will be obtained from KME, will be a 2016 Ford SUV.Police Chief Rick Weaver said the old unit is very worn out and no longer conforms to federal standards.Connely said the borough could put off replacing it, however, the cost of the new model year vehicle would be more than the current price tag of $39,875.72.Council approved a request from Weaver to send two police officers to annual narcotics training.