At Wednesday night's meeting, Lansford Borough Councilauthorized President MartinDitsky to sign the grant agreement for the Lansford Fire Department to receive $58,000 from the Local Shares AssessmentFund.

The fund is provided through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to distribute 2 percent of revenues from gaming facilities for communities.Municipalities within Monroe County and the five contiguous counties of Carbon, Lackawanna, Northampton, Pike and Wayne or economic development agencies or redevelopment authorities in those counties are eligible for funds.The fire department will use the grant funds to improve to the fire station, which will include a sprinkler system for fire protection, as well as an exhaust system that will control and remove the exhaust from the fire apparatus inside the station.Heating oil contractIn approving a new contract for heating oil for the upcoming year, council tried its best to support a local vendor by voting down the lowest bidder. The vote to award and accept a bid from K&K Oil at a price of $1.95 per gallon was defeated by a vote of 4-3, with council members Samantha Yasson, Joseph Butrie, Rose Mary Cannon and Mary Soberick voting against the motion.Both Yasson and Cannon cited, "Let's support local business" as their reasoning for voting no. With only two bids received, and the second one being from Evans Fuel Oil at a price of $2.25 per gallon, $0.30 more per gallon, it appeared council wished to use their services.However, Councilman Tommy Vadyak pointed out that it could cause some "legal troubles" if the lowest bidder was not chosen.Borough solicitor Michael Greek agreed and said, "Council is required to go with the lowest responsible bidder. If there are reasons to show that K&K Oil is not responsible, it would be OK."Cannon made a motion and Vadyak provided the second for the contract with K&K Oil. This contract was approved on a 5-2 vote with Butrie and Soberick still dissenting.Events approvedIn other Lansford community events, council approved a request form the Grace Community Church to hold its block party on Aug. 16. Additionally, council approved a request from St. Luke's Hospital-Miners Campus to hold its 5K run on Sept. 19.