A used police cruiser was approved for purchase by Lansford Borough Council.

The council recently bought a new cruiser, but agreed to add a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis to its fleet after being informed one with low mileage was available for just $7,133.The car, available from a dealer, has 63,000 miles on it.Councilman Tommy Vadyak expressed his opposition to the purchase, saying, "I advise the borough to watch its spending. The borough did not hit the lottery."Another council member, Mary Soberick, replied, "Then most of the people should pay their taxes before December. Then we'll have the funds."In the past it was noted that Lansford has a large number of property owners on the delinquent tax rolls.Council member Samantha Yasson was unsure how to vote on the matter, seeking more information. She was advised that another vehicle is needed and this is a more affordable option than another new police car.Voting in favor of the police car purchase were Soberick, Yasson, Colin Jones and Rose Mary Cannon. Opposed were Council President Martin Ditsky, Joe Butrie and Vadyak.It was agreed to use liquid fuels taxes to make the purchase. Ditsky and Vadyak were against using the LFT funds while the other five council members approved.In other business:• The council thanked the Tamaqua Pool for accepting Lansford Pool passes when Lansford Pool was closed for several days for repairs.Cannon said the Lansford Pool had been leaking at a skimmer. She said the pool was originally built in 1936 but has since been replaced. "Little by little things are starting to pop up," she said.She praised George "Smokey" Krajnak for contributing "many hours of work" on repairing the facility.Of the Tamaqua Pool's cooperating effort, Cannon said, "I was very happy to see that community spirit."• The council agreed on a 5-2 vote to purchase a pretzel machine for the pool at a cost of $450. With the purchase the borough will receive $150 worth of pretzels.Opposed to the purchase were Vadyak and Butrie.The council was informed it could take six weeks for the machine to arrive.• A request for a crosswalk from Turkey Hill to the Lansford Mini Mall on West Patterson Street was tabled. The crosswalk would be in the middle of the block.The council said it will check with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to determine if it will be allowed.• The council took its 1978 front-end loader out of service when Butrie reported that there "are no brakes on it and all the pins are shot."He estimated it would cost $10,000 to repair the machine.Butrie obtained three estimates for a used loader with a snowplow attached, but the council said it wants to investigate the matter further.Butrie said, "This plow will not make it another winter."• The council agreed to look into money from state gaming funds to erect a new borough garage.• On the recommendation of the borough's solicitor, attorney Michael Greek, the council agreed to designate American Fire Co. No. 1 as the official fire department for Lansford.This will enable fire company members to qualify for workers' compensation at all events, as long as they are first approved by the council.Greek said in another local municipality, a firefighter was injured during a fundraising event and wasn't covered because the municipality hadn't approved participation at the event by the fire department.