A request was made to Weissport Borough Council on Monday to let a homeless man live in a camper without running water or other utilities on borough property near the Lehigh Canal.

Gail Maholick, president of the Beltzville Lions Club, said a camper which can be towed was donated to the Lions for the homeless man.The homeless man, Terry Wentz, was discussed by a couple at a meeting of Weissport Borough Council last month.JoAnne Nace and her husband, Woodrow, of Lehighton, complained about Whiteman living along the canal in apickup.The Naces were not at Monday night's council meeting. They don't have a listed telephone number.According to Maholick, Wentz is an asset at the canal, saying, "He empties the trash. He picks up dirty diapers. He does security.""He has permission to be there," Maholick said. "He's a caretaker of the canal. He's an unpaid caretaker."She would like the council to allow the camper to be placed on borough property at a location where a landfill previously existed.The council took no action on her request, indicating it wants to give more thought to the matter.Council President Gene Kershner said he had understood that the Naces were going to approach other municipalities on the matter because the canal is under the auspices of the Lehigh Canal Recreation Commission.The commission comprises representatives from several municipalities, including Weissport, Lehighton, Franklin Township, Parryville, Jim Thorpe, East Penn Township and Mahoning Township.Nace said last month that Whiteman stores his belongings in a shed along the canal. Maholick told the council he has permission to store items there.She showed the council a handful of letters the Lions Club received in support of Whiteman.The Beltzville Lions Club has set up a fund to hep Wentz. So far $775 has been raised. To donate, go to

http://www.gofundme.com/hruh68.