Lansford borough received three applications for full-time officer positions, but two of the three were disqualified. The Mayor Michele Bartek asked to revisit one of the applicants and President Bruce Markovich denied the request.

Councilman William Chuma added that it’s tough to hire cops and Markovich agreed, adding that the current global situation hasn’t helped the hiring process. Markovich plans to put an ad in a newspaper after the board researches prices. Another ad may be placed in the borough magazine, off of former president Rosemary Cannon’s recommendation, but prices are needed before anything is done.

Kevin and Deanna Zuercher, owners of Half-Time Sports Bar in Lansford, shared information to the board regarding the planned Backing the Blue at the Zoo event on Aug. 8. Motorcyclists will ride from Lappawinzo Fish & Game in Northampton to Dock Street in Lansford to show support of the officers serving during this time.

Markovich had Zuercher fill out a special event application during the meeting because it was unknown how many cyclists would show up. The event was approved before the meeting adjourned.

Other business

• Lansford council attempted to make contact with Coaldale regarding meeting to discuss the water authority but have not received a response. Markovich said that Coaldale has to agree with any changes made to the water authority, but due to the lack of response, he said Coaldale must be happy with how things are. He said there is little the council can do except wait for a response.

• Councilman Martin Ditsky and Bartek raised concerns regarding the number of people able to live in one household. Ditsky suggested the town require more questions to be asked before selling a house, such as the number of people who intend to live in a household. They agreed that they should be able to ask about who lives there for renters and buyers.

Solicitor Robert Turchak said he is not certain it is possible to ask those questions, but council is looking into it further. The issue will be followed up in the next committee meeting.

• Earlier in the year the council expressed concern over how many people will fill out the required census. They wanted to let the public know the perks of knowing how many people are living in the town such as more grant money available to the town, but Markovich said last he checked only 39-49% filled out the census.

• Zuercher is also holding a Zoostock event on Labor Day, Sept. 7. He said he met with someone from a local cancer society that wants to bring the event back and expressed interest in working with the Half-Time bar to make the event possible. The estimated time of the event is 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The board approved the event on the stipulation that they receive proof of insurance before then.

• Zuercher also wanted information on signs to be posted to inform residents of his bar’s location. He said due to his location on West Snyder Avenue, many residents don’t know they are open or exist. Markovich said the matter would have to go through zoning to be approved.

• The procedure for officers that claim heart and lung benefits has been updated. Previously the officers in question would send in one letter to be granted benefits and are now required to fill out an additional form.

• Secretary Jill Seigendall and Markovich have been appointed the people to contact on the grant applications for the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and the PennDOT Multimodal Transportation Fund Grant.