Palmerton will spend nearly $40,000 to replace screening at its wastewater treatment plant.

Borough council on a 5-0 vote on Thursday agreed to award a bid to Westech Corp. of Aston, Delaware County, in the amount of $39,545. Councilmen Jason Behler and Jeremy Barbosa were absent.Westech was the lone company to turn in a bid for the project, which borough Manager Rodger Danielson said was no surprise because it's a very specific type of equipment.The bid came in about $10,000 less than the borough had originally anticipated.Danielson said the screening is essential to ensure the treatment plant can continue to operate at full efficiency.The screening is located at the entrance to the plant, and serves to reduce solids to a more liquid state, he said.It's used to grind materials so they don't get in and clog pumps, Danielson said.He said the current screening, which has been in for about five years, is in and working fine.However, it was not part of the new replacement plan, Danielson said.Other businessIn other business, Councilman Kris Hoffner thanked both the Palmerton Telephone Company, as well as Blue Ridge Cable, for retrofitting work to accommodate the Christmas lighting along Delaware Avenue.Also, council:Agreed with a bid in the amount of $8,725 to appoint Kirk, Summa & Co. as the borough's auditor.Approved the retirement benefit of longtime borough employee and firefighter Joseph Kercsmar in the amount of $2,585 per month.Agreed to appoint Craig Shelly and Tyler Ketchledge as members to the Palmerton Municipal Fire Company.Announced that its next meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Nov. 25.