The gymnasium inside Palmerton Borough Hall will continue to remain closed until further notice due to acts of vandalism.

After some deliberation, borough council on Thursday decided to leave it up to borough Manager Donna McGarry’s discretion when to reopen the gym.

Councilman Cory Kepner stated that the matter was turned over to the borough police department, and they are actively investigating the situation.

“We’re all kind of upset,” Kepner said. “It’s a very conflicting issue.”

After more discussion, Kepner said he was in favor of opening the gym.

However, Councilman Andrew Hollywood said he would rather keep it closed.

Hollywood said they aren’t paying the borough’s office staff to babysit a gym, but, rather, to run the town.

Councilwoman Holly Hausman-Sell said she would like to see the gym reopened.

Sell said juveniles are being prosecuted for the incident.

“We’re not going to tolerate vandalism,” Sell said, adding that the gym is not an area for food and drink. “We do have cameras and we (will) prosecute anyone who’s (violating the rules).”

Sell then encouraged anyone who observes any violations to report it.

Councilman Kris Hoffner noted this isn’t the first time it’s happened.

Council President Terry Costenbader said no one wants to see the gym “vandalized and abused that way.”

“I agree you don’t want to punish everybody, but I think there needs to be a (cooling off) period,” Costenbader said.

Kepner concurred with Costenbader.

“It’s our home,” Kepner said. “We need to take care of it.”

Sell reiterated her stance that she doesn’t want to see the gym closed down long-term.

“It’s been closed down for a while,” she said. “We will prosecute; I think anyone caught vandalizing or littering should lose their privilege.”