The Tamaqua Police Department might soon have a new sport utility vehicle.

Police Chief Michael Hobbs told council last week that Miracle Ford of Tamaqua had a “demo” model police vehicle for sale.

The Ford Explorer, he said, is about two years old, fully outfitted and has relatively low mileage. It was only driven for demonstrative purposes.

The asking price is about $20,000 - much less than the $61,000 the borough paid for a similar, new vehicle a year ago.

Council will have a borough mechanic inspect the vehicle. If it checks out, the vehicle will be purchased at a cost not to exceed $20,000.

Keeping with police, council approved a request to send Officer Christopher Cordes to a Fundamentals of Report Writing class at a cost of $150.

Mayor Nathan Gerace added that the department’s service calls are increasing as the temperatures get warmer.

In response to concerns voiced last month about vandalism at borough playgrounds, Gerace said officers are stopping by frequently.

In an unrelated matter, the borough now has an ordinance regarding the use of dumpsters.

“It allows dumpsters for the purposes of cleanup but we are just trying to stop the perpetual dumpster that’s always there,” council President Brian Connely said.

The ordinance sets a 2-week time limit.

“Come in, do your business and get out,” he said. “We just want a way to monitor it.”

Council also approved handicapped parking spaces for 202 Center St. and 400 W. Broad St. at the recent meeting.