Despite the fact that snow removal efforts are still ongoing in Tamaqua, there are signs that spring is just around the corner.

Tamaqua Borough Council approved a long list of items related to the opening of the Howard D. Buehler Memorial Pool for the 2014 season at Tuesday night's meeting.The pass fee schedule will remain the same, at $10 per school district resident and $50 per non-resident. Council approved the opening of the pool for the "day after school ends," which is uncertain at this point.Adrian Bumbulsky was hired as the pool manager at a rate of $15 per hour and Chelsea Jones was hired as the assistant pool manager at a rate of $12.50 per hour.Council approved an increase in the pool occupancy limit from 400 to 500 patrons, provided there is adequate staff to safely operate the pool.Council also voted to advertise for part-time lifeguards and pool clerks. The rental fee for the Bungalow Park Pavilion was lowered from $100 to $50.A motion was made for borough solicitor Michael Greek to draw up a one-year lease agreement for the pool concession stand. The previous lease has expired and the former suppliers are no longer interested in running the stand.Borough manager Kevin Steigerwalt said the borough has had someone else interested in taking over the operation.Council also received a letter from the Salvation Army asking for approval to hold a "Kidz Karnival" on National Night Out, Aug. 5, from 2 to 9 p.m., in the North Railroad Street Parking lot.The matter was referred to the recreation and youth committee for review.In other business, council received a letter from John Tracy, informing them he no longer wishes to serve on the Tamaqua Water Authority, effective immediately. Council accepted his resignation.Steigerwalt advised council they will need to start planning for the vacancies created by upcoming retirements.Council approved a request from Police Chief Rick Weaver to rebuild the transmission of one of the squad cars, at an approximate cost of $1,200.Council approved certificates of appropriateness for signs at 41 W. Broad St. and a window installation at 20 Mauch Chunk St.Handicap parking spaces were approved for 297 High St. and 331 Orwigsburg St.The parking and traffic committee will meet on Tuesday, March 11, at 7 p.m. in council chambers.Council also heard from resident Timothy Stahl, who expressed concerns about the Residential Rental Inspection and Registration Ordinance."I, as a landlord, am being singled out," said Stahl, who also submitted a letter to the borough. "No other business in the borough has to be inspected like this."Stahl asked if the inspections were a violation of his tenant's fourth amendment rights.Council President Micah Gursky responded to Stahl's questions, saying that council does not believe the ordinance violates the constitution."We have had serious issues with landlords and rental properties in the past. We've had meth labs," said Gursky. "The good landlords are up to speed."Stahl indicated he intends to pursue the matter further.