Three new members were seated on Lansford Borough Council on Monday night.

They are John Turcmanovich, Matthew Walsh and Jared Soto.Other council members are Joe Butrie, who was re-elected in November; Martin Ditsky; Rose Mary Cannon; and Colin Jones.Mayor James Romankow presided over the election of the president, which was decided on a split vote.Jones nominated Cannon, Butrie nominated Jones (who declined) and Walsh nominated Ditsky, who had been the president.On a vote for Cannon, only Jones and Soto voted "yes."Ditsky was then elected president unanimously.Cannon was named vice president on a 4-3 vote, receiving support from Walsh, Turcmanovich and Ditsky. She voted for herself, too.She was nominated by Walsh, while Butrie nominated Jones and Ditsky nominated Walsh.For president pro tempore, Jones nominated Soto, Cannon nominated Jones, and Soto nominated Walsh.The first vote for Soto had five opposed and two in favor. Supporting him were himself and Jones.Jones then won by a 4-3 vote, gaining yes votes from himself, Soto, Butrie and Cannon.Attorney Michael Greek was renamed solicitor by a unanimous vote.Keystone Engineering also was renamed unanimously, but with discussion. Walsh asked if the council advertised the post. Secretary-treasurer Mary Fittos said it was a routine appointment.Ditsky said he found Keystone Engineering to be accommodating. Walsh then asked if the fees will remain unchanged.Ditsky said fees will be discussed at a meeting with Keystone Engineering representatives on Jan. 8.Cannon said that if the council is unhappy at any time with Keystone, it can then advertise for a new engineer."If we can change it any time, I'm not opposed," Jones said.Lehigh Valley Inspection Service was retained as code and zoning official, but the council will be advertise for someone local to do the job on a part-time basis.Walsh made the motion to advertise for an "in-house, part-time zoning officer." Turcmanovich made a second to the motion.Jones voiced favor to keep Lehigh Valley Inspection Service on board, saying, "I've seen a lot being done in the four months they're on." He added that he would like to see an in-house officer, "but it's not realistic."Cannon said one reason Lehigh Valley Inspection is often tied up is because there are often "bogus complaints" received.Turcmanovich feels an in-house person could handle "smaller complaints, bogus complaints and the quality-of-life issues."It was then agreed by a 4-3 vote to advertise for a code and zoning officer. In favor were Walsh, Jones, Turcmanovich and Butrie.A resolution setting wages for nonunion workers passed by a 6-1 vote with Walsh opposed. Walsh said he feels several of the listed wages must be reviewed.The council agreed to continue meeting on the second Wednesday of each month.There were eight applications for a five-year seat on the Lansford Coaldale Joint Water Authority, which carries a salary and benefits. The council tabled making an appointment.The applicants are Richard Pogwist, who has served for the past 15 years; Tommy Vadyak; Charles Knipper; Wendy Butrie; Nicholas J. Vavro; Donna Valent; John Tucker; and John Racko.Ditsky said, "Unfortunately, it's the only position that pays."Other appointments discussed by the council are:• Planning Commission - Michael Kafkalas appointment. One seat remains open.• Zoning Hearing Board - Two alternate seats open. No applications received.• Recreation Commission - Gwen Collavecchio and Kevin Soberick were appointed to five-year terms.• Vacancy Board - One seat open. No applicants.• Health Officer - One seat indefinite term, tabled.• Health Inspector - Richard Tower appointed.