Lansford Borough Council is exploring participation in a state-sponsored program called the Strategic Management Planning Program.

At a recent council meeting, Michael Carpenter, local government policy specialist with the Governor’s Center for Local Government Services, spoke to the council about the program, which is a partnership between the state and local governments to ensure that local governments are “operating as efficiently as possible.”

The program lasts anywhere from three to five years, and involves a series of consultants analyzing every detail of governance from police pensions to public works projects and more. These consultants then create a custom plan to help the borough find “better ways of doing things.”

Carpenter said, “(The consultants) assess where you’re at and tell you where you can go.” He also said, “They provide a special set of highly trained eyes … (that are) very well-versed at local government.”

The payment for these specialists would be funded partially by the state and partially by the borough. Carpenter said that while these contributions usually were split evenly between the state and local government, he was willing to split the cost 60/40, with the state picking up 60% of the bill.

The council passed a motion to draft a request for proposals to be sent to a preapproved list of consultants. This measure is nonbinding and exploratory. Once consultants respond with proposals — and the corresponding costs — the council can then decide their next step.

• Council is proceeding in property negotiations with Silberline, adopting a letter of intent that allows for air quality and ground testing before the borough agrees to purchase the property in question. The property is intended to be a garage for the borough.

Lansford resident Martin Ditsky, raised concerns about what tax money will be lost if the borough acquired this property.

Councilwoman Irma Leibensperger said that the borough would lose $26,897.92.

• Council is now accepting applicants for a vacancy on the Lansford Coaldale Joint Water Authority to replace Joseph Horvat, who resigned. Applicants must be a resident of Lansford.

• Council approved the installation of a new streetlight on Tunnel Street and a new paving project on the 100 block of West Front Street. The council is also moving forward with a sewer project on East Snyder Street, authorizing multiple work orders.

• Council will also be applying for a grant to cover the cost of a new police vehicle and new borough utility vehicle.