MOUNT CARMEL - The vacant Mount Carmel Borough Council seat will remain empty until the next meeting. The board unanimously agreed to a tentative continuation of Thursday's regular meeting; the board will meet again at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 7, to appoint a new council member.
The position was left vacant after the resignation of Ronald Tanney on April 22. The council had 30 days to fill the vacancy, which was extended 15 days, to make a decision. If the seven-member board does not appoint a new member in that timeframe, a county judge can appoint someone.
Other news
Mayor J. Kevin Jones urged able-bodied borough residents to help take care of the increasing number of vacant properties in the area, especially with the borough's annual yard sale coming up on June 19. The vacant properties at 211 N. Market St., 441 E. Water St., and 220 N. Turnpike St. were particularly addressed. He said that with the borough's budget being tighter than ever, everyone has to pitch in.
"I will mow as much as I can, but I'll need some help," said Jones.
The mayor also said that he was talking with the planning commission about putting lines at the end of street corners to reduce parking violations, which will be more strictly enforced.
It was unanimously voted for the borough to purchase low-sulfur diesel and gasoline from Miller Gas and Oil tax free at both federal and state levels. Also, it was unanimously decided the borough manager make all employees aware that half hour lunch breaks are unpaid, which may result in the change of some office hours.