During a regular city council board meeting Jan. 4, Michael Spencer, chairperson for the Zoning Board, and borough council agreed to advertise for a new zoning board member. Any interested Fountain Hill resident are to send letters of interest and a resume to the Borough Manager at abranco@fhboro.org or mail to the office 941 Long St. Fountain Hill, PA 18015.

Mayor Carolee Gifford expressed delight reporting on the holiday decorating contest for Fountain Hill residents last month.

“It was incredible,” the mayor said. “I want to thank every single resident that put a wreath on the door, or a light in their window. It truly made a difference.” The mayor and the Police Chief Edward Bachert were the only two judges of the contest because it was not safe to have more. The mayor also encouraged Fountain Hillers to consider getting vaccinated if the opportunity is presented. “You will be helping your community,” she encouraged.

A representative from St Luke’s announced that the hospital has already vaccinated over 9,000 people in the community.

Gifford also commended the police department for their community policing efforts after Bachert reported that there were three different food drives in December. The charity organization, Helping Hands, has been partnering with the police department to provide food for residents of Fountain Hill.

Following up with an issue from last month, an ordinance was approved that continues to put distance between the Fountain Hill council and the fire department regarding employment issues. It also dealt with all fire apparatus and equipment to remain solely owned by the borough.

In another follow-up from last month, Bachert commented that there is no longer a grant available to purchase body cameras for the borough. It was suggested that the issue be put aside for now due to lack of funds and little need.

Public works committee chair Annamarie Jordan recommended council approval of two candidates to be hired as laborers for the public works committee. Jordan then turned the meeting over to Public Works Supervisor Jason Quarry. Quarry explained that the candidates were qualified and recommended hiring them so that his staff does not fall further behind. After a lively debate between council member Helen Halleman, Health and Sanitation Committee Chair, and the rest of the council, the motion passed to hire the candidates.

The next council meeting is scheduled for tonight at 7 p.m. at borough hall..