Police Chief Todd Pantuso had some updates for borough council July 16, and was awarded the use of an unmarked patrol vehicle for borough business.

Pantuso notified council overall call volume is up by about 430 calls from this time last year, and attributes responses to increased patrols and officers interacting more directly with the community. Part of this visibility is from the new bicycle patrols and training paid for recently by District Attorney John Morganelli.

Pantuso also said that in September three officers will take a sobriety checkpoint course, in conjunction with officers from other municipalities. He said the training is mandatory for officers to participate in checkpoints, and even though the training will cost the borough nothing, it is certainly worthwhile.

Pantuso said a checkpoint on Main Street the night of July 9 resulted in three drug arrests, seven DUI arrests and at least eight people charged with driving with suspended licenses.

Council voted unanimously to allow the use of a 2008 and a 2010 Crown Victoria from the department for borough use. One will be used by Pantuso for his many nighttime calls and borough-specific meetings, President Homer "Bud" Lorrah said.

The second car will be stripped of police equipment and made available for any borough business. Manager Judith Danko said Pantuso and a friend performed the work on the car themselves and sold it, and other older vehicles, for the borough's benefit. That combined with the four new vehicles being paid for by a $180,000 grant and all the vehicles operating under a fleet insurance policy ensures a great overall savings.

Council also observed a ceremony welcoming new members to their small local government family. Mayor Gerald Yob swore Beth Zjamiski and Clara Ringer into the Civil Service Commission. They join Frank Gergar in two and four-year terms overseeing and reviewing all civil service rules governing police officers.

The next meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Aug. 13 at 600 Monroe St.