The North Catasauqua Borough Council's public works committee will be meeting with the two current road crew members to discuss their interest in taking on additional leadership responsibilities in the department, as the borough will be advertising to hire a third employee.

The current employees are both part-time workers. The additional employee will be a full-time hire. The structure could be accomplished by elevating one of the part-time workers to a full-time supervisory position and hiring another part-time employee.

"We don't want to advertise for a supervisor if we already have one," Council President Joseph Keglovits said. "Should we give Tommy and Michelle a raise and more responsibilities?"

Councilman Shawn McGinley said two leaders in a crew of three would be too many chiefs.

"One person needs to take the helm," he said.

He also indicated the borough should assist the person who is appointed a public works supervisor, whoever that is.

"We should invest some money and give them some training to be in a management position," he said. "We have to make sure we give them the tools they need to be successful."

In another borough personnel issue, in response to a request from borough Police Chief Kim Moyer, council voted, 6-0 to approve hiring Gary Walsh as a part-time police officer. Councilman Cherie Gebhardt was absent.

The council also added a new member, as Catasauqua High School student Cecelia Remirez was sworn in as the council's second junior council member. Matt Trust had been sworn in at the Aug. 13 council meeting.

The two students will share the responsibility of attending council meetings to learn about and participate in municipal government.

In other business, Councilman Shawn McGinley, who is also president of the Charotin Hose Company, reported the conversion of a former police cruiser for use by Fire Chief Francis Hadik is under way.

"The car had been painted and should be going out for lettering soon," he said. Additional modifications are needed for the emergency lights and radio equipment, among other things.

McGinley also reported on the progress being made on the new ladder truck being constructed for the borough, with a delivery date which was originally projected for the end of December.

"They're still saying December, but I'm not too optimistic," he said of the company that is building the truck to the fire company's specifications. "They're busy. I just don't see it happening."

On the borough's calendar are two upcoming events.

The Blue Monkey restaurant on Howertown Road will host a Charotin Hose Company Night. 5-9 p.m. tonight, Thursday, Oct. 3. A portion of the check for meals purchased by fire company supporters will be donated to the fire company. Also, in observance of National Fire Safety Month, the fire department will have two fire trucks on display at the restaurant and will be providing fire safety information to residents.

The date for the annual borough tree lighting was set for Dec. 1. Further details will be provided at a later date.