Borough council accepted the resignation of Christian Birch, chairman of the Zoning Hearing Board, at its Oct. 23 work session. Birch recently moved out of the borough and sent a letter to the council saying, "It was my pleasure serving the borough the last nine years."

Councilman Ed Stetch was appreciative of Birch, calling him a positive influence and remarking that, "It is sad to see him go." Larry Rapp, council president, said the borough would send Birch a letter thanking him for his service.

In other news, an ordinance amending the municipal pension plan was approved by council without public discussion by council members. Borough executive Rick Prill characterized the ordinance as a "procedural" change to bring the pension plan in compliance with IRS regulations.

Rapp said the Delaware Avenue construction should wrap up by the first weekend of November barring any delays.

Earlier in the week on Oct. 21, the Zoning Hearing Board met to hear a proposal from St. Luke's University Hospital regarding the demolition of a 130-year-old home located at 748 Ostrum St. which is within the Fountain Hill historic district.

On Oct. 14 the Planning Commission had recommended that the Zoning Hearing Board deny the hospital permission for demolition.

At the Zoning Hearing Board meeting attorney Tom Schlegel, representing the hospital, asked for a continuance until March 31 of next year to give time to amend plans for the Ostrum Street property. The continuance was granted without objection.

The board voted 3-1 to make board member Connie Potts the new chairwoman, with Potts voting for board member James Genroso. Generoso was then voted vice-chairman.