The Northampton Fire Department has acquired a 1968 heavy duty pickup truck from the federal government. The truck will be used primarily for combating brush fires.

Borough Manager Gene Zarayko informed council at its recent meeting the pickup truck is currently being restored.

"The [fire department] converted this truck into a brush truck capable of fighting brush fires along the railroad tracks," Zarayko said.

The borough's much larger fire trucks occasionally encounter problems accessing the brush along the railroad tracks. Later this month council may view and publicly inspect the restored pickup truck.

In another fire department matter, Zarayko reported all contracts have been signed for the new addition to the fire station on Lerchenmiller Drive. It will include added bays and a training room.

"Construction on the footers and foundations will begin within the next two weeks," Zarayko said.

A section of the soffit broke apart in front of the police station. Public works personnel replaced it with a new vinyl section.

A dance for seventh- and eighth-grade students will be held Saturday, Nov. 16, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the borough recreation center on Lerchenmiller Drive. Jason Kremus, borough recreation center director, said a dance is also scheduled for Dec. 14 for fourth- through sixth-grade students.