Pennsburg Borough Council welcomed a former officer back into the fold. On Tuesday, the members voted unanimously to rehire Mark Adamski as a part-time officer with the Upper Perk Police Department. Municipal officials hope to swear him in by Oct. 1.

            "Congratulations," council President Diane Stevens said after the vote. "We're glad to have you back."

            Adamski served 10 years as a full-time officer for the municipal department and the Upper Perk Police District before being laid off in 2018. He was sworn in during the April, 2008 meeting of the Upper Perkiomen Police Commission and last worked for the Upper Perk Police Department on April 26, 2018.

            Adamski reintroduced himself to council. The officer, along with Chief Joe Adam, met with the members during a brief executive session at the beginning of the meeting.

            In other news, the members accepted the resignation of Joan Wieder. Stevens said Wieder identified personal matters as the reason for ending her second stint on council but did not elaborate further.

            Wieder, who did not attend the meeting, retained her seat by winning a two-year term in 2019. Her current term expires at the end of 2021. She was initially appointed to council in February of 2010.

            Municipal officials hope to fill the vacancy by its first meeting in October, according to Stevens. She recommended that all candidates submit a letter of interest and provide proof of residency.

            Council also voted to allow Administrative Manager Lisa Hiltz to submit the pre-authorization paperwork to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for a potential loan. According to Stevens, the borough could borrow up to $750,000 from the federal agency to help fund multiple projects, including making multiple renovations to borough hall and converting the recycling center into a maintenance garage.

            The UDSA is currently offering an interest rate of 2.152 percent. Municipal officials could utilize a 40-year loan, however Stevens said she would prefer not to exceed 30 years.

            The council President estimated the cost of the new maintenance garage, including an addition, at $300,000. She said the loan would likely include funds to complete multiple upgrades at Borough Hall, located at 76 W. Sixth St.

            A significant portion of that cost would be necessary to repair the roof. Stevens said the cost could range between $100,000 and $300,000.  Municipal officials began setting aside money five years ago to complete that work, according to Member Mike Mensch. He said after the meeting that approximately $30,000 has been allocated. Council discussed the possibility of using that money as a loan down payment.

            Any approved work would have to include making the ramp, located in front of the building, compliant with the U.S. Americans with Disabilities Act. It's currently too steep, according to Stevens.

            "I'm not exactly sure how that happened," she said during the meeting, held at Borough Hall.

            Member Wayne Stevens announced that an Upper Hanover business owner and a former Upper Perk Police District officer will help the borough remove large quantities of top soil from the Bayberry Crossing development, located near the intersection of Main and 11th streets.

            According to Stevens, John Iatarola, an Upper Hanover resident, has volunteered to help remove 10 loads of dirt by driving a tri-axle, provided by the BHL Company LLC, located in Palm, on Tuesday, Sept. 29. The borough will retain the topsoil for numerous projects.