The Quakertown Borough Council discussed and approved several resolutions at their regular voting meeting on September 4, including changes to civil service requirements and items related to utilities.

            Under the new resolution, civil service rules and regulations were updated including the criteria required to apply for civil service jobs; the level of education required, including a BA, associate degree; or military/law enforcement experience in place of education. The passing grade required is a 70%. However, due to the difficulty of the written exam, this is equivalent to an 85% grade.

            The resolution was approved unanimously by the council. Manager Scott McElree will be leading the civil service examination changes. He also serves as borough police chief.

            Councilman Dave Wilsey presented utility information for board approval. One item was in regard to the borough joining the Pennsylvania Municipal Power Agency. Council has discussed this topic at past meetings. Joining the PMPA would be financially beneficial to the borough and streamline services. Council approved the resolution.

            Several other resolutions were in regard to approving work associated with the Anaerobic Digestion and Co-Generation Facility Project.

            Council approved and accepted an award bid from Garden Spot Electric, Inc. of Manheim. In addition, a change order was approved for a cost reduction of $387,500. This would bring the electric part of the project to approximately $7 million.

            For structural and mechanical work at the facility, council approved the bid from Worth Construction, Inc. for $13 million. This amount was reduced after the company submitted an original bid for $15 million.

            Council reviewed and approved a final resolution to accept a bid from Worth Construction, Inc. for HVAC work on the facility. The total amount for the bid is $1,340,000.

            These items were discussed at their work session prior to their voting meeting.

            Updated regarding the project will be discussed at future council meetings.