Tamaqua borough took the next step in the process of purchasing streetlights from PPL this week.

Council accepted the initial report about the required utility work for the streetlights, authorizing a payment of $294,549.According to Councilman Dan Evans, who has been spearheading the project, the initial estimate was for work on about 500 lights costing between $500-$600.The final count was 484 lights, which puts the number closer to the higher end of the initial estimate.Evans said that there are about 1,350 man hours associated with the work, but the work will probably begin as soon as the weather breaks.Council discussed whether it would be better to accept PPL's authorized list of providers for the services, or bid the project out on its own.Council approved the purchase of a used roller, with 1,429 hours on it, at a price of $13,900. The purchase is contingent on receiving 3 different bids for the equipment. Councilman Brian Connely said the purchase of the newer equipment is being offset by the sale of old equipment on the Municibid website.Council approved changes to the 2014 and 2015 Community Development Block Grants which were originally slated for street paving projects. Those projects will proceed, however, they will be funded by liquid fuels funds.The reallocated block grant funds will be used to replace retaining walls that are collapsing along Lincoln Street, to the rear of properties at 510 and 524 Washington St. Council also revised plans for 2013 CDBG funds which were to be used to demolish and reconstruct the ladies bath house at the Bungalow Park.When additional funding for the project fell through, council determined that the funds would be used to renovate all of the bath houses and the guard shack, if possible.