The Parryville borough council was joined by more than 15 residents Monday, one of the largest turnouts for a monthly meeting.

The meeting began with a conversation of concern for the navigation of the municipality’s fire engines.

The council explained that residents have been parking in areas that are not designated parking spots.

It has made it impossible for the fire company to drive down certain roads in the case of a fire emergency.

The problem is that these areas are not marked as illegal parking areas, therefore residents have had every right to park there to this point.

The borough will be working over the next few weeks to place signs showing where it is and isn’t safe to park.

Council also announced that the fire company was awarded an $81,600 grant from homeland security which is “much needed for emergency equipment,” council President Cathy Hawk said.

She said that council will help in paying 5 percent of that grant, which is needed to receive the full amount.

Jane Roberts, Lehighton library secretary, then joined the public comment portion of the meeting.

Roberts offered thanks to the borough for its annual donation.

“I don’t think we ever attended one your meetings before and we really wanted show our appreciation for your help and your donations,” Roberts said.

She also introduced the library’s newly appointed professional librarian Melissa Hawk.

Planning Commission

After eight long years, the Parryville planning commission has finished its updated preliminary zoning ordinance book.

The commission has been working with engineer Duane Dellecker on revamping what was considered a, “out-of-date zoning book,” by the borough council.

The commission began working on this project in 2009, Copies were distributed.

“We wanted to create a very user-friendly book that was much easier to read and understand than the previous one,” Dellecker said.

The preliminary zoning ordinance book will be reviewed by council before next month’s meeting when council will vote on whether or not to adopt it.

Copies of the preliminary book will be offered in the borough office for public view over the next few weeks.

“We know how much work and dedication it has been for you guys and we really applaud you for it,” Hawk said.

Other business

• Council discussed its efforts in purchasing security video cameras in attempts to stop vandalism of borough property.

• On Nov. 1, the borough workers will be doing road work to repair Harrity Road. This will mark Parryville’s first use of their newly acquired asphalt zipper.