A recent house fire at a home with multiple pets has Tamaqua Borough re-examining its pet ordinances. A house fire last Sunday led to the removal of several animals, including assorted snakes and other reptiles.

Councilman Tom Cara said he became aware of the situation when he watched a news report that showed plastic bins with the animals in them being carried out of the house.

“Do we need to enact an exotic pet ordinance?” he asked.

Solicitor Michael Greek said that the current zoning rules allow for up to five pets at a residence.

If there are more than that, the facility is considered a kennel and must be appropriately permitted.

Greek said it is difficult to say the exact number of pets that can cause issues, and the issues are not usually the pets themselves, but the waste and noise that goes along with them.

Cases involving limits to the number of animals have been struck down, Greek said.

“That’s why it’s under zoning,” he said, “There you can decide when you have a certain number of animals, it becomes a kennel or a breeder.”

Cara asked if the property owners involved in the fire were in fact in violation of the current zoning ordinance.

“Yes, we believe they are,” said Borough Manager Kevin Steigerwalt.

Steigerwalt said the zoning officer is aware of the situation and there have been many discussions about the situation and it would continue to be worked out.

During the public comment session of the regular meeting, council welcomed Savas Logothetides, the proprietor of Wheel, which will be opening in Tamaqua in the fall. Logothetides said that he is currently involved in many community activities in Pottsville, where the original restaurant is located, and that he intends to provide the same community support and involvement in Tamaqua. He expects to begin rehabilitation and construction shortly and open by Nov. 1.

Council also heard from Tom Hartz, who questioned when Tamaqua will proceed with allowed “tax breaks” for volunteer firefighters.

According to Hartz, the state passed a bill allowing for some form of relief for volunteers over four years ago. The bill allows municipalities to grant some sort of relief to members of the volunteer departments. How it is executed is up to the municipality. It could be an exemption from a local tax, or a discounted water or utility bill, for example.

Hartz has been questioning the borough on its delayed roll out of the break for months.

Councilman Brian Connely said he wanted to see a list of the active members before any such action would proceed. Hartz said that the borough has received that list because it’s required for workers’ compensation.

Council also held an executive session for personnel matters.