Scott Gerber will serve as Coaldale’s emergency management coordinator.

Gerber was recently appointed by borough council to fill the position previously held by Kevin Soberick. Soberick resigned late last year after being hired to a new job.

A Navy veteran, Gerber noted that he had hazardous materials training, served as a volunteer firefighter and had worked for a chemical company.

“Welcome aboard, Scott. Thank you. I’m sure you’ll be an asset to the borough,” council President Claire Remington said.

An item on the meeting’s agenda also called Gerber’s appointment to an assistant office clerk position — but on a volunteer basis.

Council tabled a vote after Solicitor Robert Yurchak said he wanted to check the legalities of having a volunteer office employee.

Other matters

Also during the meeting, it was noted that Susan Solt would not be seeking another term as tax collector.

In addition, applications for a borough secretary are being sought.

In an unrelated matter, Remington said the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture will be conducting retail food inspections and licensing at food service providers in the borough.

The department does the inspections in nearby communities, including Summit Hill, she noted.

Remington asked council for help in compiling a list of places that sell food.

Department inspectors visit establishments to record violations, which are “often corrected on the spot prior to the inspector leaving the facility,” the department stated on its website.

Council will hold off on enacting an ordinance that would require amusement ride operators or anyone working with children to have Act 34 clearances before being hired for community events. The ordinance was suggested by Mayor Eric Ramirez.

Yurchak said he would like to look into the matter before council acts on it.