At its first meeting of the year Jan. 3, Nazareth Council set a hearing date to discuss the possible termination of Borough Police Officer Eric Swanson.

During its regular meeting Monday, Council briefly withdrew for an executive session to the basement of the meeting hall at 30 Belvidere St., and then returned to the regular meeting with the decision to hold a hearing Feb. 3 at 7 p.m. about possibly firing Officer Swanson.

"He has three choices," said Chair of the Police Committee Larry Stoudt. "He can ask for a private hearing, a public hearing or not show up."

Because it is a personnel issue, Stoudt said he could not discuss the case in detail, and only said that Swanson has been on long-term disability and council decided it was time to reassess that situation.

In total, five executive sessions were called during this first meeting of 2011 to discuss personnel issues and one possible litigation. Members could not discuss those cases either, and ended the regular meeting by going into executive session.

According to Pennsylvania's Sunshine Act, council can meet without the public present to talk about personnel issues or to consult with its attorney.

In other action, Mayor Fred Daugherty Jr. swore in the Borough's Fire Chief Danny Keenhold, who has been with Nazareth for 21 years. Also sworn in were the two assistant fire chiefs and the Nazareth Special Fire Police.

"I want to thank those who serve," said Daugherty, "and those who continue to come forward to serve the community."

Council also approved several appointments to boards and commissions including:

• Martin Clark, Planning Commission, 4-year term
• Cathy Huber, Zoning Hearing Board, 3-year term
• Carole Bowers, Recreation Commission, 5-year term
• James Gordon, Municipal Authority, 5-year term
• John Reinhardt, Library Board, 3-year term
• Gail Kromer, Vacancy Board, 1-year term
• Dan Chiavaroli, Ambulance Board, 5-year term
• Michael Macy, Ambulance Board, 2-year term
• Mike Rinker, Emergency Management Director, 1-year term