A State College borough tree commission member confirmed yesterday he is one of two applicants for the borough council seat left vacant Dec. 8 after the death of John Dombroski.

The replacement, slated for appointment next Tuesday, will complete Dombroski's term, which ends December of this year.

Borough Manager Peter Marshal said yesterday the borough received two resumes from people interested in the position. He would not say who applied.

At least two University students said they may apply for the position, but they must meet tomorrow's application deadline.

Borough council members reached yesterday would not comment on who has expressed interest or sent in resumes for consideration, though Daniel Wallace, tree commission member, acknowledged his candidacy in a telephone interview last evening.

"I did submit a letter indicating my interest and willingness to be a member of the borough council," Wallace said. "I have a general interest in the overall well-being and prosperity of the community."

Councilman Peter Lang said he knows Wallace well.

"Dan is really looking to serve the community. He is a really nice person with a lot of good ideas," Lang said.

Wallace, a democrat, ran for a council seat in 1987 and was defeated. He was appointed to the tree commission in Dec. 1986.

Former Borogh Council member Daniel Chaffee said he told council members he could serve out Dombroski's term if necessary.

"I've indicated to a couple of council members that I won't be sending in a resume, but if they need me, I'll serve," he said.

Chaffee, who is also a democrat, said although council members' party affiliation usually does not play a big role in town politics, it may seem awkward to some people if he takes the place of the republican Dombroski.

The council met Dec. 22 to discuss possible candidates and set up the application process, said councilman R. Thomas Berner, a University professor of journalism.

The council is required by borough law to fill the seat within 45 days of the vacancy, Berner said. The new member must be registered to vote in State College.

Members plan to consider the candidates for the position in a closed session before their regular meeting next Tuesday evening and then nominate and vote on one later that night.

Berner said that while those already involved with borough government would make the most likely candidates, students should consider applying for the position.

"Some (council members) thought it would be a good opportunity for younger members of the community to put their names forward," he said. "We're looking for someone who will be willing to sit down and participate meaningfully and right away," he said.

Ken Houk, a University student who serves as Undergraduate Student Government Senate president, said he may apply for the spot.

"I may consider applying tomorrow," he said last night. "It's kind of a surprise thing for everybody."

Houk said were he to serve on borough council, he would try to emphasize student concerns.

"I think students are the most underrepresented people in State College. I would have to go in with that perspective," he said.

And former USG Senate President Ron Marlow said he will submit a resume and cover letter to Marshall for the position.

Berner said that while there are students who may be qualified for the position, he cautioned that in order to be seriously considered for a council seat students must be able to complete the one-year term.

"Any student who applies has to be here for the rest of the year. This is not something they could do on a lark," Berner said.

Seth Williams, USG president, said though he has not applied for the position, he is helping other students plan to run for seats at the school year's end.

"I believe we have to get student representation on the board, and more progressive-minded students." Williams said. "We believe students should have a voice in municipal government."

Six people presently sit on the council, and without a seventh, there is the possibility of a split vote. Councilman Peter Lang, though, said that situation has not yet happened.

Lang said that with the large time commitment a borough council position requires, few people compete for open seats, and borough officials had some doubt about whether they would fill all of the seats last year.

"It takes a lot of hours," Lang said of his job. "It's all the aggravation you can handle and then some. I think we've been working pretty well together, (but) it never hurts to have a second opinion in there."

Councilwoman Ruth Lavin said, "I think people have to do what is right for them. It's a huge commitment and not everybody has that kind of time. Anybody who does, and is interested should submit a resume."

John Dombroski served on council since 1981, and was council president for two years. He died in Boston of a heart attack where he was representing the borough at a meeting of the National League of Cities.

Resumes should be sent to Council President Gary Wiser c/o Borough Manager Peter Marshal at the State College Borough Building 118 S. Fraser St. The deadline is 5 p.m. today.