Coplay Borough Council is trying to determine the duties of the newly regenerated parks and recreation committee.

Parks and recreation board members were handed a document at the April 29 special session meeting listing the initial list of duties and responsibilities for the committee.

Council said it views its relationship with the parks and recreation board as a collorabative team effort.

"I would look at it [parks and recreation] as an extension of this council," said Councilman Charles Sodl.

The parks and recreation board will be responsible for taking inventory of all existing parks and recreational facilities, equipment, programs and fields in order to determine what changes, improvements and replacements should be recommended to council.

Upon those recommendations, the board will prepare and present a plan to council that discusses the projects.

The final decision for any project, along with the purchasing of equipment, employment of personnel and solicitation of formal bids for materials and labor will all be done by council.

Council will also require the park and recreation board to prepare an annual report due in September. The report will include project budgets along with anticipated future expenditures.

"What does our community need, what are we starving for," asked Sodl. "The important part is putting the plan together."

The board presented council with an already drafted plan it developed previously. Council unanimously agreed that the drafted plan included strong points and expressed satisfication.

"Considering where we were a year or two ago, we're making progress," Councilman Steve Burker said. "We're meeting tonight to show the teamwork and the effort of the team."

"Most taxpayers don't begrudge paying taxes as long as they see a return, and they see the pride going back into the community. I'm convinced of that," Sodl added.