The historical Coplay Cement Company Kilns were discussed at the Coplay Borough Council meeting June 10.

Earlier that day, Coplay Mayor Joseph Bundra attended the Greater Northern Lehigh and Palmerton Area Chamber of Commerce meeting. After the meeting, Bundra said, he and others discussed the kilns and how Lehigh County is currently making no progress toward refurbishing them.

"I remember when the county wanted no part of the kilns," said Bundra. "They wanted Coplay to take over the kilns."

According to Bundra, the county has set aside $125,000 for the kilns. The last time the county worked on them was six to eight years ago.

"It doesn't seem favorable that they're going to go forward and do something," Bundra said.

Bundra recommended getting people together to go and speak with officials to let them know how important the kilns are not only to Coplay, but also to the surrounding area. These monuments are the oldest cement kilns in the United States, and were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

In other business, council briefly discussed the Coplay Shade Tree Commission.

At the previous week's workshop meeting, council discussed possibly bringing back the Shade Tree Commission. Councilman Steve Burker noted that residents expressed concern to him about where the money for planting and removing trees was coming from and whether trees would be planted in between the curb and sidewalk.

Council President Louis Bodish and Councilman William Leiner Jr. said the borough will not be planting any more trees between the sidewalk and the curb. After the trees grow, the roots cause too much damage to the sidewalk.

Bodish said trees currently being removed are paid for not with taxpayer money but rather with a grant.

Also at the meeting, Councilman Charles Sodl gave the final monetary report from Coplay's "Sponsor a Street Banner" project. The planning commission made $13,000 from individuals or businesses purchasing banners. The borough spent $8,912 to purchase the 72 banners and hardware, leaving a profit of $4,086. The planning commission would like to use the funds to purchase a minimum of three permanent welcome signs for Coplay.

Borough Solicitor James Preston announced the noise exemption for the Coplay Saengerbund was granted, and will remain in effect until September 2019.

Council ended the meeting by going into an executive session for personnel matters regarding the changes to the Coplay Library Policies.