Coplay Borough communications systems need an upgrade.

Repeat.

"If you recall I brought up about a repeater system," said Councilman Charles Sodl at Tuesday's workshop.

With its current radios, it's not uncommon for the signal to degrade even from Ruch Street to Chestnut Street, Sodl said.

Police Chief Vincent Genovese said the current radios lose touch with one another because they can't "see" through buildings or other large landmarks.

A repeater system would solve those problems. This radio communications system uses two channels to boost the signal. The new system would also connect police, fire, public works and emergency management, which currently are each on their own systems and unable to communicate with each other.

The complete system would cost the borough $7,610, Sodl said.

"We should figure out a way to pay for this," he said. "I realize the regular taxpayer doesn't see that ... but this is what makes emergency services effective is communications."

In response to a question from Councilman Joseph Groller, Sodl said the borough would not be required to pay any kind of monthly fee. Buskaritz would be able to reprogram the existing radios so they are compatible with the repeater.

Council President Lou Bodish asked where the system would be located.

Emergency Management Coordinator Matthew Buskaritz said the 9-foot antenna would be mounted on the top of the borough hall. The heart of the system would be housed in the building.

"We can get to it in an emergency," he said.

Genovese said if the power is out, the system would be plugged into one of the borough's portable generators.

"If power does go down the radio system would still be up," he said.

In other business, resident Anne Killeen questioned council on what can be done to get grass and weeds cut at a vacant property in town.

"Can somebody update me on the new grass laws as to why a property can get this bad?" she asked.

"There's nothing we can do but wait for the magistrate to set the court date," said code enforcement officer Ron Helman.

Killeen said the property is a health hazard and cited a section of the borough ordinance that forbids conditions which encourage breeding of insects or rodents or that prevent other residents from enjoying their own properties.

"[Helman] has followed the rules and regulations. If we don't get action in 10 days we need to follow up and if we have to go stronger, we could go with hazardous health."

Also at the meeting, council discussed the success of programs at the borough pool this year.

Councilman Steve Burker, who serves as chair of the parks and recreation committee, said the Monday night aqua zumba classes are a big success.

"Most of the people that are coming aren't even from Coplay but they're getting a good look at what Coplay can offer and they like what they see," Burker said. "Attendance at the pool is the highest it's been in a long time."