A report on emergency generators evolved into a discussion about the Coplay Borough heating system.

Last month, Coplay council voted 8-1 to allow Councilman Charles Sodl to purchase a surplus 15-kilowatt generator from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) as long as the costs, including installation, didn't exceed $5,000. However, Sodl told council at Monday's workshop meeting, the generators available through FEMA were military generators that were incompatible with the municipal electrical system. The final cost, including installation, would have been $10,000 to $12,000.

"However, in the interim, I got info on a new generator," said Sodl.

Like the military one, the new Generac Guardian 22-kilowatt standby generator Sodl found would be capable of running the electricity for the first floor of the municipal building, which includes the municipal office and police department.

"That generator should do most of the downstairs," said police Chief Vincent Genovese.

When Public Works Director Danny Pavelko said it might run the boiler, Sodl said, "We haven't made a decision on the heating system."

The borough has had problems with the existing system. Parts are difficult to get for it because of its age and repairs are expensive.

"Any new heating system would probably be more easily handled by the new generator," said Pavelko.

"Is this [heating system] something we can do this year? If we can't, should we put it in the budget for next year?" said Sodl. "How much duct tape can we put on this heating system?"

Councilman Joseph Groller, who chairs the finance committee, said the borough could pay for a new heating system through the proceeds of a loan taken out several years ago.

Acknowledging the discussion was getting off topic, Sodl said he wanted to finish talking about the heating system, which is estimated to cost almost $250,000 to replace.

"One relates to the other. And here we sit Aug. 4 with no plans to fix this heating system," he said. "We got to make a decision."

Councilman Bill Leiner Jr. said he wanted to see a "hard number" before making a move.

Sodl said council's property committee should investigate the exact cost of a new heating system and Groller should come up with financing options.

The borough can make a decision on the generator after it comes up with a solution to the failing heating system, Sodl said.

"I don't want to delay it till 2022 though," he quipped.