Mayor Joseph Bundra and Councilman William Leiner Jr. expressed their disappointment that more residents did not show up for the briefing on the plan to save the Coplay kilns May 5.

"This is just phase one of the project. And we need to move on to phase two," said Bundra in his mayor's report on May 12.

Leiner echoed the sentiment in his remarks. Leiner and Bundra have been working behind the scenes with the county and Whitehall Township on the significance of the project.

Last week, Richard Molchany, the county's director of general services, presented yet another study that emphasized the value of the kilns. Joseph Biondo and Vanessa dela Torre of Spillman Farmer Architects presented their latest 50-page study that shows the deterioration of the kilns and the need to get the landmark repaired.

The county contracted the study. The architects pledged to add University of Pennsylvania Professor Frank Matero as part of the team. Matero is considered the leading expert in preserving historic concrete structures. He has a portfolio of projects from around the country.

The estimated cost to repair the kilns ranges from $200,000 to $500,000 per unit. Council wants to preserve all seven remaining units. Molchany, in his presentation, indicated that the county has no money to donate.

Molchany shot down a request initiated by Councilman Charles Sodl to get federal assistance. There are not enough votes in Coplay to get anyone in Washington excited even if there is a unique piece of history in the borough. Coplay has not been successful in its past requests for state assistance, acquiring just a few five-figure grants over the years.

Wastebaskets are littered with the number of proposals made to save the kilns. Other than credentialed academicians getting paid for yet another study, there is no money available for anyone to start fixing the mortar joints.

In other action, council made summer-hire appointments. Jennifer Gulick and Sabrina Barhoum were hired as lifeguards, and Linda McFadden was hired as pool manager. According to Councilman Stephen Burker, the borough has had a tough time getting someone who can handle the pool adequately.

Emily Alkhal, owner of The Bacon Strip, won the concessionaire slot. Council did pass an amendment to the concessionaire's agreement that included a fee if the stand was left in disrepair. According to Burker, public works employees took two days to get the stand back to normal.

Terrence Kuchera was appointed as part-time summer help.

Susan Molitoris was approved for an opening on the Coplay Library Board with a term expiring the last day of 2017.