With a hearing quickly approaching and no members on its zoning hearing board, Coplay Borough Council put out an appeal for candidates interested in the position. At its Oct. 11 meeting, council unanimously appointed Melvin Procanyn and Ronald Golley to the open positions on the board. Both men are active in the community and regularly attend council meetings.

Council also appointed Attorney William Fries as solicitor for the zoning hearing board. Council found the existing counsel for the board retired since the last session. Fries received the recommendation from the outgoing counsel.

Council approved a request from Gerald Stanz for a restricted parking space outside his business, Tony’s Hobby Shop. In his written request, Stanz noted he loses some of his clientele because they are unable to park. The business faces Second Street where parking is restricted. The new location is on a side street. Parking is available for customers during regular business hours.

Borough Engineer Daniel Witczak spent a majority of the meeting detailing updates on significant street improvements in the borough. According to Witczak, the repaving of North Front Street is complete except for remaining punch list items. The project was one of the largest undertaken by the borough in recent memory.

“We cured a lot of problems. We have a road surface that will remain serviceable for many years,” he said.

South Front Street is ready to move forward. The new project involves repaving and coordinating with Coplay-Whitehall Sewer Authority (CWSA) to replace aging sewer lines in the area.

“[CWSA] should start that project later this month. Once the sewer line improvements are in place, the ground will be allowed to settle over the winter,” he said.

A rough macadam coating provides a driving surface during the winter. In the spring, paving will commence.

Witczak suggested the borough review the detailed plans for changes. According to Witczak, there is an opportunity for the borough to make improvements to South Front Street for an additional cost. Some of the repairs made on North Front Street are beneficial but are not included in the CWSA paving program. Portions of the costs associated with the South Front Street improvement are covered by a grant that limits the scope of work.

Council agreed to review the potential project costs.

Witczak recommended the borough release the majority of securities posted for a land development project at 16 N. Sixth St. Witczak identified certain items that remain. He estimated the remaining cost to complete his checklist items about $3,000. Council agreed to follow the engineer’s recommendation and will retain the final $3,000 until all items are complete and approved by the engineer.

The borough agreed to a contract with Hobel’s Coal & Fuel for coal at a cost of $165 per ton. The total bid is below the bidding threshold. Hobel’s is a local company, and there were no other bidders.