At Coplay’s workshop session Oct. 3, borough resident Rick White approached council to complain about a citation he received with 19 separate violations.

After giving a history of the property and the state of the buildings, White denied most of the violations. Specifically, he cited problems with a violation of animals on the property - he said he has no animals - and one violation of a tree growing out of a barn, which he said was not true.

Ronald Helman, the borough’s code enforcement officer, contended he was responding to complaints and has pictures to justify each violation.

Although White appeared to be unhappy with the charges, he did arrange to have council members personally review the property with Helman so they could work out a plan to meet acceptable standards.

White’s problems are related to stormwater overflows along Tapler Street. According to Melvin Procanyan, there was a study of the problem conducted around 2004 suggesting the problem could be relieved if Whitehall Township increased the size of a relief pipe.

Whitehall Township contends the water problem lies in Coplay. Township Engineer Daniel Witczak, of Acela Engineering, proposed updating the study at a cost of $4,250. At the next council meeting, Oct. 10, council will vote to move forward with the proposal.

Councilman Charles Sodl believes that relieving the recurring water problems could resolve much of White’s struggle to keep his property in good repair. White claims several high-end motorcars he owned were ravaged by the stormwater.

Representatives of council will meet with White at the property Oct. 9 so that a plan of action can be approved at council’s next meeting.