Councilwoman Janet Eisenhauer presented the first look at Coplay’s 2018 budget at council’s workshop session Nov. 7. Although some categories came in under the 2017 budgeted line items, the overall budget is projected to increase in 2018.

The estimated cost to taxpayers is 0.3 mill, which equates to an annual increase of $50 for the average homeowner. Garbage rates are expected to increase by $10.

The borough received two proposals from its request for architectural services to determine costs and concepts for a new municipal building. Spillman Farmer Architects and SGS Architects and Engineers Inc. submitted proposals. Council did not publicly review either proposal, opting instead to review them at a later date.

In a related move, council did establish a committee to review the packages and set up a meeting schedule for ongoing assessment of a new municipal building. The committee will hold an organizational meeting 6 p.m. Nov. 21. Additional meetings will be scheduled for 6 p.m. the first Thursday of every month.

Councilman Stephen Burker discussed improvements to Community Plaza.

“We are adding sidewalks and have plans for six benches,” he said.

The improvements are paid for with profits from the borough’s annual Community Days festival.

Council has under review a procedural change that would allow for tickets to be issued for minor property-related offenses. Targeted offenses include rubbish/garbage accumulations, abandoned vehicles, overgrown shrubs and trees, animal feces, no building permit, etc.

The new ordinance, while still undergoing changes, will give homeowners a warning with a time frame for compliance. If the homeowner does not respond, a series of ever-increasing fines would be initiated.

Ronald Helman, the borough’s building code official, reported the ongoing dispute between the borough and the owner of the property at 130 S. Ninth St. is resolved. The borough was concerned the building did not meet acceptable health standards.

After months of wrangling and court appearances, the residence was declared to be in compliance. All violations were corrected. Helman gave his approval. The solicitor will legalize the process and issue a certificate of occupancy.