At Coplay council’s regular meeting Aug. 14, borough Engineer Daniel Witczak, of Acela Engineering, presented an update on the road improvement at Second and Chestnut streets.

Council expressed its concern about the project because it is funded with an expiring Community Development Block Grant. Witczak confirmed the grant funds were extended to the end of the year.

The targeted intersection has always been a problem for the borough, but it is a busy intersection. With the bridge closed, the borough took action.

The problem in the area has always been stormwater runoff. What Witczak found is an unsuitable base.

The goal is to have a firm subbase with concrete added for stability and long use. The concrete is then covered with asphalt. In his report, Witczak is showing macadam in areas that might require stronger support than concrete provides.

After a lengthy discussion, council decided to mill the area and determine the condition of the road base.

Council can decide its next course of action once the base is analyzed.

In other borough business, the Front Street project continues. Portions of the street have wavy characteristics, so the contractor proposed a large patch in the surface coating to help it blend into the new pavement.

The patch was done, and the repairs were determined to be acceptable to the borough. At a meeting later in the week, Coplay Whitehall Sewer Authority, which is funding a majority of the project, was less happy with the patch.

The project has gone on too long for residents. Everyone involved wants the project to be finished. The revised deadline was May 2018. The contractor incurs penalties for delays.

Councilman Stephen Burker expressed his concern that Coplay’s Parkway Pool will not have enough lifeguards to finish out the season. Many of the lifeguards are college students and go back to school before the last week of August.

“We are in contact with the Y, and they should be able to supply us with some lifeguards,” he said.

With Catasauqua’s pool now closed due to damage from recent storms, Coplay offered to accept those season pass holders into its pool. Lifeguards originally scheduled for Catasauqua can be sent to Coplay.

Burker also announced Kirsten Fink will take over as president of Coplay Sports.