Coplay Borough Council, at its Dec. 8 meeting, approved the return of Joseph J. Bundra, former councilman and former Coplay mayor, to an official borough capacity.

Bundra is an ardent two-decade-plus supporter, active leader and volunteer of the Ironton Rail Trail concept and the IRT’s development.

As a 10-year council member and four-year mayor, Bundra’s major focus in his elected duties, among several, was the promotion of the IRT.

The resignation of former councilman David Royer from his council liaison to the IRT position allowed for Bundra to return in an official capacity. Council unanimously approved his appointment.

The meeting entertained thin committee reports and no unfinished or new business. Most issues were thrashed out at the council workshop meeting Dec. 1. The votes taken Dec. 8 were follow-through actions based on discussions at the workshop meeting.

Mayor Dean Molitoris, in his brief report, asked if council is purchasing additional yard signs that promote Coplay Police Department. The signs, placed mostly in residents’ yards, are ubiquitous throughout the borough.

Council President Louis Bodish noted 25 more signs are ordered, in addition to the 40 yard signs already provided to residents. The signs are free for residents and can be obtained from the borough office.

In another appointment, Joan Witko was reappointed to the Coplay Public Library board for another three-year term. Witko is an active volunteer in Coplay and also worked the polls on Election Day.

Council voted to reappoint Acela Engineering to continue to serve the borough and First Northern Bank and Trust as the depository of all borough funds. Broughal & DeVito were reappointed as the borough’s solicitor. Kirk, Summa & Co. was also reappointed to audit borough financial statements for the calendar year 2020.

Funding for the new garbage truck was confirmed for a $121,000 loan from Neffs National Bank. The truck is expected to arrive by March 2021.

Council voted to temporarily close Coplay Athletic Club’s gym, located on the second floor of Coplay Borough Hall and denied the holiday show for Explorer Post 100 train club, also located on the second floor of the borough hall. The closures are due to the high community spread of COVID-19.

In Bodish’s public works report, he announced the borough office is going to be closed Dec. 24 and 25. Recycling will be picked up Dec. 23.