At its Oct. 13 virtual meeting, Coplay Borough Council passed an expenditure of $246,288 to purchase a new garbage truck. Coplay is one of the remaining municipalities that picks up residents’ garbage.

Many municipalities have opted for privatized garbage pickup or a hybrid model that mixes private pickup with public trash hauling.

Councilwoman Janet Eisenhauer, finance committee chairwoman, requested council members get their portion of the 2021 budget requests in as soon as possible. She plans to assemble and present a draft budget as early as the November council meeting. At a previous meeting, Eisenhauer expressed anticipation of a tax increase in the 2021 borough budget.

In her report, she also said the trick-or-treat candy distribution to kids at Coplay Public Library is canceled for this year.

Council approved contributions to Meals on Wheels and Coplay Lions Club. Each group will receive $500. It was determined there are about six Coplay residents who receive two meals Mondays through Fridays from Meals on Wheels. The Lions Club has had a successful presence in Coplay for decades assisting residents and Coplay organizations.

There were no reports from the mayor, solicitor or engineer during the meeting.

The street department report indicated the department had normal operations in September.

In a hearing of persons present, former Coplay Mayor Joseph J. Bundra, current chair of Ironton Rail Trail Commission, asked council for permission to hold the December IRT meeting at the social hall located in the Coplay Fire Department building.

Council President Louis Bodish told Bundra the Commitment to Family and Community group that operates a nonprofit enterprise in that half of the building would have to be contacted for permission to use the hall. If the request is denied, Bodish noted the gymnasium at the borough building can be available for the IRT meeting.

In his park and recreation committee report, Councilman Stephen Burker said since the positive case count for the coronavirus is increasing locally, the park and recreation committee is planning to meet virtually 7 p.m. Oct. 28. This is a public meeting. The call number is 1-224-501-3412. The access number is 518390741, followed by the pound sign.

Council reappointed James Hahn to Coplay Whitehall Sewer Authority. His term will expire Dec. 31, 2025.

The next Coplay Borough Council meeting, a workshop, is 7 p.m. Nov. 3. The meeting will be virtual. The access call and meeting code are available by visiting coplayborough.org or by calling the office at 610-262-6088.