Conversation about the recent snowstorm led Coplay Borough Council’s workshop meeting Feb. 2.

A snow emergency in the borough began 5 p.m. Jan. 31 and ended 5 p.m. Feb. 2.

Council members expressed appreciation for residents who stayed home and off the streets. The small amount of traffic through the borough allowed the public works department time and space to plow the streets as thoroughly as possible. Clearing the alleys was more difficult due to parked cars. Snow removal continues in these areas.

Sanitation and recycling for the borough was canceled this week due to the large amounts of snow still being removed. These services are expected to resume next week.

Council members who act as heads of committees met with the borough’s grant writer, VGG Consulting LLC, to discuss needs and essential improvements for the borough. Councilman Rick Kern reported some ideas considered include upgrading Saylor Park and the tot lot, purchasing body cameras for borough police officers and improving the basketball courts by the fire department, among many others. These topics will continue to be explored.

Councilwoman Janet Eisenhauer commented on a plan to hire an intern to work at the borough for the summer of 2021. She is currently working on the list of qualifications for this position.

Eisenhauer also noted Coplay Public Library continues to have curbside pickup. Every day, there is a book cart outside so residents can borrow a book and then return it.

Library staff members have also collected six bags of winter clothing items for the Whitehall-Coplay Hunger Initiative. All of these items were distributed to Coplay and Whitehall residents in need.

Councilman Steve Burker said the next park and recreation committee meeting will be held Feb. 24. The group will begin planning and reviewing summer programs, taking into consideration that any events will be subject to change due to the ongoing pandemic and any guidelines issued by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

A resolution adopting revisions to the borough fee schedule, including amending and confirming municipal costs and fees, was discussed. For example, if a utility would need to open up a borough street to make repairs to its lines, that utility would then need to patch the road. Patching can lead to deterioration in the future.

Councilman Charles Sodl questioned the possibility of increasing these fees, which could help to defray any future borough expenses to fix these roads.

The approval of this resolution will be a topic at the next borough council meeting, set for 7 p.m. Feb. 9.