During the Coplay Borough Council workshop meeting July 5, rumors about Coplay Police Department were put to rest.

Mayor Steve Burker said he heard a rumor council was planning to “abandon” the borough’s police force. He noted this concept is the “furthest thing from our mind,” adding “the borough police force makes us feel very protected.”

Burker reported he had just done a ride-along with two borough officers the evening of July 4 and was very impressed with their professionalism.

“At no time are we considering abandoning our own police department,” said Councilman Charles Sodl, who leads the emergency services committee.

Sodl credited police Chief Vincent Genovese with creating a family-type relationship with the community and indicated the new police chief would need to have these same intentions.

Genovese earlier announced his retirement, set to begin Sept. 2. Council President Louis Bodish reported the chief vacancy has been advertised in local newspapers.

Burker noted if a neighboring municipality would call upon council to discuss how they could help the borough, council would respectfully listen to that proposal. However, Burker noted he intends to be transparent and open to provide residents with “peace of mind.”

In other business, Councilwoman Janet Eisenhauer reported the computer system upgrade and the new borough hall roof cost $170,875.19. The cost to the borough was only $2,671.77 since COVID-19 grants totaling $168,203.42 covered the majority of the expense.

Eisenhauer also noted Coplay Public Library filled the last open part-time position but is still in need of a director and one more board member.

North Catasauqua Police Department Chief Chris Wolfer attended the workshop meeting to request the assistance of two Coplay officers for a concert event in North Catasauqua, planned for July 10. The borough has a mutual aid agreement, whereby help is provided to other neighboring communities as needed.

Joseph Bundra, the Ironton Rail Trail liaison for Coplay Borough, indicated the crossing near the Saylor Park Museum that connects one side of the IRT to the other has been resurfaced. The area is 60 feet long by 30 feet wide, and the macadam was very rough and broken. Now, the crossing area is reportedly safe and smooth.

The next borough council meeting is 7 p.m. July 12 at borough hall, 98 S. Fourth St.