At the Aug. 2 Coplay Borough Council workshop meeting, Councilman Mark Molitoris asked fire Chief Brandon Bechtel if the fire department would be able to set up a cool down spot in the borough on a weekend if the pool cannot open.

Although Coplay employs eight lifeguards, there are times when the number of lifeguards needed to have the pool open are not available to work. This happened recently on a hot and humid weekend day.

Molitoris explained the borough contacted another municipality to see if they had lifeguards to spare, but this effort was unsuccessful. Another idea is to use fire equipment. Bechtel noted he would need 48-hours notice, but they would bring a truck for spraying water. There would be a cost due to the massive water use.

Molitoris also suggested setting up sprinklers on the lawn behind the pool if the pool must close. This item will be on the agenda at the Aug. 9 regular monthly meeting.

Councilman Rick Kern shared details of the Local Share Account, which provides funds for economic development and public interest projects. The grant would provide approximately $30,000 to convert the tennis courts behind the Cherry Street building into basketball courts. However, the cost of the project is higher than the grant.

Council questioned putting the extra money into the project or holding off for now. Two basketball courts exist in this area already. Some members of council expressed concern regarding the value these new courts would add to the borough and were not eager to provide additional funds. Council will vote at the upcoming meeting.

Councilman Charles Sodl extended his gratitude to outgoing police Chief Vince Genovese. Sodl said the committee screening the prospective candidates for chief will meet later this week to review resumes.

Bechtel reported the fire department participated in a rescue task force exercise at Springhouse Middle School to be prepared if a mass casualty incident would occur.

A free swim is being proposed for children 12 and under Aug. 18, in conjunction with movie night 5-7 p.m., as long as adequate lifeguard coverage is available. This item will be on the agenda for the August meeting.