At the Sept. 13 Coplay Borough Council meeting, Officer Ryan Emerich was approved as the new chief of police.

Mayor Stephen Burker officiated at his swearing-in ceremony.

One of Emerich’s first tasks will be to work on attracting prospective officers to come to Coplay. Emerich, Burker and a few council members will attend the First Responder Festival at Cabela’s in Berks County Sept. 24. This is a way to meet possible new officers who may be interested in joining the Coplay police force.

Council agreed this is a need the borough has and, after voting on the motion, gave unanimous approval for the group to attend the fair.

Councilman Charles Sodl, chair of the emergency services committee, said he and Emerich met with committee members and wanted to be able to offer part-time officers a salary of $24 per hour.

They also wished to offer a $25 credit toward the part-time officer’s insurance if that officer worked at least 32 hours in a week. Both of these ideas were brought to a motion and were approved unanimously.

Council approved the Halloween parade to be held 7 p.m. Oct. 18, with no rain date. Trick or treat was also approved for 6-8 p.m. Oct. 28, with a rain date of Oct. 29.

A motion was made to approve Ordinance 856, approving the appointment of a solicitor interest assessment, attorney fees and collection fees to be added to the amount collected as part of unpaid real estate taxes for delinquent accounts. This motion carried, with all council members voting favorably.

In other business, borough council approved a $500 donation to Meals on Wheels of the Greater Lehigh Valley. Also, the quote from Brosky Insurance for $5,750 for cyber security insurance was approved.

Dale Simon, president of the Coplay Senior Citizens Club, attended the meeting and invited all members of council to attend the club’s picnic, which was set to take place noon Sept. 21 at the pavilion.

“Coplay seniors are thankful to the borough,” Simon said.

Secretary Kimberly Bachman reported the borough received a grant for new recycling cans.

The next meeting, a workshop, will be held 7 p.m. Oct. 4 at borough hall, 98 S. Fourth St.