Police Chief Ryan Emerich spoke to Coplay Borough Council during its March 7 workshop meeting about grant funding available through the Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission.

Hiring additional officers has been difficult, as many possible candidates may not be able to afford the financial obligation for tuition at the police academy, Emerich said. Through this funding program, the borough could hire a cadet and pay for that cadet to enter the academy.

MPOETC would reimburse the police department for a portion of the tuition and hourly wage of the new officer if the candidate successfully completes the training. The borough would secure the officer as an employee.

After discussion, this item was added to the agenda for the regular March meeting. Council will vote on whether to seek out and hire an academy candidate under this grant.

The police body cameras being purchased through a grant will soon be ready for use. A charging station must be installed in the police vehicles first to accommodate the cameras.

The borough’s information technology provider, DRC Technologies, is authorized to do the installation. However, the cost for that will be paid separately by the borough since it was not included in the grant. The cost is to be determined.

Councilman Mark Molitoris, head of the park and recreation committee, reported a lottery calendar fundraiser will be held to help defray repair costs for the borough pool.

An option for the borough to enter into an agreement with the Suburban North Family YMCA in Catasauqua was discussed. A proposal was submitted by the YMCA detailing how it could run and manage the borough pool. Council members offered suggestions and concerns regarding the proposal, which needs to be reviewed by the borough solicitor.

Some council members said the proposed plan will not help finance the cost of needed repairs. Another topic of concern was the fees proposed in the plan and how the YMCA and the borough would share revenue.

This item will be discussed and put up for a vote at the regular meeting, scheduled for 7 p.m. March 14 at borough hall, 98 S. Fourth St.