Under new business at the May 9 Coplay Borough Council meeting, council voted and unanimously approved switching cellphone carriers from Verizon Wireless to First Net for officials and staff who carry borough phones. This switch will reportedly save the borough money each month and offer more benefits than the previous contract.

In other business, the fire department was granted approval to hold a coin toss 9 a.m.-2 p.m. May 27 at Second and Chestnut streets.

Council approved the hiring of Joe Roth as the 2023 pool manager, pending a required background check. The park and recreation board interviewed Roth earlier.

Council also voted on whether to approve the letter of support for the Whitehall Greenways Trail Project application. This would entail the borough to commit a 15% match of the total cost of the project for Coplay’s portion of the Ironton Rail Trail improvement. The motion carried, and approval was granted.

A motion was also made to issue permits to the parks and recreation committee to use Community Plaza behind the Giant Food Store, 202 Chestnut St., to hold the summer concert series. This motion passed, and approval was granted. Some performances have already occurred. Another concert will be June 7.

Councilman Charles Sodl announced he will be meeting with an engineer at the Commitment to Family and Community property on Cherry Street to get an idea if the building would have the potential to house the police station. This is the first step in a lengthy process.

The borough held a Celebration of Youth event May 6 to dedicate the Tot Lot on Fifth Street. The event was for the community children to enjoy the Tot Lot, visit the library and create crafts.

Mayor Stephen Burker, along with library board President Janet Eisenhauer and parks and recreation leader Mark Molitoris, expressed thanks to Coplay resident Keith Sodl, who had the vision for the special celebration and headed the event.

Council hopes to have a youth day celebration annually moving forward.

The borough offices and public works will be closed for Memorial Day May 29. Garbage collection will be pushed from Monday to Tuesday.

The next borough meeting - a workshop - is set for 7 p.m. June 6.