Coplay Borough Council voted on and carried a motion to approve the borough secretary to advertise a special meeting to have a final budget reading, advertise an ordinance setting the tax rate for 2024 and propose a resolution adopting receipts and expenses per the new budget. The special meeting will be 6 p.m. Dec. 18 in the meeting room at borough hall, 98 S. Fourth St.

Council also approved the annual appointment of auditor Kirk & Summa to audit Dec. 31, 2023, financial statements.

The Community Days committee was granted approval to lease the Coplay Community Plaza property for $250 from Nov. 24 to Jan. 31, 2024.

After a vote, council approved the sale of a 1985 GMC bucket truck for a bid of $7,500.

A motion was made to approve the application for payment to Charles D. Herman Inc. for two payments. The first payment is in the amount of $154,084 for the completed paving project for Sixth Street. The second payment is in the amount of $108,396.60 for the completed Keefer and North Front streets improvement project, which is a truck route.

Council also approved the amendment of resolution 1497 to include a 30% borough match for the Multimodal Transportation Fund grant.

Laura Monteverde DeWalt was approved to serve a three-year term on the Coplay Public Library board.

Council approved the hiring of Kelly Humanick for a full-time police secretary and community relations liaison position.

Mayor Steve Burker mentioned a couple of items that residents have brought to his attention.

First, a handicap parking spot is needed outside of Samuel Owens Restaurant and Bar, 128 Chestnut St.

Also, concern is growing regarding safety at the intersection of Columbia and Ruch streets, which is on the Coplay-Whitehall boundary. Residents have asked Burker if a four-way stop sign can be explored.

Lastly, there is concern about homelessness and trespassing on private properties, especially near the Ironton Rail Trail. Burker said he has discussed options with police Chief Ryan Emerich, and the resolution is a work in progress.

Burker requested more discussion among council members take place in 2024 to help resolve these situations.

Council will hold its next meeting - a workshop - 7 p.m. Dec. 5 at borough hall.