Coopersburg Council Discusses Dump Trucks, Lawsuits

Coopersburg Council declined to join the Neighborhood Improvement Zone lawsuit against Allentown and approved the purchase of a $32,000 dump-truck body.

Meanwhile, council president Jack Felch reported on what he said was an improper flag display at the Coopersburg Fire Company.

At last Tuesday's meeting, Councilman Dennis Balascak asked --after mentioning that -- about the effects of the NIZ on Coopersburg. The zone, which includes the Phantoms hockey arena, would be funded in part by earned income tax revenue of people who work in the zone but live elsewhere.

Borough solicitor Christopher Gittinger was not able to give a definite cost to the borough, but declined joining the lawsuit. “I don’t know how it would be economically efficient to jump in the pool at this point,” he said.

“It would not be feasible for us in a legal pursuit,” Felch said.

A portion of the $240,000 in Coopersburg’s earned income tax revenue may be lost from the NIZ, Felch said when asked about the cost.

Council approved the $32,526 purchase of a dump-truck body from E.M. Kutz Inc. in Reading. Dennis Nace of the Highway Department found the new dump-truck body, which saves $6,000 compared with an earlier model, Balascak said. “There is virtually no difference, or minor differences,” he added.

Felch updated council on a letter to fire Chief Kevin Farnish that said the fire company had not been properly displaying its flag. “Not only did it offend me, it offended other citizens,” Felch said.

The flag display was corrected and Felch received a letter in response. “If it continues, I’m likely to be a voice of discontent when it comes to funding the fire department,” Felch said.