At the Alburtis Borough Council meeting May 29, Mayor Kathleen Palmer reported she received a letter from Keystone Engineering congratulating the borough on having a very successful centennial celebration. Councilperson Kathleen Raines mentioned how pleased she was with the photos and story in the East Penn Press on the celebration and thought it was very good; councilmembers and Palmer agreed.

Council President Steve Hill was deeply concerned about an erroneous statement Lehigh County Commissioner Percy Dougherty made during his comments at the opening ceremony. Hill said Dougherty stated Lehigh County had turned over ownership of the Lockridge Church and the bird sanctuary to the borough. "This is not true," Hill said, and he wants the people to know the borough has not taken over ownership of these properties.

Although Lehigh County Authority originally suggested and approved the takeover and presented a check for $50,000 to the borough if they agree, council has not accepted their offer. Council has been looking into this issue and is currently considering whether it is in the best interest of the borough before making any decision.

Bill Royer, from the office of State Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-134th, advised council he was at the meeting to ask if there was any help needed, and if so, they would get it from Mackenzie. Councilperson David Lehr requested Mackenzie consider amending the law on abandoned vehicles. The borough can do nothing unless it is a safety issue. Lehr asked who could get rid of an abandoned vehicle because they would like to get rid of them. Royer assured Lehr he will tell Mackenzie.

Raines said Longswamp U.C.C. had agreed to pay for a sign at the hockey court in memory of Althea and Jeannette Walbert. The problem of how to stop hockey pucks from flying out of the court and what it will cost is being examined by council and Donnie Derr of Maintenance. Council needs more information before making a decision.

When the bills were approved, council also approved the first payment to Inland Waters Pollution Control, Inc. for the borough's 2013 sanitary sewer system rehabilitation as recommended by Keystone Consulting Engineers.

Other requests approved by council included closing Moty Drive July 6, for their annual block party, and a request for Alburtis Fire Police to assist the Borough of Macungie during their antique truck show June 14 and 15, Das Awkscht Fescht Aug. 2 through 4 and Wheels of Time Aug. 23 to 25.

Council discussed looking into harvesting trees at the reservoir. "We got $22,000 the last time they were harvested," Hill said. "Maybe we should do that again." Hill requested Secretary Sharon Trexler check into who does harvesting and Antietam, as they did it last time.

The grass at Dorney Land Fill, about 50 acres, needs to be mowed. Saylor's Lawn & Landscape is asking $17,000. To see if they could get a better price council decided to ask for bids. They have two and will get one more.

Trexler advised council the lateral is still clogged from a stuck snake being cut off by the owner when trying to fix it at 104 Front St. Council was advised by Solicitor David Knerr, the owners are obligated to do things on their property and if this is not fixed by the owner the borough will have to get a court order to go onto the property as the snake must be removed.

At 128 W. 2nd St., the garage is down, most of the debris has been removed but the cistern is open, Knerr said. Palmer advised they put cement in it, and the grass has been cut.