At their July 31 meeting, Council approved the borough's contract with J. P. Mascaro & Sons for residential garbage collection for another year with an increase of $1.25 per person per quarter.

Mascaro representative Sam Augustine thanked council and said the company would continue to give back through their donations to support community activities like the annual Alburtis 5K run, Alburtis Night Out and other events.

Councilperson John Aleszczyk said he opposed the contract renewal because he did not know the other options available.

Councilperson Kathleen Raines requested council approve having a sign dedicating the hockey court in memory of the Walberts made at Zerns, the best place she could find to do the job. It will be made of white pine and cost $250 and the money was donated by Longswamp U.C.C. Church. The sign will be stored over the winter and dedicated in the spring of 2014. The poles will be purchased at Home Depot. Council approved her request.

Councilperson David Lehr addressed council about the meeting he and President Steve Hill, Councilperson Peg McCormack, Secretary Sharon Trexler and Scott Stoneback had with Commissioner Percy Dougherty of Lehigh County Authority recently about the Lock Ridge Church, cemetery and bird sanctuary.

Council discussed the deeds, if there are restrictions, the possibility of getting grants for historical preservation if the church is included in the Alburtis Historical District currently in the process of being established, a grant from the Butz fund and the $50,000 from the county if the borough takes over the church.

"There are no (deed) restrictions of record," Solicitor David Knerr said and the county has to get the deeds ready.

"I'm cool with the package. This has become an annoyance with them [Lehigh County Authority]. For us, we are trying to preserve something for posterity," Lehr said and suggested council decide what it wants to do before the election. He said if the borough does not take over the church, he believes the county will bulldoze it down within five years.

Envision Lehigh Valley spokesperson Britney Foster encouraged council to attend its meetings and get involved in planning for the future of the Lehigh Valley and community of Alburtis because of the coming expected population growth.

By 2030, the population of the Lehigh Valley is expected to grow by an additional 145,000 people. It is predicted by 2040, there will be an additional 3,132 more residents in Alburtis. Envision Lehigh Valley will be planning for affordable housing, economic development, jobs and housing, climate and energy conservation and fresh food access.

"Come to meetings and get involved. You will be invited to meetings monthly," Foster said and she urged council to check their website and Facebook.

Due to the frequent absence of one of the part-time police officers because of frequent illnesses, Police Chief Palmer asked, and council gave him permission, to hire another part-time officer as long as the person is qualified. The person Palmer had in mind is a retired state trooper and borough resident.

Executive Secretary Sharon Trexler asked Knerr, on behalf of a citizen of Maple Court, if a diseased tree could be taken down in their right-of-way. Knerr answered they could take the tree down if the borough directs them to do it, or the borough could do it and charge them what it costs to do it.

If the tree must be removed, it must be replaced by the same kind of tree, at the expense of the homeowner. The borough is responsible to trim and maintain the trees. The homeowner is responsible for the cost of the tree, even though it is in the right-of-way. Council decided Maintenance Supervisor Donnie Derr and Council President Steve Hill will go inspect the tree and report back to council at the next meeting.

At the request of the maintenance department, who is still struggling with an old mower from 1999, council approved buying a new mower, with the cost not to exceed $5,500.

Council also approved the purchase of a new Echo weedwacker with the cost not to exceed $350.

Council approved releasing funds needed for the National Night Out event Aug. 6 to Officer Chris Lubenetski.