Boy Scout Garrett Quinn of Alburtis Troop 86, at the request of Alburtis Borough Council President Steve Hill, led everyone in The Pledge of Allegiance to open the meeting of Alburtis Borough Council Oct. 30.

Quinn attended the meeting to earn his Citizenship in the Community merit badge.

Alburtis Mayor Kathleen Palmer declared Oct. 23 to 31 to be Red Ribbon Week in Alburtis to encourage citizen awareness of alcohol and drug abuse and support a drug-free community.

Palmer also showed council a large check for $10,000 and a trophy she received from The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce for being selected Mayor of the Year, followed by a round of applause.

Jeffrey Ott, owner and founder of Ott Consulting, Inc. in Emmaus made a presentation to council regarding the services his firm provides to townships and boroughs, including Lehigh County Authority. Council President Steve Hill thanked Ott for his presentation.

Speaking on behalf of Lower Macungie Library, Director Kathee Rhode thanked Executive Secretary Sharon Trexler for the Alburtis newsletter and business directory. Rhode told council about the library's 2013 budget, wages, electronic materials including Mango for learning a language online, e-books and digital magazines through Zineo and the new mission statement and more.

Rhode, requested a $5 per capita increase in the borough's annual donation, or $1,915 more if possible on top of the $10,000 the borough currently donates.

Hill called an executive session at 7:50 p.m. with the meeting reconvening at 8:07 p.m. Hill announced the session was called to discuss the collective bargaining agreement with the police department about changing current health insurance. The police union gave permission to change the health insurance so council passed a motion to change the health insurance plan and suspend bi-weekly co-pays for the next year.

Police Chief Robert Palmer advised council there is a problem with some people using the borough Dumpsters illegally.

Solicitor David Knerr advised council and Palmer of new language being used by the state regarding changes to civil rather than criminal violations. The violation must be civil only and if the fine is not paid when there is a violation, the secretary must take them to court.

Council decided the Public Health and Safety Committee should review Borough Ordinance Chapter 67 – Enforcement §67-901 of the Municipal Solid Waste, Recyclables.

Regarding the water meters, Trexler received a quote from National Road Utility Supply, CoStar vendors in the Lehigh Valley, so the borough can be accommodated. Council passed a motion authorizing Trexler to purchase 90 meters, a starter kit and service contracts.

Councilperson David Lehr spoke briefly about the bird sanctuary suggesting council act on it as soon as possible; however, council is still waiting for the deed.

Alburtis Tavern on Main owner Terry Bender told council the name has been changed to Alburtis Tavern and Lodge. He asked several questions regarding sewer and water fees and updated council on the progress of the renovations, which Bender said are almost completed. He invited council to see what he has done to the place before the opening, which he said would be soon.

Officer Chris Lubenetski advised council on Trick-or-Treat night they handed out hot chocolate, candy and flyers. They delivered 52 pounds of food to the food bank in Allentown and over the last five years have delivered 250 pounds of food.

Looking to get another baseball team for Alburtis kids in the Lehigh Valley League, Tim Hertzog requested the use of the baseball field for 13- and 14-year-old boys in the knee high division which would be a traveling team. Hertzog must have a documented place for the boys to play before approaching the Lehigh Valley League to establish the team. The team, including uniforms, equipment, umpires and insurance, will cover all costs, Hertzog said. Council passed a motion to allow the team the use of the field.