Terry Bender, his builder Randy Hoffman and land surveyor Rob Piligian of Bascom & Sieger, Inc., presented preliminary plans to Alburtis Borough Council at the meeting Nov. 12.

Bender wanted to hear council members' comments on his project, The Jefferson, a 12 unit, three-story apartment complex off Stone Alley.

Because the apartments will be located off an alley, the main concern was parking, as there is no possibility of off street parking for the estimated 24 cars which 12 apartment units could bring.

Variances will be needed for the units per acre; the number of units proposed and the height of the buildings and a hardship would have to be proved.

The alley would have to be paved, the fire company must be notified and Bender would have to provide two parking spaces per unit. Detention ponds and stormwater requirements were of little concern.

Borough council members will have to consult with the borough engineer and planning commission, Steve Hill, borough council president said.

In other business, council passed a motion adopting Ordinance No. 521 awarding the municipal solid waste and certain recyclable materials contract to Solid Waste Services, Inc. D/B/A J.P. Mascaro & Sons for a five year contract with a sixth year option, eliminating the Fire Arms Rules.

Under the agreement, Christmas trees will be collected while televisions, computers and similar electronics will not be collected. Grass clippings should be dropped off at the borough's yard waste compost center.

Council passed a motion adopting Ordinance No. 522, prohibiting vehicles longer than 35 feet on Main Street between Franklin Street and School Street, except for local deliveries. Signs will be posted.

Sharon Trexler, executive secretary for the borough, spoke with apartment owners and the owners will go along with cluster mailboxes and the post office agreed to install the boxes. As for who will pay, Hill said he is meeting with them next week.

A maintenance employee purchased a blower costing more than $250 without council approval,. The person will be contacted and questioned.

Lower Macungie Library Alburtis Representative Therese Schweyer, Library Director Kathee Rhode and Library President Jennifer Tyma attended the meeting to give council an update and a copy of the 2015 library budget.

Approximately 100 Alburtis residents were added to the library this year.

Rhode suggested the borough increase its annual donation from $10,000 to $12,000 this year.