Alburtis Borough Council appointed a borough manager at the meeting held Jan. 14.

Councilperson David Lehr suggested Executive Secretary Sharon Trexler's job title be changed to borough manager as her responsibilities have included those of a manager for a long time. Trexler's responsibilities will remain the same.

Council passed a motion approving the title change to borough manager with Councilperson John Alexzczyk abstaining from voting because a relative of his works for the borough.

Council adopted Ordinance No. 525 amending various borough codified ordinances including sections of the health care plan detailed in Ordinance No. 524 adopted Dec. 29, 2014.

Ordinance No. 525 has additions and changes to the plan specifying restrictions and qualifications for spousal and family members and other aspects of the plan such as appeals, reimbursements and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.

Ordinance 525 also increases the cost of zoning permits from $40 to $50 and removes the parking restriction on the east side of Walnut Street for the first 88 feet south of Third Street.

Council President Steve Hill advised council the borough is losing money on fees for sending certified letters. Council decided in the future the fee shall be specified as being the current cost of a certified letter plus 10 percent and instructed David Knerr, solicitor, to prepare an amendment to the current ordinance.

A proposal from Gary's Tree Service to spray trees in Maple Court for $661 was approved by borough council.

Council received an order of unit clarification for Police Chief Robert Palmer stipulating he is no longer in the union.

Council requested solicitor David Knerr review releasing funds held in escrow for Afflerbach at 202 N. Main St. and Treehouse Day Care to confirm all requirements have been met.

Council briefly discussed taking out a loan to pay for work needed at the borough wells. Aleszczyk suggested and then made a motion to pay off the longstanding loan for the sewer fund and borrow what is needed from the general fund and paying it back throughout the year.

The motion passed.

Trexler advised council the laptop computer at the maintenance department no longer works. Aleszczyk suggested giving the office desktop to maintenance and getting a new computer for the office.

The sugguestion was approved.

Borough Ordinance No. 56, Section 301 prohibits items being left in the borough streets following a snowstorm to enable maintenance to plow the streets and remove the snow. Borough residents will be reminded of the ordinance by mail.

Council approved the minutes of the Dec. 29, 2014 meeting as written, and payment of bills was approved.

Hill reminded council members of the hearing with AT&T scheduled for the Jan. 28 council meeting. Council will take public comments from residents during the hearing.

Alburtis Mayor Kathleen Palmer requested an executive session 8 p.m. Hill complied and expected no further meeting action to be taken.