Alburtis Borough Council opened the July 29 meeting by approving meeting minutes, bills for payments and reports.

Next, council evaluated bids for the Dodge Durango. They received two bids, tentatively awarding the bid to Frank Sweigart for his price of $3,550 since he exceeded the asking price. Borough solicitor Dave Knerr said he wants to review the paperwork before officially awarding the bid to Sweigart.

Following that, council discussed the block party request from the last meeting. Borough Manager Sharon Trexler informed council the hosts plan on holding it in “early August … probably on a weekend.”

Council carried a motion to approve the request for a block party; however, President Ron DeIaco said “[council] would like to know what the date is.”

Trexler then inquired about purchasing software from Splashtop or Team View Platforms as an IT employee recommended it for remote work access. Trexler explained after trying both programs, she requested permission to purchase the Splashtop technology for two computers.

Councilmember Steve Kaufman suggested purchasing the “cheaper option” since the programs essentially use “the same technology.”

Council carried a motion for Trexler to purchase the software she feels works best.

Council also carried a motion to purchase a maintenance core drill to replace a broken drill.

Next, council discussed maintenance on Ash Alley, as the pavement continues to wear dangerously.

While council member Vanessa Taggart did not oppose the idea, she feared residents might continuously request maintenance on other alleys.

“If we do that alley someone’s gonna say ‘well why didn’t you do my alley,’” Taggart said. “ … We do have a lot of alleys.”

Councilmember Hector Vasquez explained in the past week, he witnessed three tractor trailers turn down Ash Alley, wearing the pavement even more.

“[The ground] is actually sinking at the edge of my property,” Vasquez said. “ … The neighbor behind me has tried to patch it a few times and it’s not holding. The cracks are getting worse.”

Vasquez feels the borough should begin work on the alley promptly, as he fears its condition will only worsen.

“There is no other alley in the borough that is as bad as this,” Vasquez said. “We have put up with this for a lot of years ... You have a lot of traffic [in this area]. It’s only a matter of time, it’s going to get worse.”

Kaufman agreed with Vasquez.

“It’s not gonna get better,” Kaufman said. “So, I say we should go ahead with it.”

Council carried a motion to construct a plan to present for a final vote about fixing the alley.

Trexler then said the Alburtis Area Community Center basketball team asked if they could use the dugouts while social distancing, opposed to setting up tents.

Council unanimously disapproved of the idea.

“There’s no way they can socially distance in the dugouts,” DeIaco said.

Second vice-president, Kathleen Raines questioned who will fall responsible for sanitizing the dugouts.

Vasquez agreed with DeIaco, saying he feels uneasy permitting the proposal.

“It’s unfortunate, but considering the circumstances, I wouldn’t feel comfortable saying yes,” Vasquez said. “Everyone’s making adjustments to the best of their abilities at this point.”

For the remainder of the meeting council reviewed informational letters and correspondence.

Trexler concluded the meeting by informing council Alburtis Elementary School is working toward a plan to help students social distance while playing outside when they return to school. Vice-President Steve Hill asked Trexler to look into any insurance policies to ensure any responsibility for the school’s decision would not fall on the borough.

Lastly, council asked Trexler to look into available COVID-19 grants before adjourning the meeting.