Alburtis Borough Council met Jan. 13 via Zoom to discuss reports, the 2021 budget, finances and project plans.

Council quickly approved the meeting minutes from Dec. 30, 2020 and carried a motion to approve bills for payment.

Councilmember John Aleszczyk pointed out the financial losses in the general fund, but council cleared up any confusion. President Ron DeIaco indicated “some of it was because of transfers” with council member Stephen Kaufman adding “most of it was because of [the] Inflow and Infiltration reserve.”

Fire Chief David Nosal attended the meeting to give an in-depth report from the Lower Macungie Fire Department for 2020.

In 2020, the department received 684 calls. In the borough, the department reported 61 fire calls. Nosal explained the fire department also received 208 false alarm calls within the township, down about 6 percent from 2019.

He said Lower Macungie Fire Department does not seek assistance from neighboring departments any more than those departments seek them, adding “it’s kind of a give-and-take relationship there.”

Additionally, the Alburtis and Wescosville fire stations will receive one rescue engine each, for $1.8 million, by July.

Lastly, Nosal wanted to thank Borough Manager Sharon Trexler’s family for their service to the fire department. Matt Trexler has served 15 years, while Randy Trexler just reached 45 years of service.

“We appreciate the Trexler name in the fire service,” Nosal said. “Most people don’t spend 45 years at a job, let alone in volunteer.”

DeIaco thanked Nosal for his presentation and for his, as well as the fire department’s dedication to protecting the borough.

Council then carried a motion to accept the engineer’s report with no questions.

Moving on to public comment, resident Emily McFarlane explained she plans to attend more borough meetings as part of her New Year’s resolution.

“I don’t have a concern,” McFarlane said. “I just made it my New Year’s resolution to be present and learn more to support the community.”

DeIaco thanked her for coming.

Next, council approved the 2021 budget.

Council then discussed the next agenda item - the issue at the pump station mentioned at the last meeting. The engineer recommended installing a basket and rail system to make cleaning it easier and prevent any further issues. Trexler prepared a pump station evaluation, detailing the potential costs for installing such a mechanism. Council asked Trexler to talk to the engineer about what specific materials are necessary to complete the project before making a decision.

Regarding Stone Alley Apartments security release number three, Trexler explained the engineer recommends releasing $4,440.10.

“It’s coming along; it’s not quite finished,” Trexler said. “But they have a punch list.”

Council carried a motion to distribute the money as per the engineer’s recommendation.

Barry Isett & Associates sent the borough a thank-you letter for doing business.

The borough also received a notice the bridge on Church Street will be inspected.

Next, Trexler asked council for a motion to permit her to sign the agreement with Modern Group Power Systems for the generator they use. The agreement does not automatically renew so she must sign it each year. DeIaco asked if Trexler could inquire about a multi-year contract before signing. Council carried a motion permitting Trexler to do so.

Lastly, Trexler asked council to carry a motion in regard to zoning lot nine. After some discussion surrounding costs, Solicitor Dave Knerr recommended carrying a motion to acknowledge Alburtis Borough is engaging with Lower Macungie Township’s zoning officer as the assistant zoning officer for the project. Council agreed and carried the motion.

Knerr also acknowledged next year the tax collector’s position is up for election. He explained by law the borough must acknowledge if they wish to adjust the tax collector’s salary by Feb. 15. Knerr advised council to consider if they plan to do so by the next meeting so he can create an ordinance detailing the pay rate.

“Let’s table this tonight, think about it and have a discussion on it at our next meeting,” DeIaco said.

Vice President Steven Hill asked to enter a quick executive session with no plan to vote. Following that, council carried a motion to adjourn.