Alburtis Borough Council residents attended the March 27 Alburtis Borough Council meeting to ask why the borough will no longer be utilizing its own dumpsters for grass and leaf clippings.

Mayor Kathleen Palmer said there were too many people outside of the borough who didn’t have permission to use the dumpsters, plus they were dumping things not permitted. She said the cost was simply not worth it.

Council President Ron DeIaco and fellow council members felt that since residents showed immediate concern, a solution is needed. An idea put forward was finding an outside contractor to pick up the grass and leaves. Another idea was having a person guard the dump site when it’s open. A third idea was partnering with a neighboring municipality on a combined compost site.

Council member Hector Moss also explained the budget is tighter than in previous years due to the ongoing larger infrastructure projects in the borough. Nothing was decided during the meeting; however, it was announced this item will be on the next meeting’s agenda.

Another resident had a problem with falling trees from neighboring properties. Borough Manager Stephen Nemeth said he would meet with the resident to assess the land because it is somewhat unknown who owns the property. Some of the council members said Norfolk Southern owns the land; however, the resident said he called the railroad company and they responded the land and trees are not their property.

A third resident who lives on Lockridge Lane was very upset with the new sidewalk project. He said he did not know he would be losing five feet of his driveway and was dismayed with the overall work being done around his property. Borough Engineer Mike Preston said the work is being completed to code but will investigate the concerns of the resident. Preston closed by saying some specific houses and driveways need additional work compared to other properties, plus there may be private deals between the contractors and property owners.

Council members then ratified the minutes of the previous meeting held March 13 and then approved the pending bills for payment. The total amounted to $44,388.31.

The meeting then moved to the administration portion of the agenda. In a nod to state legislative changes, Ordinance 585 was revised to align with amendments to the state fireworks law, ensuring compliance while ensuring public safety.

Several resolutions were passed, including the reappointment of Steven Werley to the Alburtis Civil Service Commission and the appointment of Gary DeRoner as an alternate member.

Additionally, Ashlynn Rivera was reappointed to the Alburtis Park and Recreation Commission, affirming the borough’s commitment to fostering recreational opportunities.

June Ellen Claydon received reappointments to both the Alburtis Zoning Hearing Board and the board of the Alburtis Borough Authority, with council recognizing her valuable contributions.

The council also ratified the appointment of Jason Douglas to the Alburtis Planning Commission.

Next, the meeting saw a church donation from the William B. Butz Memorial Fund for $2,500. Furthermore, the LVTS Local Bridge Inspection Report was presented, though there was nothing of concern besides minor fixes.

The evening concluded with the endorsement of a liquid fuels audit.

With all agenda items approved, the meeting was adjourned.

The next Alburtis Borough Council regular meeting will be held 7 p.m. April 10.