Alburtis Borough Council convened for its regular meeting Nov. 12 at borough hall. Council President Ron DeIaco called the meeting to order with a larger crowd than usual.

Resident Kathy Cronin addressed borough council with concerns over increasing e-bike traffic in her neighborhood. She cited a recent serious accident involving an e-bike and emphasized Pennsylvania’s current regulations are vague, making enforcement difficult, particularly since e-bikes are not prohibited on sidewalks.

Cronin presented examples of hazards caused by e-bikes on sidewalks, including collisions and unsafe riding behaviors, especially among children who may not understand proper safety practices. She urged council to consider local ordinances to restrict e-bikes from sidewalks and explore additional safety measures. Several residents in attendance expressed full support for her request.

Council members acknowledged the growing problem and agreed many e-bike riders, particularly youths, need to slow down and ride more responsibly. However, they also noted the challenges of regulating such new technology. Councilman Hector Moss cautioned against rushing to impose fines or strict rules, suggesting education should be the first step.

Council thanked residents for bringing the issue forward and discussed potential actions, such as notifying police about e-bike concerns, offering safety training for children and communicating safety reminders in the borough newsletter.

Residents noted police calls have already been made but that risky behavior such as riding without helmets, using headphones, speeding and riding at night remains common.

The council agreed education and awareness must come first. Councilman Mehmet Birtek offered to personally speak with parents of neighborhood children who frequently ride e-bikes.

While no immediate solution was enacted, council committed to increasing safety education and exploring future regulatory options to address the issue.

Next up, a resident who was previously denied a handicap parking space returned to appeal the decision. The concern centered on the fact the requested space would remove limited street parking in an already congested area. The discussion focused on determining both the necessity of the request and the borough’s requirements for designating handicap spots.

Council ended the discussion without immediate action, noting the handicap parking ordinance was already listed under new business for further review. During that portion of the meeting, council revisited the existing ordinance, discussed prior cases and evaluated whether updates were needed.

Following deliberation, council approved a revised handicap parking ordinance designed to give clearer criteria and stronger guidance for evaluating future handicap parking requests.

Council then moved through administrative business, approving the minutes from the Oct. 29 session and authorizing payment of the borough’s outstanding bills.

Mayor Kathleen Palmer opened the reports section by turning the floor over to Police Chief Robert Alsleben, who delivered the department’s update. He announced the new police vehicle had been received earlier than expected.

Councilman John Aleszczyk questioned whether the purchase had been formally voted on and approved by council. Alsleben clarified the vehicle had been approved and budgeted for delivery in 2026, but the order arrived ahead of schedule.

Borough Manager Stephen Nemeth said the payment for the vehicle will be accounted for in next year’s budget.

The treasurer’s report, the engineer’s report and the Macungie Ambulance Corps report were next quickly acknowledged and approved.

Under new business, council approved Resolution No. 2025-10, reappointing Steve Mehl and Nemeth to the Alburtis Planning Commission. A question was asked about how to get appointed to the planning commission. Nemeth said the positions are posted on the website and on the borough’s social media pages.

The borough also discussed opportunities to support regional emergency services, approving a request to submit a Local Share Assessment grant application on behalf of the Lower Macungie Fire Department’s Alburtis station. This would be to help fund the construction of a new station. Resolution No. 2025-11 was subsequently passed, authorizing Nemeth to execute all necessary documents and agreements with the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Financing Authority to facilitate the grant process.

Council also reviewed a request to explore the installation of a pedestrian bridge connecting Church Street and Scenic View Drive to Lockridge Park. Members expressed interest in the proposal as a way to improve walkability but noted further study and cost assessment will be required before proceeding.

Additionally, council denied the purchase of a radar sign, deciding to go over the topic again in January 2026.

Nemeth requested and received authorization to advertise the borough’s 2026 meeting schedule, ensuring compliance with public notice requirements.

The meeting concluded with a reminder to residents of the upcoming Bareroot Tree Planting event planned at Raines Park Nov. 15. The community event focused on enhancing green space and supporting environmental sustainability through new tree plantings at the park’s upper ball field.

With no further business to address, the meeting was adjourned shortly after 9 p.m.

The next regular borough council meeting was scheduled 6 p.m. Nov. 24 at Alburtis Borough Hall.