Alburtis Borough Council met Dec. 10, for a session that blended routine year-end approvals with personnel actions and the budget adoption for the coming year.

Council President Ron DeIaco called the meeting to order 7 p.m. No residents came forward during the opening public comment period.

Police Chief Tony Alsleben opened the meeting by introducing new officer April Knerr. During her report, Mayor Kathleen Palmer conducted the swearing-in ceremony for Knerr, welcoming her as the newest full-time member of the Alburtis Police Department. Council members congratulated Knerr, noting the department’s continued efforts to strengthen its staffing and community presence.

Palmer thanked all those who attended the tree lighting and appreciated the community support. Council then approved the minutes from the Nov. 24 meeting and voted to authorize payment of the borough’s bills. Routine departmental reports followed.

The monthly police report, highlighting the month-to-month incidents, showed EMS assistance rose last month, while vehicle and truck stops have steadily dropped since June.

The treasurer’s report and the borough’s financial report were also reviewed, noting stable revenues heading into year-end.

The borough engineer’s report provided updates on several active infrastructure items, including sewer maintenance and preliminary planning for upcoming 2026 projects.

Under new business, Leon Jackson, of Norfolk Southern, delivered a presentation regarding the company’s operations around Alburtis and beyond. Jackson addressed rail traffic safety protocols and ongoing communication with borough officials. Council members asked questions regarding noise concerns, long-term maintenance needs and potential improvements, although Jackson’s expertise was in safety.

Council next considered Ordinance No. 601, which establishes updated criteria for handicapped parking spaces. The ordinance also ratifies and confirms a new memorandum of understanding with the Alburtis Police Officers’ Association, granting five years of service credit for base compensation and vacation purposes to newly appointed full-time officers hired between Oct. 29 and April 30, 2026. Additionally, the measure amends Section 12-102(b) of the borough’s codified ordinances to reference the current police collective bargaining agreement. After discussion, council approved the ordinance in a 6-1 vote.

Two resolutions followed. Resolution 2025-12-A, appointing the independent auditor for fiscal year 2026, passed without objection after a brief presentation from the borough manager. Council then approved Resolution 2025-13, naming one voting delegate and two alternate delegates to represent Alburtis on the Lehigh County Tax Collection District’s Tax Collection Committee.

Council revisited its ongoing discussion on regulating e-bikes and other micromobility devices within the borough. No formal action was taken, but council indicated enforcement of the e-bikes would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, for borough police. They continued to emphasize parents need to educate their children on bike and traffic safety. Ultimately, they decided to leave the topic alone and end the discussions.

The meeting concluded with a formal vote on the adoption of the borough’s 2026 budget. After months of review, council voted to approve the spending plan, ensuring stable municipal operations, continued police investment and progress on infrastructure priorities in the year ahead.

There was disagreement within council over a higher salary increase for the administrative assistant, although council voted 4-3 to approve it.

With no further business, council adjourned the meeting.

The next Alburtis Borough Council meeting will take place Dec. 29.