Alburtis Borough Council met Feb. 11 for its regularly scheduled meeting. Members of council, along with Mayor Hector Moss, Borough Manager Stephen Nemeth and Solicitor Dave Knerr, were in attendance as the borough worked through a short agenda.

During public comments, a resident mentioned there are grants being given to municipalities for improvements to public parks and asked if some improvements could be made to Lockridge Park. Council President Ron DeIaco said the county owns that park, but he remembers the county executive mentioned the county has targeted park improvements for the area. More research needs to be done on this topic.

Council then reviewed and approved the January police report, which outlined call volume, notable incidents and ongoing enforcement initiatives.

Following, council voted to authorize payment of the current bills, which totaled $86,619.56.

The treasurer’s report was presented and accepted, providing an overview of revenues, expenditures and account balances. Councilman John Aleszczyk said he was worried about the spending and they need to be wary of budgets. He said with these rising costs, tax increases should be expected.

The borough engineer’s report provided an update on active projects and infrastructure matters, although there was no engineer in attendance to answer any questions.

The Macungie Ambulance Corps report showed response to 13 calls within Alburtis during the month of January, summarizing overall emergency response activity and service levels in the borough.

Under new business, Dave Pryor addressed council regarding a Lehigh Valley bike ride called the Monkey Knife Fight 2026, outlining plans for the charitable event and any anticipated impacts within Alburtis. Monkey Knife Fight has been an annual event since 2009, having raised over $80,000 for Dream Come True. Dream Come True is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing hope, happiness and meaningful experiences to children facing serious, chronic or life-threatening illnesses.

The charity bicycle event is set to take place April 11 and begins in Trexlertown. Council expressed support for the organization’s mission and approved the necessary coordination to allow the event to proceed through the borough.

Council also voted to authorize the advertisement of a request for proposal for auditing services, initiating the process to secure professional financial auditing support for the borough’s upcoming fiscal review. Officials noted the importance of maintaining transparency and compliance through an independent audit.

Moss introduced plans for a mayor’s ball, describing the event as an opportunity to foster community engagement, bring residents together and network. He would like to invite those from the surrounding communities as well to start engaging with local municipal leaders.

Council asked that more information be gathered about how a large-scale event like that would come together.

Nemeth said the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce typically would be the organization to handle events of that sort, not the borough. The mayor and borough manager plan to further research the next steps.

With no further business, council adjourned the meeting. The next Alburtis Borough Council meeting will take place 7 p.m. Feb. 25.