Alburtis Borough Council met March 11 for its regular monthly meeting, opening the session with the call to order and Pledge to the Flag before inviting residents to address council during the public comment period.

Council members, along with Mayor Hector Moss, Borough Manager Stephen Nemeth and Chief of Police Tony Alsleben, were present.

Council first approved the minutes from its Feb. 25 meeting and authorized payment of the latest bills.

A correction must be noted to a previous article: it incorrectly stated electric heaters were approved for purchase for the Lockridge Historical Church; council did not approve the purchase.

Moss then delivered his monthly report, updating council on recent community activities and ongoing initiatives.

This was followed by the police report, which included a data sheet summarizing the calls in the previous month.

The treasurer’s report provided an overview of the borough’s financial standing, including revenues, expenditures and account balances, while the borough engineer’s report shared updates on ongoing infrastructure projects and technical matters.

The Macungie Ambulance Corps also provided its report, outlining emergency response activity and continued service to borough residents.

Council addressed several items during new business, beginning with a discussion of potential road improvement projects planned for 2026.

Officials reviewed the borough’s priorities for milling and overlay work as part of its regular roadway maintenance program, a process that helps extend the lifespan of local streets by resurfacing deteriorating pavement.

Council also approved Resolution 2026-5, authorizing the sale of the borough’s 2013 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor through an online auction on the Municibid municipal surplus platform. This action allows the borough to dispose of the older vehicle in a competitive marketplace commonly used by municipalities to sell surplus equipment and vehicles.

Members then addressed the borough’s auditing services. Following the recently advertised request for proposals, council voted to award the auditing services contract and adopted Resolution 2026-6, formally appointing the independent auditor for the 2026 fiscal year.

Council next approved a request to purchase pole banners and associated hardware using funds from a Chamber Main Street grant, an initiative aimed at enhancing the borough’s streetscape and supporting community identity.

Members also authorized moving forward with a sewer manhole chimney sealing project using remaining funds from a sewer-related grant. The project is designed to reduce water infiltration into the sewer system, a common infrastructure improvement that can help limit unnecessary treatment costs and protect system capacity.

Another discussion focused on the borough maintenance department’s bucket truck. Council reviewed the condition of the existing vehicle and considered options that included repairing the current truck, bidding on a replacement through Municibid or exploring other alternatives. Council approved a motion to fund up to $5,000 in repairs, and the matter was advanced for further evaluation to determine the most cost-effective solution.

Council also conducted its municipal review of Upper Milford Township’s proposed revisions to its subdivision and land development ordinance and zoning regulations. Such reviews are part of the regional planning process, allowing neighboring municipalities to comment on proposed land use changes that could affect surrounding communities.

Additional agenda items included correspondence from the East Penn Chamber of Commerce about a community meet-and-greet partnership. The chamber indicated it would be willing to assist with advertising and contribute funding. Moss commented this will provide an opportunity for residents and local businesses to connect with municipal leadership.

No official decisions were made at the meeting, as additional planning is still needed.

Former Alburtis Mayor Kathleen Palmer stepped to the podium to voice her disapproval of using taxpayer money to fund this type of event. She also raised concerns about the ethics of having council members serve on other boards in the community. Council President Ron DeIaco thanked her for her comments.

Council then discussed participation in activities related to the nation’s upcoming semiquincentennial celebration in 2026, often referred to as “America 250,” which will mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Again, no official action was taken during the meeting.

The borough also received notice of its 2026 Liquid Fuels payment from the state, funding distributed through Pennsylvania’s Municipal Liquid Fuels Program to help municipalities maintain local roads and transportation infrastructure.

This funding is derived primarily from the state gas tax and is an important revenue source for smaller municipalities such as Alburtis.

With all agenda items addressed, council adjourned the meeting.

The next Alburtis Borough Council meeting is scheduled 7 p.m. March 25.