The May 13 meeting of the Alburtis Borough Council opened with the Pledge of Allegiance before Council President Ron DeIaco addressed attendees with two brief remarks.

First, he encouraged residents to participate in the upcoming local elections.

He then acknowledged the informal nature of recent council meetings, stating, “I’ve been told I run a pretty loose council meeting.”

While DeIaco noted that he typically allows comments and discussion throughout meetings, he asked residents to limit interruptions and reserve most remarks for the designated public comment portion of the agenda. He then opened the floor for public comment.

Council subsequently approved the minutes from the April 29 meeting and authorized payment of the borough’s bills as part of the evening’s routine business.

Mayor Hector Moss was not in attendance to deliver the mayor’s report. Council then acknowledged reports from the police department, borough treasurer, borough engineer and the Macungie Ambulance Corps.

The police report submitted by Police Chief Tony Alsleben provided a statistical overview of recent police activity and ongoing enforcement efforts within the borough. Councilman Mehmet Brtek questioned the significant increase in traffic stops over the past month. In response, Alsleben explained, “With the addition of another officer, traffic stops are gonna rise in the borough.”

Council also discussed various speed enforcement initiatives.

Council also reviewed the borough’s financial standing through the treasurer’s report and discussed updates on current and upcoming infrastructure projects during the engineer’s report.

A notable action came at the start of new business, when council approved the hiring of Mark Rothrock as a full-time maintenance employee. The position is expected to support the borough’s public works operations, including road maintenance, facility upkeep and seasonal responsibilities throughout the community.

Council also approved moving forward with an application for a Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development multimodal transportation grant tied to the Ridgeview paving project.

Multimodal grants are commonly used by municipalities to help fund roadway improvements, pedestrian accessibility projects and transportation-related infrastructure upgrades.

In another grant-related action, council authorized an application for a Chamber Foundation Beautification Grant. The program is intended to support projects that enhance community appearance and improve public spaces within the borough.

Council additionally discussed a planned public officials tour of Kline’s Island, the regional wastewater treatment facility that serves multiple Lehigh County municipalities. Such tours are often used to provide municipal leaders with a clearer understanding of wastewater treatment operations, infrastructure demands, environmental compliance requirements and long-term capital needs that can ultimately affect local sewer systems and rates.

Following the completion of regular business, council adjourned into executive session for personnel and legal matters.