At the Jan. 4 Alburtis Borough Council meeting, Mayor Kathleen Palmer gave the oath of office to four newly elected officials: Ronald DeIaco and Stephen Kaufman and re-elected council members Margaret McCormack and Sherryann Oels.

Newly elected President Ron DeIaco opened the Jan. 13 council meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Council revisited Verizon’s offer to lease land for five years at the Walnut Street ball field to construct a 125-foot cell tower within a 900 square foot fenced-in area for $1,975 a month the first year. The lease could be extended for four additional 5-year terms and the rental increases three percent each year.

Council and concerned citizens Karl and Heather Kowatch, Alburtis Area Community Center President David Yupconka and Cory Schmaldist, spent approximately 30 minutes discussing the cost and safety of constructing a four-foot chain link fence, the possibility of moving the tower 40 feet to the west and the positive impact the income would have on the community and taxpayers.

Council adopted Resolution No. 2016-3 authorizing the Borough of Alburtis to enter into a land lease agreement at 334 Walnut St., commonly known as the ball field property, with Verizon Wireless with four yes votes and two no votes from Councilpersons John Aleszczyk and Sherryann Oels. The stipulations in the resolution and lease agreement will again be presented to Verizon.

Also approved was a property maintenance proposal for January and February from Saylor’s Lawn and Landscape, in Macungie. The borough will pay $125 per hour for three 8-hour days for a two man crew to remove brush and trees under 8 inches around the outside perimeter of the fence at Dorney Land Fill. Council was especially pleased to pass this proposal, as Saylor is willing to do the work for less than the $250 originally quoted price. Solicitor David Knerr said this is unheard of.

Council unanimously approved purchasing a John Deere multi-terrain tractor with 54X Edge Xtra Deck from Deer Country Farm and Lawn, 6670 Ruppsville Road, Allentown for $5,669.19.

David Kutzor, representing Alburtis Tavern owner Terry Bender, approached council with a proposal to vacate Ore Alley. Kutzor wanted a recommendation to give Bender so he could decide whether or not to proceed with his plans. Council members agreed they needed more information including a time specific traffic count and measurements. The subject was tabled until the next meeting.

Mayor Kathleen Palmer reported Chief of Police Robert Palmer received an estimate of $9,600 to replace computers in two police patrol cars. Council passed a motion unanimously authorizing the purchase of the two new computers.

Council also passed a motion authorizing Chief Palmer to begin looking for a new patrol car and to get estimates to replace car 903.

Mayor Palmer suggested the possibility of looking into re-distribution of responsibilities or hiring another person in the office due to the steadily increased workload. Manager Sharon Trexler is carrying a heavier workload and has been giving Treasurer Tracy Malinowski more responsibility.Council agreed to look into the office duties and Vice-President Steve Hill cautioned it might not be easy to find someone with municipal office experience for $10 an hour.

Other business approved by council by unanimous vote was the meeting minutes of Dec. 30, 2015 and Jan. 4, the treasurer’s report and police report. Council also approved the Jan. 13 bills for payment.

A request from Hough Associates in King of Prussia to handle the borough’s recycling grant applications was denied.