Council approved two zoning decisions and an ordinance was adopted at its meeting April 13.

Another day care will be operating in Alburtis. Council passed a motion unanimously accepting Zoning Decision CU-2016-1, approving Robert Wimmer’s request to operate a day care center for children known as East Penn Children’s Learning Academy. The center shares the property with East Penn Children’s Fitness Academy, 45 W. Penn Ave.

The operation of a take-out pizza restaurant and a rental apartment was also approved. Council passed a motion accepting Zoning Decision CU-2016-2, approving a request from Starbird, LLC, Developer, to operate a take-out pizza restaurant and a one-unit apartment rental at 116-118 S. Main St., owned by JMR Enterprises, LLC. Solicitor David Knerr advised council, because of the zoning, there must always be a commercial business operating there and if the commercial use, or business leaves, it must be replaced within two years.

With one “no” vote from Councilperson John Aleszczyk, council adopted Resolution No. 2016-8, granting conditional preliminary and final plan approval and deciding certain deferral requests for the lot consolidation plan of Alburtis Tavern and Banquet Hall. This plan combines five existing lots and is being requested because the lots and the use are not changing.

There was a brief discussion when Aleszczyk questioned using a railroad ties barrier to stop cars at Ore Alley and snow removal. Zoning Officer David Kutzor said it was the cleanest street in the borough when it snowed. Also mentioned was the narrowness of the alley and not being able to see when pulling out into the street.

A Boy Scout approached Kathleen Raines and Sherryann Oels, council members, about painting the hockey rink for his Eagle Scout project. He will be told to draw up and submit his plans to council for approval. The surface must be prepared before it can be painted.

In other meeting news, Matt Szuchyt, a representative from the office of Sen. Pat Browne, R-16th, attended the council meeting to address several requests or questions.

Council members asked if Browne could move up the time when the bridge on Spring Creek Road would be replaced but Szuchyt was not sure about that. He was asked when the police will be able to use radar and Szuchyt said there is legislation in the works about the police having the option to use radar.

Briefly discussed was the issue of eliminating the Liquor Control Board. Szuchyt said the issue keeps being reintroduced but is not going away yet. When asked why Marcellus Shale is not being taxed Szuchyt said the gas companies are not paying taxes here yet. State license plates and stickers and frustrations about the state budget not being passed was also discussed.

Macungie Ambulance reported responses to 280 calls in March and 12 of the calls were in Alburtis.

Alburtis Police Chief Robert Palmer reported a sign for trucks was installed on Quarry Road. Council was pleased with the new police report as it showed three years of data.

Council approved the minutes of the March 30 meeting. Council also approved the bills of April 13 for payment and accepted the treasurer’s report as submitted.

Alburtis Borough Manager Sharon Trexler advised council someone with experience in re-pointing offered to re-point the church for a number of hours of community service they must perform. Since the whole church would have to be done and not all people re-point the same, more information is needed from the person. Also Donnie Derr of the maintenance department will be consulted before a decision can be made.

The Lehigh Valley Gatekeepers of the United Way, Greater Lehigh Valley, contacted the borough and is willing to train local people to work in their program to identify the warning signs a senior may be in need of help.

Council wants to remind people the borough ordinance states garbage should not be put out before 5 p.m. the night before pick-up.

Council unanimously approved posting the meeting agendas and attachments deemed appropriate by Trexler. Residents can view the agenda and certain attachments before every council meeting at www.alburtis.org.

The meeting adjourned 8:10 p.m. and was immediately followed by an executive session to discuss personnel issues.