Alburtis Borough residents now have the option to pay their water, sewer and garbage fees by credit card, debit card or eChecks via the Internet.

At the April 27 meeting Council approved using Softline Data, Inc and paying the set-up fee for the company’s credit card service. There is a service fee of $3 per $100 paid by credit card users. If the bill is $75 the fee is $3. If the bill is $150, the fee is $6.

Residents do not have to use the service but the cost of using it is less than a late fee.

In other meeting business, William Papp, of Boy Scout Troop 86, submitted a written proposal to paint the hockey court in Alburtis as his Eagle Scout project. Papp said Councilperson Kathleen Raines advised him on making the formal presentation. Papp said he spoke with fire department officials and will work with them when the time comes to clean and prepare the court surface before painting.

Papp will measure the court and take progress photos. If the project runs over budget Papp said he will have a fundraiser to help cover the cost. Papp also plans to install a new net. Council accepted and approved his proposal unanimously.

“Tell (your) mom and dad we are proud of what you are doing,” Council President Ron DeIaco said.

A resident of Ridgeview Drive contacted the borough office and requested lines be painted along Ridgeview Drive as a possible remedy for the mailbox delivery and parking problem.

Council decided to have Donnie Derr of the borough maintenance department visit the site to see what can be done.

Minutes of the April 13 council meeting were approved as written. Council also approved payment of the bills for April 27.

A request for bases needed at the upper ball field was unanimously approved.

Council also approved an extension of time request from Keystone Engineering for JMR Enterprises property at 114-118 S. Main St. subdivision to allow for a record of the final plan. The deadline is now May 27.

Councilperson Margaret McCormack reported she had a meeting with the Church Group and is still trying, and has applied more than once, to get historical designation to enable organizers to apply for grants to help with the church. A motion failed to hire a specialist to help prepare paperwork for the historic designation. The specialist would charge a $5,200 fee payable upon completion of the proper forms and there is no guarantee the grants would be given. A motion to use the specialist failed on a four to three vote. Voting no were Councilpersons Kathleen Raines, John Aleszczyk, Steve Hill and Steven Kaufman. Voting yes were Ron DeIaco, Sherryann Oels and Peg McCormack. It was decided more information was needed.

Lower Macungie Township forwarded a copy of a draft of an ordinance adopting an official map for depicting present and proposed and enforcement of public lands for Alburtis Council members to review. Council decided not to send comments on the map.

The Pennsylvania Utility Commission is considering allowing mini cell towers in the right-of-way on corners or elsewhere and is requesting comments from council.

Council passed a unanimous motion to send a letter to the PUC stating disagreement with the proposed towers.

Aleszczyk reported phase one of the work on storm drains in Ore Alley is complete and he requested work begin on phase two. Council members unanimously passed a motion to approve Aleszczyk’s request.

Zoning Officer David Kutzor submitted a copy of the certificate he received for successfully completing a course in zoning administration and DeIaco thanked him for completing the ten-hour course.

An executive session followed the adjournment of the regular meeting. No decisions were expected in the meeting.