Alburtis Borough Council met Jan. 9 and held a hearing about water usage at the home of Stephen Roth in the 500 block of Thomas Street.

During the third quarter of 2018 (July, Aug. and Sept.) Roth’s water meter registered 153,000 gallons of water used, which was excessively higher than the usual amount. When excessive use registers on a meter, it is red-flagged and noticing Roth’s was 4,000 gallons higher than usual in two days, Borough Manager Sharon Trexler asked Gary Hartman in the maintenance department to visit the residence to investigate.

Hartman said when he arrived at the home, he heard water running out of the house. The second time Hartman was asked to check the home, he, Maintenance Supervisor Donnie Derr and Roth did not hear water running. The third time, they checked the three toilets inside and found they did not leak but the third toilet tank filled up to the top. Thinking the meter could be faulty and inconsistent, Roth was told Oct. 11, 2018 the usage would be reduced to 5,000 gallons and the meter would be replaced. Roth paid what he was asked to pay.

Before replacing the meter, Trexler ran a profile of its use and it showed exactly how much water was used from July 18, 2018, to Oct. 11, 2018, including the date and time of day water was used and Roth was told the meter would not be replaced as it recorded the correct amount of water use.

Roth told council three years ago the fill valve on his toilet was not working right and because it was expensive to fix he tried to fix it himself. Ever since then the fill valve sticks so he taps it or gives it a little slap and never leaves until the toilet stops running. Also, his water softener has not been right for two years. The timer is off by 12 hours. Roth said he did not know maintenance was there the second time and he did not think it was possible to use as much water as the borough showed and he wanted his faulty meter replaced. The cost of replacing the meter is $400.

Council President Ron DeIaco suggested the meter be removed and replaced to have it tested by Badger (the meter company). If the meter is faulty, Roth will not have to pay. If the meter is not faulty, Roth will have to pay the fouth quarter bill, the shipping cost and testing of the meter. Councilperson Stephen Kaufman made a motion as stated and Vanessa Taggart seconded.

“I do not agree with this because he already admitted to a faulty toilet. He knew about it and didn’t have it fixed,” Councilperson Steve Hill said. Taggart suggested getting more information on the meters from Badger to see what this will cost and if they have many faulty meters. Kaufman withdrew his motion until further information is received about meters.

Jason Bartos, of 427 Franklin St., spoke with council about the deplorable condition at 425 Franklin St. Fifteen months ago, Bartos said he was told the house at 425 Franklin St. failed inspection and it would go up for sale but nothing has been done and there is no “For Sale” sign up on the property.

“I go to sleep at night wondering if I’m going to wake up in the morning,” Bartos said. Squirrels, mice and vermin can come into his house from the other side. The water and utilities are still on and the oil burner does not run. Their attics are connected and he does not have electricity in his attic but there is electric on the other side as it is not closed off and he can see the wires. He pleaded with council to do something about this situation.

DeIaco, council and Solicitor David Knerr were very sympathetic with him and the whole situation. Council told him the owner cannot live there and he cannot rent it out because it is not up to code. He cannot be forced to sell but can be encouraged to sell. Since it is half of a double, it cannot be torn down. Council will send the building inspector there again to see what he recommends.

Kaufman spoke briefly about the 5G networks he thinks will replace cable in the future and his desire to make sure the borough keeps up with the cost. Knerr advised he has been following this and the Federal Communications Commission adopted it but the bill was not passed last year. Kauffman said the bill was reintroduced this year and it will not die. Knerr was asked to start drafting an ordinance, even though there will be many revisions before adoption.

Council passed a motion adopting Ordinance No. 554 revising the health plan contribution rates under the current police collective bargaining agreement.

A motion was passed approving a block party request on Lauren Drive Sept. 19, for a wedding reception.

Council passed a motion approving the meeting minutes of Dec. 26, 2018.

A motion was passed approving the bills of Jan. 7 and 9 for payment.

After reviewing the December 2018 report from Financial Consultant Chris A DeFrain, council passed a motion of acceptance.

Council passed a motion accepting Borough Engineer Jeffrey L. Ott’s report for December 2018.

A motion was passed confirming the annual Inflow and Influx transfer of $100,000.

Mayor Kathleen Palmer reported she received a message from Ron Beitler, Lower Macungie Township Commissioner, regarding expanding the parking lot at the warehouses.