Alburtis Borough Council met April 29 virtually to discuss how to appropriately move forward during the pandemic safely.

In past years, Alburtis residents could pay their property taxes in full by May 31 and receive a two percent discount for their early payment. Borough Manager Sharon Trexler explained that, typically, most residents pay their taxes relatively early - with nearly 94 percent paying last June - and avoid late penalties. However, due to the economic impact of the pandemic, council determined it would be in the best interest of the residents if they extended the dates for the discount and change when penalties start.

Resident Gary DeRoner agreed with this since many individuals did not receive their tax bills until April 23. He felt residents should at least get a three-week grace period due to the late billing.

Councilmember Hector Vasquez proposed council extend the discount for an additional 30 days.

John Aleszczyck agreed with Vasquez.

“Extend the discount to June 30 versus May 31,” Aleszczyck said. “ ... and the penalty ... is Oct. 1 instead of Sept. 1.”

Borough solicitor Dave Knerr will create a resolution for the date extensions for the borough to approve during the next meeting.

Moving forward, Trexler and Mayor Kathleen Palmer explained potential office concerns for residents trying to get in contact with any borough staff.

Trexler informed council that often times, residents reach out via email in regard to water bills, missed garbage and recycling and permits now processed online.

“Everyone’s been very good about [adapting to the changes],” Trexler said.

Palmer proposed council members could take turns answering phone calls by having their phone numbers connected to the office lines.

“Two people answer one day and two people answer the other day.” Palmer said.

Council agreed they would like to discuss options with their current provider so borough residents could speak to a “live voice” as opposed to leaving voicemails and communicating through emails.

Next, council discussed how to work around current scheduling with the four borough maintenance workers so they could carry out their duties but still adhere to social distancing and public safety recommendations.

“If we have all four working at the same time and one catches coronavirus and the three have to be quarantined, then who runs the system?” Vice President Steven Hill said. “We have the water system and the sewer system ... We’re taking a bit of a chance. The four should be told they shouldn’t come anywhere near one another.”

“I have to agree with Steve Hill that we have to keep some preventive schedule,” Palmer said.

Council agreed to permit Trexler and Maintenance Supervisor Donnie Derr to create a schedule for the maintenance workers to follow and observe it for a week before determining if it is effective or not.

Trexler explained the borough staff is experiencing a safety supply shortage and asked Palmer if she could buy more. Palmer said she would order more the next day.

Vasquez questioned if the borough would receive any recognition from certain suppliers - Amazon, for example - who are giving priority to government organizations for sanitizing products.

Sharon informed council the borough does have an Amazon account. However, Palmer explained many disinfectant wipes are currently withheld in customs, which is why many suppliers do not readily have them. The borough agreed to explore other avenues for sanitizing products.

Council President Ron DeIaco asked council for permission to buy thermometers as another preventive measure once more essential employees start returning to the office.

“Sharon and I have been talking about the thermometers that you put near the foreheads that check temperatures, they’re about $137 a piece,” DeIaco said. “My thought is, if we’re having whoever is coming back, we should be checking them as they come in. If their temperature is up, then we send them home; it can be a bit of a preventive measure for the rest of us.”

Although, council pointed out there were more budget-friendly options that would allow them to purchase more.

Council carried two motions: one to let Sharon buy two thermometers at $79.99 if possible and if not, to not exceed a spending limit of $300 and the other to let Palmer purchase more masks.

Lastly, council carried a motion to allow Derr to purchase a second set of speed humps for West Penn Avenue out of safety concerns since residents often swerve around the current speed humps. The second set would prevent drivers from veering around to avoid them.

DeIaco ended the meeting by saying he hopes everyone stays safe and healthy.