Alburtis Mayor Kathleen Palmer began the biweekly borough meeting May 13 by happily announcing the thermometers discussed at the last meeting arrived promptly.

Council had expressed potential health concerns about introducing staff back into the office and opted to purchase two thermometers to prevent any potential spread of COVID-19 if any employees contract it without knowing.

Council carried motions to accept bills for payment, April 29 borough meeting minutes, the fiscal consultant and treasurer’s reports and the Macungie Ambulance monthly report.

Council member Stephen Kaufman explained the figures presented in the reports look normal.

“The numbers are holding up,” Kaufman said. “People are paying their taxes and their utility [bills]. We haven’t really had extra expenses related to the pandemic ... we did have a $60,000 surplus. I think the real problems are going to be in next year’s budget.”

“The tax collector sees no differences right now,” Borough Manager Sharon Trexler said.

Previously, council discussed possibly extending the discount period for property taxes and penalties. Council opted to finalize this in the form of a resolution. Council carried a motion to accept Resolution 2020-4, extending the discount period to June 30. The penalty date will not move.

J.P. Mascaro & Sons sent the borough a letter explaining their new TotalRecycle program. Essentially, this means customers can now recycle more. Currently, only residents in Pottstown can partake in the waste management company’s program; however, Mascaro plans to offer the program to neighboring cities.

Lastly, council discussed a letter from Turning Point, a nonprofit group that offers services to aid victims of abuse. The group reached out to the borough to acknowledge that they are still offering their services amid the pandemic, claiming that “survivors need [their] services now more than ever.” Turning Point is also open to donations.