The Alburtis Borough Council met Oct. 26 at 260 Franklin St., Alburtis. As a reminder to any borough residents, meetings are on the second and last Wednesday of every month.

The meeting had a larger attendance than usual.

Following no public comments, the meeting minutes of the Oct. 12 meeting were approved. Additionally, the bills for payment, fiscal consultant’s report and Lower Macungie Township fire report were presented without much discussion.

A question was asked on the cost of the upgraded security camera added to the township building. It was explained it was a necessary addition.

In a highlight from the Macungie fire report, the average response time to Alburtis was eight minutes and 42 seconds for EMS; 13 minutes and 17 seconds for fire.

The first item in administration was a discussion on the new congregation request and the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements at Lockridge Historical Church. This request was brought forth by Pastor Jeff Whitcomb. A ramp into the entrance still needs to be purchased. This is required by ADA.

“What we need to do is make it compliant,” Council President Ron DeIaco said.

The church and congregation are making strides and more discussion will occur at later meetings.

The biggest news of the night was the official retirement announcement from Borough Manager Sharon Trexler. She will be officially retiring in March 2023.

Following that, new bike racks, picnic tables and benches were discussed in parks and recreation. The council looked at quotes provided by Councilman Stephen Nemeth. Council decided to move forward with a new picnic table and will gauge the usage of the table and playground before purchasing additional items.

Robert Wimmer, the owner of East Penn Children’s Fitness, was in attendance offering to cover the costs for speed humps on West Penn Avenue. He is extremely concerned with the speeding in the borough and is determined to keep the children safe. He has researched and spoken with contractors who’ve quoted him the work. However, there was disagreement in the council on whether this work should be paid for by the owner or by the borough. Additionally, a point of debate was on the criteria necessary to install a speed hump.

After a roll-call vote, the council voted against using ARPA funds to pay for the project. The issue was criteria needs to be put in place before the borough starts spending money and installing speed humps because of a resident request. Council requested the owner come back to the next meeting with a formalized plan. However, it was ultimately decided the borough will follow the borough engineer’s plan and accept the resident’s donation.

The last Halloween parade update was provided with 40 organizations and 14 food trucks planned for the parade. Council Second Vice President Hector Moss oversaw the parade planning and execution. All members of the council were impressed with the job he did.

Moss was incredibly thankful to the volunteers and groups donating their time putting the parade put together.

The meeting was then adjourned. The next meeting will be held 7 p.m. Nov. 9.