Alburtis Borough Council met Nov. 9 and began without public comment.

Mayor Kathleen Palmer was in attendance and her report commended the Halloween parade committee for an excellent job done. She then turned her report over to Councilman Hector Moss. He stood and provided certificates of appreciation from the borough to the members of the committee.

Both Palmer and Council President Ron DeIaco commented the parade organization, attendance and overall performance were outstanding.

Police Chief Tony Alsleben was not at the meeting to deliver a police report.

The previous meeting minutes were then approved.

The treasurer’s report and bills for payment were passed. Councilman Mehmet Birtek said with the amount of cash the borough is holding, the interest rate is far below the current inflation rate. He asked for the council to investigate different accounts or bonds that could accrue a higher rate.

The bill list totaled $64,080.29 dating back to the previous month’s meeting.

In the engineer’s report, there were a couple of things to highlight. The Chestnut Street Stormwater Management project showed construction work is underway. Additionally, improvements have been installed for the pump station modifications.

The meeting then moved to administration.

A letter was received from the former mayor of Alburtis Scott Stoneback over deed restrictions for Lockridge Historical Church. A process needs to be taken for conditional use of the property. This means the pastor looking to start the congregation needs to go to the zoning hearing board and follow the necessary steps to get the usage approved. However, there is nothing in the letter about a once-and-done event, so a holiday celebration may still occur.

Next, Borough Manager Sharon Trexler’s retirement was accepted and will be officially advertised. She has been with the borough for the past 15 years. All council members were incredibly thankful for her service and numerous compliments were given showing the impact she has had on the community. She will retire in March 2023.

A recommendation was approved to partially pay Blooming Glen for the Pump Station Improvements Project; however, there is still a punch list of items needing completion. Once the list is complete, the balance will be paid.

Additionally, a motion was passed for the borough engineer to look at purchasing a motor for the sewage basket and installing a water line at the station.

After the pump station discussion, it was announced Lower Macungie Township is looking at replacing the Church Street Bridge; however, they may permanently close the bridge.

In the previous meeting, West Penn Avenue speed humps were approved and would be paid for by a private resident.

However, in this meeting, a motion was put forward for the borough to pick up the cost. DeIaco commented no resident should pay for public safety equipment when taxpayers are paying the borough for that purpose. The motion was approved by council.

A grant application was approved to request more American Rescue Plan Act funds for water and sewage projects. It was said the government has extra ARPA funds and is open to more grant requests.

The meeting closed with a Halloween parade wrap-up. Moss thanked everyone who attended and said the date for the parade next year will be Oct. 28. Thirty of the organizations who participated already gave their RSVP, plus all the food trucks requested to participate again as well.

The meeting was then adjourned. The next meeting will take place 7 p.m. Nov. 30 at 260 Franklin St.