Alburtis Borough Council met May 8 where the meeting commenced with the standard proceedings, including an opportunity for public comment.

Mayor Kathleen Palmer did not have a report; however, she did request the Alburtis personnel committee negotiate with the police association, which was approved.

The police report showcased the incident statistics within the borough. There were no significant changes in the incident report over the previous month.

Next, council approved the meeting minutes of April 24 and the treasurer’s report. The bills for payment were then approved amounting to $111,734.42.

Under the engineer’s report, council reviewed budgetary items related to infrastructure projects.

The Macungie Ambulance report showed six calls to Alburtis in April, providing insight into emergency medical services within the borough.

In administration, council had three agenda items on the docket.

First, they approved the recommendation to release retainage to Grace Industries Inc. totaling $14,883.55. This was for the work completed on Franklin Street. This also closes out the multimodal grant with the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development/Commonwealth Financing Authority.

With the second item, the council read the proposed revisions of Ordinance 586, which amends Chapter 59 of the Alburtis Codified Ordinances. The ordinance regulates the installation and maintenance of mailboxes within the borough’s right-of-way.

It mandates a mailbox permit is required for any installation, except for those already existing (grandfathered mailboxes). The permit is issued by the borough manager or delegate and is contingent upon compliance with safety standards and other applicable regulations.

Applicants must submit an application for review, with a decision rendered within 15 days. If approved, the permit specifies location, design and other conditions. However, the issuance of a permit does not absolve the owner of liability for any accidents or damages resulting from improper installation or maintenance.

The permit may be revoked if it no longer meets current regulations or if the owner fails to comply with conditions.

The ordinance also outlines requirements for mailbox location, construction and maintenance, including specifications for different types of installations (e.g., grass, concrete, cluster box units).

Landlords are responsible for providing mailboxes to residential tenants, except those who opt for post office box services. Finally, mailbox owners assume full responsibility for damages incurred during street maintenance operations unless gross negligence is proven.

This new mailbox ordinance, Ordinance 586, will be read and voted upon at the next Alburtis Borough Council meeting.

Furthermore, council approved Borough Manager Stephen Nemeth’s request to apply for a Lehigh Valley Chamber Main Street Grant, which provides support for initiatives aimed at the development and revitalization of the municipality’s main street.

With these initiatives approved, the meeting was then adjourned.

The next Alburtis Borough Council meeting will take place 7 p.m. May 29 at the Alburtis Borough building, 260 Franklin St.