Pennsburg Borough Council is moving forward with a plan to make a portion of Long Alley one-way. On Tuesday, the members unanimously approved a motion to ordain the alley between Route 663 and 5th Street by advertising an ordinance for two weeks.

            Council hopes to implement directional limits and prevent tractor-trailers from driving along that portion of the alley, located behind Dunkin' Donuts. All of the proximate residents favor the adjustment, said Member Wayne Stevens.

            An ordinance would address speeding in the alley, according to a previous presentation by Police Chief Joe Adam. In February, Stevens said it would also prevent traffic leaving the restaurant, located at 400 Main St., from making a left turn out of the alley onto Route 663.

            Wayne Stevens said concerns about speeding in the alley and the separation of asphalt on private property sparked the proposal. He told the members last month that a female resident of the 400 block of Penn Street "jumped for joy" at the idea of making the alley one-way.

            On Feb. 23, the members tabled a motion to move forward with the action after Administrative Manager Lisa Hiltz informed the members that the alley had not yet been dedicated.  

            In other news, council voted to hire a part-time laborer for its public works department. Jeff Lynam, an Upper Hanover resident, will earn $15.50 an hour.  Lyman will receive no benefits, according to council President Diane Stevens. He will start April 4 said Jason Kulp, Pennsburg's roads and maintenance supervisor.

            The members approved an action item to purchase a drill and bit from Diamond Tools at a cost of $1,798.  The company has locations in Philadelphia and Bristol.  Kulp rented a drill three times in the last years at $250 per day, according to Wayne Stevens. He said municipal officials budgeted $2,500 to buy the drill.

            Additionally, Diane Stevens suggested that municipal officials consider extending the no parking zone on Hunter Drive before it becomes Seminary Street. She said that when people park on both sides of that street, near a relatively sharp curve, it can become difficult to traverse.

"We need to figure out how far to extend the yellow lines," the council president said during the meeting.

            Following the 28-minute public portion of the meeting, the members held an executive session to discuss the ongoing litigation between the borough and East Greenville regarding the split of the Upper Perk Police District as well as a personnel item related to an officer with Pennburg's police department, according to council President Diane Stevens. She said prior to the private meeting that no decisions would be made.