Pennsburg Council voted unanimously on Tuesday to approve its budget for next year. The $3.319 million budget holds the line on taxes and the borough's millage rate will remain the same as the current rate.

            "Let me say it so the people in the cheap seats can hear me," council President Patrick Suter said prior to a unanimous vote on setting the millage rate. "There are no changes."

            The members also voted to approve a trash bill resolution that raises the price of trash removal for the entire year by $5. The increase is facilitated by the borough's current waste removal contract.

            A traffic study conducted by Upper Perk Police Chief Joe Adam determined that speeding vehicles are not an issue in the area of Lake Lane and Lakeview Terrace. According to the chief, a three-week study of the 1000 block of Lake Lane found only two vehicles were driving fast enough to be pulled over.

            Law enforcement officials recorded the speeds of more than 2,500 vehicles between Nov. 20 and Dec. 9. Adam told a resident that an officer would patrol the area for speeders in the afternoon.

            Later this month, a portion of Montgomery Avenue between 6th and 8th streets will be closed. The work to install utilities related to the Deerfield Development, located on five acres at 704 Montgomery Avenue, is scheduled to start on Monday, Dec. 23. The project could take one or two weeks, depending on what they run into, according to Administrative Manager Lisa Hiltz.

            "There's no other way to complete the work," she said after the meeting.

            The members granted a request by the contractor, Brubacher Excavating Inc. of Lancaster, to start its work at 7 a.m. The company may also need to work a Saturday or two to complete its task, according to Hiltz.

            Suter directed the manager to ask the contractor to be as quiet as possible during those early morning hours. Signs identifying the detour -- from Route 663 to Route 29 to 11th Street -- will be posted, according to Hiltz.

            Berks Family Homes is building a 45-unit community on the former Kline property. In September, the Mohnton-based developer purchased the property and the plan from Tim Hendricks for $2.010 million.

            Members of the Upper Perk police hope to be outfitted with body cameras next spring. According to Adam, the department expects to purchase them with a $25,479 grant awarded by the Department of Community and Economic Development. Eventually, all officers will wear them on patrol, said Adam.

            The members met in executive session early in the meeting. They discussed a matter of potential litigation related to a personnel matter, according to Suter. He described the session as informational.

            Member Diane Stevens participated in the meeting via telephone.

            In November, the Upper Perk Police Department responded to 410 total incidents. That included 72 vehicle investigations and 49 traffic details. The officers issued 49 citations and 35 warnings.

            According to information provided by Adam, the department responded to seven non-reportable accidents and four reportable accidents. It made two criminal arrests and issued two non-traffic citations. The officers issued one parking ticket or warning and responded to four false alarm calls at businesses.

            The department responded to six crimes, including two incidents each of shoplifting, assault, harassment, and stalking along with one each of theft and trespassing.