Summit Hill borough workers are likely going to be busy trimming trees over the next few weeks.

The borough has two full-time maintenance workers. On Monday, the borough council said it wants the employees to trim trees at about 46 properties because they are creating safety issues.The decision to have the borough workers trim the trees came after lengthy discussion, some of it a wrangling on whether the matter should be handled with the borough's Shade Tree Commission.Attorney Michael Greek, the borough solicitor, said an ordinance which specifies the Shade Tree Commission having authority over tree trimming won't apply if safety issues prevail.The council said branches from trees are hanging over streets to the extent that it is impossible for trucks to navigate them.Initially, it had been suggested by councilman John O'Gurek that letters be sent to 46 property owners notifying them to either trim the trees or have the borough do the work and bill them.Eventually, it was decided unanimously to have the borough workers trim the trees and the property owners won't be billed.Councilman Michael Alabovitz initially voiced concerns that the Shade Tree Commission had full aegis of trees in the borough. He asked the council, "Did anyone read the ordinance?"Alabovitz called for the council to rein in the authority that was given to the commission through the ordinance.O'Gurek suggested the borough trim the trees at no cost to the property owner because it benefits the borough.Councilman Jesse Walck made the motion to have the trees trimmed while O'Gurek made the second. It passed unanimously.In other business:• Alabovitz complained that the water authority is repairing water lines and not repairing the street properly. He cited two examples on Fell Street.He said more such work will be occurring because, "Water lines are a disgrace in this town. Some hydrants don't even work."O'Gurek said 90 percent of the "big dips in streets are caused by water line repairs." He suggested that all water line projects should have been inspections when it comes to rehabilitating the street.Such repairs should have compaction testing, Alabovitz said."Look at the state of the roads in our town," Alabovitz said. "It's like driving to the airport in Baghdad."• A resident asked the status of prohibiting parking on an alley next to the Summit Hill Little League Field.The council said no action was taken yet on a proposed ordinance.O'Gurek said, "It's pending, but it's probably going to happen."• Police officer Todd Woodward was granted permission to attend a class to become a Patrol Rifle Instructor in April. Chief of Police Joseph Fittos Jr. told the council the department has training to use revolvers and shotguns, but can't use rifles it owns because it doesn't have a certified instructor.He said rifles are better in some situations than shotguns.The cost to the borough is $595 plus a range fee of $50.The approval passed by a 6-1 vote with Walck opposed.• The council rejected a request by Lehighton Ambulance Association for a donation, stating it isn't permitted to make such a contribution.• The council agreed to enter an agreement with BidUEnergy to purchase electric for one year at the rate of 6.391 cents per kilowatt hour.• A letter of resignation was received by Planning Commission member Ryan Stoa, who is moving from the borough.The council will accept applications to fill his seat.