Macungie Borough Council will be looking into matters concerning Wheels of Time in Memorial Park after being approached Monday evening by some members of the park association.

Amy Hillegas, representing the park, read the association's letter to the borough. The park association heard rumors temporary speed bumps were planned for installation on Walnut Street during the Wheels of Time Street Rod Association show Aug. 28, 29, and 30.

"It is a punitive way to control traffic, which we believe was brought on by last year's actions that had taken place during the show," Hillegas read.

Hillegas and another representative, Brian Nagle, both argued vehemently that taking such a measure would be damaging to the park's relationship with Wheels of Time, emphasizing the decision had been made without consulting the park or the Wheels of Time association, and further pointing out that damage could easily occur to the antique cars showcased during the event due to their low proximity to the ground.

The park relies on income from its three automotive events every year; Wheels of Time alone can account for over a third of the park's annual $43,000 net budget, depending on the weather.

The problem last year, according to borough manager Chris Boehm, was cars pulling out onto Walnut Street and spinning their tires, creating tread marks on the road.

Nagle and Hillegas asked only the borough and the park work together to find a solution, instead of imposing a safety measure that would potentially impact the entire community in a negative way.

Council President Chris Becker informed council members the mayor's decision was based on his borough code-imbued rights and responsibilities and he acted out of what he believed was the borough's best interest. But council member Debra Cope made a point of expressing to Nagle this was the first some members of council were hearing of the issue, or the decision to install temporary speed bumps.

The speed bumps would be taken away after the Wheels of Time expo and the street patched up.

Hillegas said the park would be willing to absorb the cost of a police officer to patrol the street which would discourage incidents like those of the past year and asked continued communications with the mayor involve the park and Wheels of Time in kind.

Becker assured everyone he would speak to the mayor, even as early as Monday night, if possible, about rescinding his decision to install speed bumps.

Council reviewed a petition from Don Young and his wife, owners of several properties on Lumber Street, asking for Creek Alley to be vacated and closed. Young's argument is that the street is his first obstacle to further development in the area, and knowing whether it can be closed affects his plans for building rental properties there.

Creek Alley is narrow and in poor shape. Young proposed the street be turned into a private drive from its entrance on Lehigh Street and closed entirely on Main Street. Boehm pointed out this plan would affect the Main Street Streetscape Plan, as that corner is slated for being developed into curb extensions for safer pedestrian crossing. Not developing that corner and closing it off instead with a sidewalk would be less expensive, Boehm said.

Young would be willing to cover the cost of closing the street, so the net cost to the borough for the whole transaction would be nil.

Council member John Yerman counseled caution in approaching the situation, however, and council agreed with him it would be best to examine traffic patterns after the Church Street traffic light is installed this fall. No one can predict how traffic will be effected by the light and some people may use Creek Alley as a shortcut. Although no one expressed opposition to Young's petition, for now, it is in review until the light is installed.

Council has some discussion over the development of a rental inspection program. Currently the borough has no inspection program for the 44 percent of properties in the borough identified as rentals.

Roseann Schleicher agreed the inspection program is important and council has been hearing complaints for some time about rental properties and their conditions. Even in her own neighborhood, says Schleicher, it is easy to tell which are rental properties because they are not kept up with the same care as homeowner properties.

Council's next meeting will be held Sept. 8, after Labor Day.

Cope says for years the emphasis has been on homeowners and maintaining standards for them, but now the focus has shifted.

Becker began taking names of community members who would participate in a committee to formulate the program, including Cope and several landlords in the borough. Interested renters would also be encouraged to participate, in at least attending the meetings.

The borough is now accepting resumes for the zoning officer position, up until Aug. 21.