Macungie Borough Council approved a new zoning officer to fill the recently vacated position during the Sept. 21 meeting.

Mark Vasoli will join the borough as part-time zoning/code enforcement officer effective immediately. Council’s approval is contingent on the understanding that expenditure for this position is not to exceed the budgeted $11,500 remaining for the year.

Vasoli will meet with the borough to finalize his office hours.

Vasoli and another candidate were interviewed by council during a lengthy executive session during the meeting. The executive session was not open to the public.

In committee reports, John Yerman reported the planning commission had heard appeals from residents of the borough regarding curb and sidewalk on Fairview Street and had agreed to extend a six-month extension to all appellants. Planning Commission members had also agreed to look into the nature of the damage on the curbs to see whether the damages had occurred due to the contractor’s work on it.

Yerman said everyone agrees the curb is “expired” and falling apart. Council President Chris Becker had also gone to see the site after hearing from residents of Fairview Street and could see for himself the curbing was in bad shape.

Council members had then to decide whether to hold another special public hearing on the matter, but determined to notify the public a hearing would be held during the normal council meeting in October.

Borough Manager Chris Boehm reported the Main Street Streetscape Plan is still progressing slowly; the borough has heard back from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation which has set up reimbursement agreements on an online portal, which Boehm needs to proceed any further. She stated it as being one step closer.

Regarding the borough’s rental inspection program, Becker confirmed property owners had agreed to meet, but mentioned he is still looking for a tenant to join the committee. Becker will schedule a meeting with the concerned parties.

Borough capital projects were announced to be still dragging out, as Boehm awaits completion of temporary construction easements for several properties.

Mayor Gary Cordner announced the borough tree lighting ceremony has been set for Dec. 1, with a scheduled secondary date Dec. 2 in the event of bad weather.

Council approved Daniel Lenig as the newest member of the civil service committee, a position which has been open for some time. The borough still needs an alternate for the civil service committee and letters of interest will continue to be accepted.