New council members were sworn in Jan. 4 during the first Macungie Borough Council meeting of the year, which also saw new appointments and reorganization of the chief seats on council.

The newest member is Marvin Moyer, who served a brief stint as interim council member in the past. Moyer fills the seat recently vacated by Debra Cope.

Members Chris Becker and Greg Hutchison were both sworn in for repeat terms, having served on the last council.

Council then voted to elect Becker to the position of president, which he previously held up until the end of his term in December 2015. Roseann Schleicher was elected to the position of vice president of council.

“We need to govern with expectations of the constituents we represent,” Becker said in a brief statement, “placing ourselves behind each other, and everyone in the borough and asking how we govern now and into the future, how will these people be represented and affected by our actions.”

Becker also spoke on his goals for the next council term and his expectations of public voice.

“Freedom to be heard will always be my goal to the council and the public,” he said. “If these points are not brought forth or are brought forth without merit or are presented as disruptive, you have my word it will be stopped and tabled if there is no backing by other council members wishing it to continue.”

Control of capital assets, revenues management and assessing what the borough can afford for major budget items were key points Becker mentioned as his focus for the coming term.

“We should be focused on assessing limits. As costs increase annually, such as where do we assess ourselves financially, these are questions, with your help, I’d like to answer…I want to let everybody know where I stand in leading this council before you voted.”

This was followed by a unanimous vote for approval.

Council voted to adopt several resolutions as part of usual year-opening business, but among them was a $432,000 transportation alternatives program grant which will facilitate the development of Main Street according to the streetscape plan.

Council also approved the authorization to sign the Emmaus Public Library 2016 contract for just over $17,000 and the 2016 animal control contract with the Lehigh County Humane Society.

An item appearing on the agenda relating to body cameras for the police force is being tabled to another meeting so the mayor and the chief of police can discuss a few more details with the borough solicitor.

Greg Hutchison asked who has access to the data produced by the body cameras and suggested it should be a neutral party outside of the police force and its governance. Borough solicitor Patrick Armstrong pointed out statutes dictate use of camera data in criminal investigations but said he would look into some tweaks to make to the agreement.

In other business council approved the appointment of Thomas Kociuba to a five-year term on the Macungie Borough Authority. Kevin Wieder was appointed to a one-year term on the borough vacancy board.

Borough Manager Chris Boehm reported to council she had received bids from janitorial service providers on quotes issued to cover janitorial services in the Macungie Institute, Borough Hall and the police department which is located in Borough Hall. Boehm recommended TNT Home & Business Cleaning Services, which provided a quote of $10,320 annually. The contract is contingent upon the borough giving due notice should a problem or complaint arise and allowing TNT to address the issue and giving notice should the borough wish to terminate its services.

Council took a vote on the subject at the suggestion of Hutchison, who believed precedent dictated the matter. There were none opposed.