Macungie Borough Council President Chris Becker opened the Jan. 18 meeting with a few quotes from Martin Luther King Jr. in remembrance of the holiday.

“Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”

Mayor Gary Cordner noted the borough is still looking for a junior council person to participate in the governing process of Macungie Borough Council. The Pennsylvania Association of Boroughs supports the program. The junior council person has a seat on the council, however has no vote. Due to the requirement of residency in the borough, there are only a few eligible high school juniors or seniors a year who apply. This experience would make not only a memorable notation on a college application, but also give a unique look into the work that goes into building the future of the community. Anyone interested should contact the borough administration for more information.

Council reviewed the 2016 schedule of fees and charges for permits and services. The majority of such will increase slightly for the year, including garage/yard sale permits, which will increase $5 to $6 for a one-day permit and $10 to $12 for a three-day permit. Garage/yard sale permits remain free during borough events such as community days. Building and/or repair permits may be discounted when submitted together. Macungie Institute fees will remain the same, with the option to revise at a later date, after the institute committee reviews its programming and fees.

Resident David Lenig brought to council an issue regarding the current usage of the Cotton Street Bridge. The bridge has a posted 10,000 pound weight limit. However, school buses and a truck have been observed using the bridge on a regular basis. Becker suggested monitoring the bridge to discourage the use by overweight vehicles.

On Jan. 12 and 14, the Southwestern Lehigh Comprehensive Planning Organization met with staff members and members from the community to discuss and prioritize goals. The top goal is to address the aging sewer and water facilities within the Southwestern Lehigh communities.

Becker emphasized the council’s goal to work in support of its constituents and recognize the importance of long-range planning.