The Feb. 21 meeting of Macungie Borough Council centered on a loan from New Tripoli Bank.

Council was looking to take out a $3,845,000 loan from New Tripoli Bank, which would be used to fund a sewer rehabilitation project. The ordinance required for the loan passed unanimously. Council President Chris Becker spoke about the importance of acquiring the loan.

“It’s something we needed,” Becker said. “We need to invest in our infrastructure,” he continued.

Another topic discussed was a letter from Lehigh County District Attorney James B. Martin requesting a contribution for a municipal emergency response team. Macungie Mayor Gary Cordner talked about the need for an emergency response team.

“The emergency response team is worth nothing until you need it,” Cordner said.

Council said the district attorney has its own investigators including a drug task force and an auto theft task force. Since the letter came mid-year it is not feasible to invest in the response team in the budget. Council also talked about not wanting to contribute an officer for the emergency response team due to the time commitment and the fact the Macungie Police Department is fairly small. Council decided to contribute to the municipal emergency response team.

The Main Street streetscape project and a pedestrian bridge over Mountain Creek were discussed. Plans for the streetscape project have been revised and sent to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for approval.

Regarding a pedestrian bridge over Mountain Creek, council said engineering plans are still needed for the project and it is something to look at throughout the year. The borough had put off doing the project in the past because of the budget cost. The job would cost around $40,000.

Council discussed the project with public works and it seemed like they would be willing to do the project. Although council agreed there are more urgent things to take care of, if money or grants turn up the project could be done.

There was also discussion about recycling totes and advertising for the Macungie Institute during the borough council meeting. The borough will be delivering new recycling totes to residents who called and put their name on a list with the borough through March 5. About 200 people signed up for recycling totes. Additional residents who call will be put on a separate list.

The borough recently met with a real estate agent to increase revenue at the Macungie Institute. They discussed advertising and decided the ad would have to be full color. There was also a discussion about putting together an open house where local companies and organizations can come and take a tour of the Macungie Institute in order to increase room rentals for events. They also talked about the need for some sort of a sign for the Macungie Institute.

The execution of a maintenance agreement between the Borough of Macungie and PennDOT was discussed. Under the agreement, the borough would maintain the sidewalks and clear snow when there is larger snowfall. There was a discussion about putting in orange stakes before a state of emergency so plows know where the edges of the road are. The resolution passed unanimously.

Council authorized Barry Isett and Associates to proceed with advertising for bids for ramps which satisfy the Americans with Disabilities Act regulations.

The meeting ended with an executive session.

Macungie Borough Council meets on the first and third Monday of each month. The next meeting will be held 7:30 p.m. March 6 at Macungie Borough Hall.