Macungie’s new mayor, Ronald Conrad, was sworn in Jan. 2 by The Honorable Douglas G Reichley at the Macungie Borough Council meeting.

Barry Bloch and Roseann Schleicher were sworn as new council members and Alma Akinjiola and John Yerman were re-elected.

Cynthia Hartzell was sworn in as the borough’s new tax collector. It was also the first day for new borough administrative assistant Selma Ritter.

Chris Becker was re-appointed council president and Schleicher was appointed vice-president.

Becker made a motion to paint stop bars at Village Walk Drive and West End Trail after it was brought to the borough’s attention by residents previously. Spending over 40-minutes visiting a resident’s home near the intersection, Becker noted most vehicles rolled through the intersection rather than stopping.

“I think the intersection lacks the ability to know when you’re supposed to stop actually,” Becker said.

Yerman expressed doubt the bars would be effective in stopping the traffic, but agreed putting in the bars would be a good first step in solving the problem. The bars will be painted in the spring.

The planning commission will discuss and review the Village Walk Drive residents’ petition for a 10,000-pound weight limit on large trucks parked in the area and recommend what action the council should take on the issue.

There are two vacancies which need to be filled: one on the zoning hearing board and one on the Borough Authority. Residents who want to fill the volunteer positions can write a letter expressing interest to council or call the borough manager.

Council reviewed the 2018 fee schedule, which designates prices charged when the borough has to do maintenance work or other labor. Becker suggested several changes to the prices and rates after comparing the proposed fees to other boroughs and municipalities.

The fee schedule was approved unanimously with the discussed corrections.

Council also passed a resolution keeping police officers’ contributions to the uniform pension plan at 3 percent after having an executive session on the matter. Employees hired after Jan. 1 will contribute 5 percent, however.

Jeffrey Stauffer was appointed to a 5-year term on the borough authority and Kevin Wieder was appointed to a 1-year term on the vacancy board.