At the Jan. 7 Macungie Borough Council meeting, Lehigh County Executive Phillips Armstrong and Executive Director of the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission Becky Bradley were in attendance.

Macungie was named a Community of Distinction and the award was presented by Armstrong and Bradley. The award includes a crystal statue and a street sign indicating Community of Distinction. Also attending was state Rep. Ryan MacKenzie, R-134th.

Macungie’s efforts were mentioned as instrumental in traffic calming with neighboring areas building many houses and introducing new industry to the area as well as beautifying the area.

Lower Macungie Township President Ronald W. Beitler sent a letter of congratulations stating the area municipalities share a regional goal.

Council noted Macungie’s many successes throughout 2018. Among those achievements are completing Phase 1 of the Streetscaping plan which included a traffic light at Church and Main streets and the long-awaited paving of Main Street.

A vehicle parking ordinance and mailbox ordinance were established for Village Walk Drive. Sewer restoration continued in the borough. Sewer lateral inspection was established and a new website was implemented.

Various goals were noted for 2019. A few examples include Phase II of the Streetscape plan completion, the installation of an Americans with Disabilities Act ramp at the railroad crossing, remediation of water ponding, borough hall air conditioning system upgrade and the Macungie Institute heating system upgrade.

A rental inspector will be chosen to begin the rental inspections this year as well.

There was an executive session for personnel issues.

In other business, residents complained about several stop signs along Race Street motorists are not observing. This will be investigated as there are children around the area. It is a safety concern.

Macungie Fire Department appointed their officers for 2019: President Darwin Hoppes, Secretary Omar Abdelfatah and Treasurer Tom Bailey. Mike Natysyn was appointed fire chief with deputy chief Todd Heffner. Additional appointments are Assistant Chief Russ George, Capt. Mike Smoker, Lt. Mike Kocharczyk, Fire Police Capt. Darwin Hoppes and Fire Police Lt. Tyler Doyle.

Regional recruiting for police officers is still being considered.

Linn Walker was appointed to borough authority with the term expiring Dec. 31, 2023. Kevin Wieder was appointed to the vacancy board with a term expiring Dec. 31.

An annual resolution was approved for banners across Route 100.

The Berks County Intermediate Union Service Agreement for real estate tax services for 2019-2020 was approved.