Debra Cope was selected to fill the vacancy on Macungie Borough Council during the March 18 borough council meeting.

Her term will end Dec. 31. Three other candidates were interviewed during the meeting.

In other business, Christopher Greb, NRP, operations manager of the Macungie Ambulance Corps, presented a report on the Macungie Ambulance Corps. There were 3,727 calls for assistance in 2018. There were 28 special operation incidents and 571 people were provided CPR/AED and first aid certification training. Corps personnel also were involved in various community events.

Macungie Institute Facility Manager Timothy Brown gave a report on the facility. He determined two issues were of interest. The institute has an identity problem as well as financial issues. Two plans were developed which focus on usage.

One plan would increase the amount of rentals and also increase the usage rates. Other municipalities charge more than Macungie Institute. Presently, the Macungie Institute has become a rental facility. Often the facility is left a mess. Garbage, food and drinks are left behind. Keys are not being returned.

The other plan would be to make it a performing arts facility. Private party rental would cease to exist. Performances, musical and community events would be held at the institute. Other rentals would still remain such as Boy Scouts and a real estate office. This plan would be a way to keep the facility in better shape as personnel from these groups are usually conscientious about returning the facility to its original status. Theater groups, musical groups, art classes and music classes are among some of the suggestions. Some improvements would need to be made such as lighting.

In other meeting news, legal fees for an arbitration issue were paid in 2018. Council debated about what line item to use.

Also, April 13 is cleanup day for the borough. The effort will begin 9 a.m. Boy Scouts will meet at the fire company building, 31 S. Walnut St. Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts will meet at the Macungie Train Station, Mill Street. Other volunteers will meet at Macungie Memorial Park, 50 Poplar St.

Residents of Parkside Drive expressed a concern about fire trucks getting down their road. There was a no parking sign at the end of the road where there is a cut out but it had no ordinance. The sign should be there as there is not room for a fire truck to be able to turn around with parked cars around.

Borough council interviewed four applicants for the position of borough engineer. Interviews will be reviewed by borough council.

Traffic directing will be done for Rita’s opening day March 20 when Italian ice is free to celebrate the first day of spring. Rita’s is located at 100 W. Main St.

An executive session followed to discuss real estate.