Macungie Borough Council has a new borough manager who was introduced at the April 5 meeting.

Peter Melan is a second-term councilperson in Easton and a local government consultant. He obtained a master’s degree in public administration and is currently enrolled in the doctoral program for public administration at West Chester University. He has over 20 years experience in the public and private sector. His first day was April 5.

The pedestrian bridge on Cotton Street is almost complete. Many compliments have been received over this project. Council extended its thanks to the fire department for allowing the bridge to be stored on the fire department’s property. A question arose over the project regarding how much of this project was paid for by tax money versus the amount received from a grant.

Council extended its thanks to Chris Boehm who served as acting borough manager for several months.

The food truck permit debate seems to have been resolved. No permits are needed but further information about the process will be considered such as information about insurance. This is to protect the borough.

Reopening of Macungie Borough Hall and Macungie Institute was discussed and Melan will advise council on guidelines. Also included in the discussion was talk of hiring a coordinator for the Institute. These two facilities will be open with limits for crowds and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines will be utilized for disinfecting. The monitoring of facility usage will be managed.

Several residents expressed concerns over the borough’s trash/recycling collection. Melan requested emails with the resident’s address be sent to him with concerns which can then be investigated.

The subdivision for 202 E. Main St. was approved. This is the old Bear Swamp Diner property.

Three computers have been purchased by Macungie Borough to replace outdated devices, one of which is 17 years old. Disposal of the old devices will occur at the recycling event. Each new computer will have two monitors which makes it easier for employees to work on their projects and watch email.

The Macungie Commons car wash plans have been revised. This will come before council in May.

The Main Street Streetscape has a change order to reduce the amount to be paid due to unused items. The amount to be reduced is $1,900. PPL just completed some utility pole work. Council issued approval to pay $16,454 for completed work.

The temporary sign issue at local businesses has been resolved. The unregistered rental properties should be resolved by the end of April.

Ordinance 2021-03 was approved. This ordinance involves the revision in the sewer lateral inspection, amending the definition of who can perform the inspection.

It was recommended to apply for a grant to replace the Hickory Street Bridge. The estimated cost to do this is $309,000. The grant needs a borough match of 10 percent or $30,900. This amount is not budgeted for this year but the deadline for the grant application is April 15.

The request to vacate Oak Street is moving along. The vacation will be processed with papers completed by Corey Zeisloft with an additional portion to allow for a easement over a pipe located on the property.

Council approved the request to refund the fund balance for Macungie Farmers Market. The amount of $1,649 will be refunded.

There were several board commission appointments made. Greg Hutchison was appointed to Macungie Institute Trustees with a term expiring March 31, 2027. John Yerman was appointed to the planning commission with a term expiring March 31, 2025. Carl Sell was appointed to the zoning hearing board with the term expiring March 31, 2026. There was no appointment to the civil service commission.

A part-time seasonal public works employee position was approved.

There was an executive session for personnel matters.