Speed traffic study conducted on North Walnut Street
Macungie Borough Council met in person for the June 21 meeting and it was announced Macungie Borough Hall and Macungie Institute will reopen June 28.
Sgt. Travis Kocher, officer in charge, conducted a speed traffic study on North Walnut Street. Over a three-day period, there were 3,100 vehicles which makes for approximately 855 vehicles a day. The average speed was 32.6 miles per hour. Approximately 100 drivers were cited.
With the purchase of a speed board, speed studies can occur randomly or if a complaint has been lodged.
Kocher noted the lack of applicants for police jobs, both locally and nationally. Pennsylvania is experiencing a lack of new applicants for state police. They are now lowering their requirements such as allowing for tattoos and eliminating the lie detector test.
Council accepted the resignation of Officer Brandon Gianopulos.
A letter of appreciation from Upper Macungie Township was received for the assistance given during the random shooting in April.
The Macungie Fire Department’s new treasurer Tom Bailey presented answers to the state audit of the organization. There were several inconsistencies which Bailey said will not happen again as he has control of the situation. There was also a new auditor who was not familiar with the methods followed by the fire department.
Frequent personnel changes and inadequate meeting minutes were noted.
Other concerns included improperly documenting certain payments, unauthorized payments for uniforms and noncompliance over necessary equipment. Bailey provided explanations to council.
The Oak Street ordinance and easement were discussed. A survey needs to be done and it is not clear who is responsible for paying for it. There is a sanitary sewer pipe which is part of the problem.
The borough is applying for a grant which will aid in the reconstruction of the retaining wall for Mountain Creek. When the grant is approved, plans will be considered as to what should be done.
Council approved the fireworks display at Brookside Country Club for July 4. The fire department will inspect the area.