Macungie Borough Council met Oct. 4 and adopted and approved Resolution 2021-14 which recognizes first responders (these include all public safety employees and volunteers). These responders carry out critical roles in protecting and ensuring public safety.

Several first responders attended the meeting and received applause from council members and other members of the audience.

The Macungie Institute’s HVAC system was approved for authorization for bidding. One council member voted against this action.

Phase V of the Streetscape project is authorized for bidding. This phase continues from where Phase IV ended and ends at Poplar Street. This action was approved with a tie vote among council members with Mayor Ronald Conrad breaking the tie in favor of the project.

There is a multimodal grant opportunity which council is considering to help with the Hickory Street bridge and also Church Street reconstruction.

Conrad shared information about an apple harvest festival 1-4 p.m. Oct. 9 at Grace Lutheran Church. It features apple crisp and other snacks as well as games, a cakewalk and a basket raffle. Nonperishable food donations are also welcome to the Grace Food Cupboard which began during the pandemic.

The Stone Hill Meadows water problems have improved. The area in mention is not a retaining pond but an area of improper grading.

Council approved hiring a part-time police officer contingent upon the officer obtaining clearances. The proposed officer is Matthew Santiago.

The Macungie Institute coordinator search is on hold until a job description is approved.

A representative from the Emmaus Public Library attended the meeting and shared information about the library’s services. It was said the area is unique as there are two public libraries – Emmaus and Lower Macungie. Comparisons were made of the two facilities.

The Emmaus Public Library is open 54 hours a week compared to the Lower Macungie Library at 40 hours a week. The Emmaus Public Library has 90,000 items versus 60,000 from the Lower Macungie Library. There are various services besides book lending such as jigsaw puzzles, computer services, musical recordings, programs and more. The Emmaus Public Library is looking for continued support. The annual fee has increased by 2 percent.

Macungie Borough Council approved an updated job description for the Macungie Institute facility manager during an executive session.