During the July 18 Macungie Borough Council meeting, a representative from Fromm Electric provided a presentation for upgrading the sound/lighting/audio system at Macungie Institute. A proposal was presented which includes wireless microphones and ceiling speakers. The suggestion is to obtain six microphones for council use and a microphone for the podium. Eight speakers would be proposed and they would be mounted to the ceiling.

The analog projector is older and there are many wires. A newer projector would have a single wire and clearer pictures. A 10 foot diagonal electric screen with a remote is also proposed to replace how videos are viewed currently. This will be reviewed at a later meeting.

Members of the Friends of Macungie Institute shared some concerns over this. It was said the current projector was purchased in 2016. It was mentioned this type of equipment changes rapidly. The lighting was upgraded in 2019 and is only in need of minor upgrading.

A discussion was held over sidewalks. Major street construction will be occurring which means sidewalks and curbing must match up. It was said inspections are not being done properly and there are concerns over inconsistency. There was a discussion on who is responsible – the property owner or the borough. It was suggested strengthening of the sidewalk ordinance needs to happen. Further investigation is needed on this topic.

Macungie Volunteer Fire Department Chief Michael Natysyn spoke about some problems with fire hydrants. There are three different types of hydrants so the fire department needs different fittings for the variety of hydrants. Some hydrants are difficult to operate. Further research is needed to remedy these problems.

The borough had its annual audit completed by Campbell, Rappold and Yurasits. The draft was approved.

There was an executive session for personnel and real estate issues.

The next Macungie Borough Council meeting will be held 7:30 p.m. Aug. 1 at Macungie Institute, 510 E. Main St., Macungie.