During the Feb. 21 Macungie Borough Council meeting, a study on the Church Street sidewalks was provided by certain members of council along with an engineer from Barry Isett & Associates.

The study was completed based on current rules stating any sidewalks or curbs which have the following defects require repair, replacement or reconstruction. Elevation issues, roof drain discharging onto sidewalk, severe cracking and other issues are mentioned in the borough code.

Curbing was also included. Alignment, cracking, chipping, improper depth and other issues that do not comply with the borough code were examined.

The tour included areas of concern on expansion joints, rain water draining onto sidewalk, piping, tree removal, storm drains, handicap ramps and width of sidewalks.

Timing is critical now due to the deadline for grant funds.

Sidewalk repairs need to be completed by the end of 2023 so the road work can begin. A proposed time line was mentioned with rule refinement to be completed by the end of February. A re-inspection is to be completed by the end of March. A request for proposal is to be completed by the end of April. Homeowners’ notification and repairs or reconstruction is to be discussed by the end of May. Sidewalk repairs should begin in June with completion by the end of September weather permitting, allowing for street reconstruction to begin. Further discussion will continue.

A proclamation was presented to area first responders by the City of Allentown for their contribution during the rescue of a trapped man in a trench. Macungie Ambulance Corps and Manager Christopher Greb were congratulated.

The lighted crosswalk on Main Street (Route 100) has been repaired. Light bulbs were replaced Feb. 13.

There have been complaints about the new refuse contractor, Whitetail Disposal. Residents are reminded the contractor should be called with the complaint. The contractor is keeping record of the complaints and will inform the borough. If messages are received through the borough, text messages are submitted to Whitetail with the complaint. This ensures the borough of a record of complaints. It is strongly suggested for residents to go right to Whitetail for rapid response.

The HVAC project at Macungie Institute has been pushed back again. It will be re-examined in early 2024.

Approval was sought for the repair of the borough’s garage door as it was over the limit of $1,000. The repair for $1,282 was approved.

A request for the approval of the increase in a subscription for Rave Wireless which is mobile safety and software was approved. The rate was increased to $1,250.

An ad was placed for an assistant manager/treasurer. This candidate will be interviewed by three borough representatives which includes the borough manager, a council member and a department head. However since there is no department head, another council member will be needed. Questions are to be established by the committee.

A concern over the bookkeeping in Macungie was expressed. It is not anybody’s error; it’s just old practices that need to be upgraded. It is recommended an outside source be considered to create a better, more efficient and simpler system. One possibility is to contact the auditors for possible references. It is hoped to have a new system in place before the new assistant manager begins.

An executive session was held over real estate, legal and personnel issues.