At the Feb. 20 Macungie Borough Council meeting, Lower Macungie Fire Chief David Nosal gave an update on the status of fire protection in the borough.

There have been 10 incidents since Lower Macungie Fire Department took over.

The department has been familiarizing themselves with the area. The borough frequency has been added to the mobile radio. CPR/AED and annual hazmat training have recertified. The audit was completed for 2022.

There were also meetings with the borough manager, water department and police.

Areas were defined as to who responds with the railroad tracks being the dividing line. A first alarm brings all three Lower Macungie stations and Trexlertown north of the railroad tracks. South of the railroad tracks brings in all three stations from Lower Macungie Township and Old Zionsville. Coverage increases with neighboring fire departments according to the number of alarms. Fire department coverage can go as far as Greenwalds and Woodlawn to Hereford, Emmaus, Western Salisbury and Vera Cruz.

Further information can be obtained on Facebook at Lower Macungie Fire Department. Also on Instagram: Lower Macungie Fire Department@lmfd30. Their website is www.firestation30.org, Their phone number is 610-398-0996 and their email is info@firestation30.org. There is always a need for volunteers.

The Macungie police reported 193 incidents up from 121 in January 2023. There were 13 crimes reported and 12 traffic citations were issued. The annual criminal audit was completed by the Pennsylvania State Police with no violations being found.

The Macungie police arrested a person who was responsible for a string of burglaries in the Slate Belt and Salisbury areas. The case resulted in tens of thousands of dollars in merchandise being recovered as well as several stolen handguns.

Borough police are working with the state to begin commercial vehicle enforcement within the borough.

The Macungie Institute reported increased rentals in January with five rentals occurring in December 2023 and 23 for January. There were 40 events being hosted with 35 occurring in December 2023. Income for January was $5,145.76 and December 2023 was $1,130.

Some ongoing events include Pinochle Club, Book Club, Mahjong Clubs, Painting with Police and Charcuterie Board Making Club. Some upcoming events include CPR community class, Spring Fling, bingo, blood drive and flea market.

The Department of Public Works requested a John Deere Tractor for snow removal for $39,718.32. This was approved by council.

A new computer was requested by the zoning officer. The amount is $1,735. This was approved.

Administration requested the purchase and installation of network upgrades in the amount of $1,240. This is the amount quoted by Lantek IT. Many years of neglect have been difficult with the computer equipment. These purchases and updates were approved.

There was an executive session before the council meeting for legal and personnel issues.