Macungie Borough Council held its regularly scheduled meeting Jan. 20 with Ryan Trexler, chief, Lower Macungie Fire Department attending.

Trexler presented 2024 statistics to council reporting service to Lower Macungie Township, Alburtis Borough and Macungie Borough. The department received a total of 767 calls in 2024 with 58 members who receive ongoing training to remain well qualified.

For Macungie, there were 23 incidents in 2023 and 71 incidents in 2024. Incidents include chimney fires, motor vehicle accidents, carbon monoxide detection, gas leaks, false alarms and building fires.

Council members expressed concern about false alarms. Trexler explained false alarms are somewhat a result of new buildings with built in fire systems. False alarms will increase as new construction continues.

Emmaus Public library has named a new director, Allison Floray. She began Jan. 6 and was previously with the Parkland Public Library. The new adult services librarian is Christine Wieder.

The crosswalk lighting has been completed. There is another intersection for crosswalk lighting being considered at Brookfield Drive and Route 100.

Borough Manager John Brown said the grant for the Hickory Street bridge project will expire. He will request an extension for the grant.

The bidding process for the bridge will begin shortly with completion of the project to be expected by 2026.

The Church Street project has been delayed until 2026 due to utility work needed before the street repairs.

Police Officer Matthew Miklich has resigned and Police Officer Sabdiel Diaz has been recommended as the replacement. He will go from a 30-hour a week officer to a 40-hour a week officer.

Sgt. Travis Kocher was questioned about a possible replacement for the 30-hour position. The consortium, which is a group of trained police officers within several communities including Allentown, is the probable place to begin.

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