On Dec. 2, Macungie Borough Council passed the preliminary budget for 2015.

There is no tax increase proposed for the new budget, which was approved unanimously and without comment other than it was the smoothest budget season the borough has seen in some years.

The final adoption of the budget is slated for council's Dec. 15 meeting.

In addition, the board also passed approval on two new ordinances discussed at length over the past few weeks.

Ordinance 2014-02 makes several amendments to Borough Code Chapter 329 "Vehicles and Traffic," specifically with regard to parking along West End Trail and Brookfield Drive, the installation of a handicap spot on South Lea Street, setting the speed limit to 25 mph on Lumber Street, and eliminating parking on Main Street at a specified distance from Lumber Street.

Ordinance 2014-03 makes an amendment to Chapter 245 "Parks and Recreation" bringing the borough up to code with the Pennsylvania Uniform Firearms Act of 1995. Prior to the new ordinance there was a restriction in borough parks on firearms which was not in compliance with the Act. The new ordinance prohibits possession and use of firearms where such is in violation of the Act.

There was no member of the public present to comment on either action.

After some discussion, council approved the borough tax collector Harry Buchin's choice for deputy tax collector in the borough. There has been an ongoing debate regarding this issue as council encouraged Buchin to select a deputy from among the borough's residents.

Buchin's original choice is the tax collector for Lower Macungie Township. The deputy acts as tax collector when the appointed collector is incapacitated and may also be appointed by an estate executor upon the collector's decease. The deputy is not an additional cost of compensation to the borough.

Council President Chris Becker said there were two residents of the borough who were interested in the position of deputy, but though Buchin was apprised of this information, he did not pursue it.

According to Borough Manager Chris Boehm, it is not unusual for tax collectors to select their deputies from neighboring municipalities. There is nothing in the Act regarding tax collector appointments stating the deputy must be a resident of the municipality being served.

Council member Greg Hutchison put forward a motion to approve the tax collector's choice for deputy, Patricia Vassilaros, which was approved unanimously.

Mayor Gary Cordner reported the borough has ordered and received 30 yard signs and six street signs relating to safe driving on small borough streets. The signs read "Drive Like Your Kids Live Here" and the yard signs are available for purchase for $10 from the borough. The charge covers the cost of the signs which were purchased in bulk online. Cordner is hopeful the few remaining will be bought soon and it will spark a general interest in further orders.

Borough Council also reviewed a preliminary design proposal from borough engineers Barry Isett & Associates for the upcoming changes to Cotton Street, which will be made one-way for part of its length. The discussion focused partly on specific effects of the design changes to two properties adjacent to Cotton Street, including a driveway which will be affected by the installation of a sidewalk. The property owner was present to review the design and ask questions.

While the inclusion of striping on the road to delineate direction and lane traffic was not yet determined, council was assured appropriate signage would be placed to direct drivers into the proper lanes at intersections.

Meanwhile, the bridge over Swabia Creek is not yet slated for reconstruction, according to the engineer from Barry Isett & Associates, Ryan Kern. A pedestrian path will be created within the limits of the existing bridge-which is as wide as the road-and stop signs for drivers will be installed at either end. This is a common arrangement for narrow bridges across the Lehigh Valley, reported Kern. The bridge may later be addressed as "Phase Two" of the project but current funding does not allow for replacement at this time.

A sidewalk will be installed on the south side of the road, abutting Kalmbach Park. On the north side property owners will be asked for access to easements on their properties to allow for completion of the road on that side. Boehm confirmed a meeting will be held with property owners to sign off on this. Further meetings with the local Conservation District, and with Kalmbach Park will also be necessary as the project moves into the next phase.

A rain garden may also be necessary to install to help with stormwater collection but this has not been determined.

Cordner pointed out property owners with driveway access to Cotton Street will not be majorly affected by its transition into a one-way for part of its length. The road has been planned to allow for access to properties on its front.

Council agreed Barry Isett & Associates may move forward with the design as proposed.