Macungie Police Department Sgt. Travis Kocher reported on police activity in the borough during August at the Sept. 21 Macungie Borough Council meeting. Speed boards have been utilized for areas where vehicles are exceeding the speed limit.

During the discussion about traffic, it was mentioned semitrailers are traveling in areas where they should not be. Several times 18-wheelers have been seen on Cotton Street. It was said when this occurs, there is usually damage done. One such instance just occurred when a semitrailer came to the intersection of Race Street and made a turn, damaging the wall of a residence and knocking down a stop sign. Council members asked what should be done when this is observed. Kocher said to take photos of the license plate and name on the truck.

A towing ordinance is now in place in Macungie Borough. Council voted 4-2 in favor of approving the ordinance to allow towing of illegally parked vehicles.

There was discussion about the Lehigh County police consortium. The consortium of 12 police departments consolidate their efforts with one common test and one fee for applicants, instead of multiple tests and fees.

In a recent article, Emmaus Police Chief Charles Palmer said the advantage of the Lehigh County consortium is the number of overall candidates has tended to be higher than before the consortium was formed and “we were stepping on each other’s toes trying to attract recruits.”

The 12 departments are: Alburtis; Catasauqua; Coopersburg; Coplay; Emmaus; Fountain Hill; Salisbury; Slatington; South Whitehall; Upper Macungie; Upper Saucon and Whitehall.

There is an interest in being part of the consortium but council is requesting the steps necessary to join. There is a fee associated with being part of it.

Trick or treat is scheduled 6 p.m. Oct. 31. If there is a change, it will be noted on the Macungie website.

Grace Lutheran Church, 28 W. Main St., is having a food cupboard drive-up. This is for free food distribution for residents in need. It will be held the last Friday of the month.

An issue on signage was raised due to the old Subway being taken over. The pedestal from the Subway sign is being used which had been established as a nonconforming sign. This issue will be brought to the planning commission’s attention.

Further investigation into the Hickory Street Bridge has shown the abutments are not in good shape adding to the costs of repair.

A large hole has developed at the Tyler Pipe property. The Lower Macungie side has been closed while the Macungie side has marked the area with cones. The property is up for sale.

There is a grant that comes from the proceeds of gambling. It is called the Local Share Grant. Macungie is looking to request funds for a boiler at the Macungie Institute.

For the 2021 pension plan, council agreed, once again, to do the municipal minimum obligation but to revisit this again as the pension fund is underfunded.

Payment will be made to Mohawk in the amount of $41,088.70 for completion of Main Street Phase 3. After payment is made, Macungie will work on a grant refund.

Council approved the winter service agreement with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. This agreement pays the borough a small fee when they plow state owned roads. South Church Street (which is now owned by the borough) and Walnut Street are included in this agreement for this year.

Council is in the process of compiling a list of potential flooding areas.