Macungie Borough Council met Jan. 3 with reorganization as the primary goal.

Mayor Ron Conrad was re-elected and sworn in for another term. Greg Hutchison, an elected borough council member, was sworn in by Judge Douglas Reichley. John Yerman and Barry Bloch were sworn in for another term.

John Yerman was re-elected president of council with Angela Ashbrook re-elected vice president. Council member Barry Bloch was elected as president pro tempore.

Christopher Cvijic was elected to council; however, he now resides in Lower Macungie Township and therefore he cannot be on council. Lisa Yeager was appointed to replace him and will serve on council until the next election.

A rather large contingent of residents spoke about the Streetscape project.

Former Council Member Roseann Schleicher expressed her concern about the rejection of the grant. When the Streetscape was originally proposed, it was supposed to go as far as Chestnut Street. She said State Sen. Pat Browne, R-16th, assisted the borough in obtaining these grants. It costs the borough $100 to apply. The grant is to pay the expenses of the Streetscape project. What is needed for Phase VI as well as Phase V, are trees, lights and brick pavers.

Schleicher continued by saying that rejecting a grant will be a black mark on the borough. Grants are very important in the ongoing operations of the borough. Police use them frequently as well as the fire department.

She said the trees, lights and brick work make the area more homey. It’s also a deterrent for vandalism and theft. She added there were many wonderful compliments from people passing through. The town beautification committee makes a lot of contributions.

It was noted when Chris Becker was on council, Macungie was nominated for a Community of Distinction. He had to make a presentation about the project which was well received.

Tom Bartholomew has a business on Main Street and has been in Macungie for seven years. When he first came to the town, he thought the town was a little sleepy. He heard about the Streetscape proposal and is grateful for the borough’s curb appeal. It’s about the borough investing in the community.

Stan Landis has lived in the area since 1973. He is a walker and a jogger. He is aware there are a lot of dark streets. He wants the borough to be a walking area. He said people won’t walk on dark streets. He believes it is foolish to reject the grant. “Don’t stop a project before it’s complete,” he said. He likes Macungie. “Main Street is like our front porch,” Landis said.

John Horner was mayor in Macungie 2005-2009. He was awarded the title of Mayor of the Year. He also was on the zoning board. He said passing up the grant makes things go backward; grants are very important.

Another resident said maintenance is not being done.

After comments from residents, council discussed the issues. Borough Manager John Brown is attempting to determine the cost of electricity for the light fixtures. With all the comments and ideas in mind, motions were made to fix the problem. A motion was made to limit Phase VI to Poplar Street, accept the grant, depower the cobra lights and possibly fix the crosswalks. It was approved.

Another motion was made to instruct Barry Isett & Associates to create a design for this. This was also approved.

In other business, President John Yerman is seeking approval for purchase of a new modem and router. This was approved.

There was an executive session over personnel matters.