During the Dec. 20, 2021 Macungie Borough Council meeting, Streetscape V bids were considered.

Columbia Excavating, LLC, from Berwick, was the lowest bidder. The bid was for $70,291. Construction will begin in the spring.

Streetscape VI was discussed.

The Multimodal Transportation Fund by the Commonwealth Financing Authority grant for infrastructure was awarded in the amount of $250,000. Discussion ensued on this topic and a motion was made to not accept this grant. The motion was accepted and voted in favor by Angela Ashbrook, Carl Sell, Barry Bloch and Lisa Yeager. Alma Akinjiola, Todd Rutledge and John Yerman voted against the motion.

Further discussion followed with numerous comments about the unfinished look of the Streetscape. One particular comment involved the unevenness of the streetlights with one side of Main Street having lights further down than the other side. It was also mentioned grants should not be rejected.

In other meeting news, Selma Ritter, Macungie Borough’s administrative assistant, resigned. A letter was received with the resignation effective Dec. 2, 2021.

It was said Macungie Holiday had a successful season. It was well-attended with praise given for the holiday events.

Council approved the posting of meeting audiotapes. The tapes will be available on the website for a year.

Angela Faidley was appointed and approved as a trustee of Macungie Institute.

The 2022 borough budget also was approved with a real estate state tax rate of 4.25 mils.

The department of public works received approval for signs, marking and supplies.

Macungie’s auditor is retiring. However, the company is merging with another auditor. Campbell, Rappold and Yurasits will be the auditor for the borough.

A list of IT projects for 2022 was approved. These are updates and improvements to various systems running in the borough.

Macungie continues its contract with the Emmaus Public Library for 2022.

The Lehigh County Humane Society contract was selected and approved. Council voted in favor of Option 1, which is $1,025 for the year and includes 2022, 2023 and 2024.

Council President John Yerman proposed establishing a consolidation of council motions and posting it to the borough website. This proposal was approved.

The Macungie Borough Authority will retain Todd Ritter as he was reappointed.

Kevin Weider was reappointed to the vacancy board.

A $100 donation from Quakertown National Bank was approved for acceptance.

The council meeting dates for 2022 were approved.

An executive session was held concerning contract matters.