Editor’s Note: This has been edited for a correction to the article printed in the Nov. 5 edition of The Press.

The Macungie Borough Council Nov. 3 meeting at the Macungie Institute began with Council President Ron Karboski asking those in attendance who wanted to speak to remain kind and courteous. Requesting to speak is done when noted on the agenda and it is done with raising your hand, waiting to be called, then going to the podium stating your name and address. There is a 3-minute limit on comments.

The meeting was well-attended with frequent reminders to not talk while others were doing so at the podium.

The first item was about the new water bills. The billing system is very new and not totally understood by the current office personnel. There are no dates for a discounted payment, no late fee notification and no terms on the bill. The bills were sent out later than usual and the payment due date has not been changed. Public works assisted the borough manager with the current billing.

This billing system will be adjusted to make sure everything is understood. A possible change in the current due date will be discussed. Ultimately the system will be better than the previous system with online payment included.

Borough Engineer Stan Wojciechowski provided a report stating Macungie Borough has received a multimodal grant to assist with the repairs of South Church and the Hickory Street bridge. Many elements need to be adjusted and completed along with some easement changes.

A hole has developed on Sonoma Way in the Fields at Brookside. It was filled in but is showing signs of opening up again. Another hole has developed nearby. This requires some additional expertise. There is no idea on the cost of this until it can be checked by a geo tech engineer. Scheuermann Excavating has been retained to determine the cause and provide the cost to repair.

Macungie Borough will hold its annual tree lighting 5:30 p.m. Dec. 2 in the Flower Garden. Mr. and Mrs. Claus will attend as well as other characters.

There was a dedication of a community bulletin board at the Macungie Animal Hospital Nov. 2 in memory of Roseann Schleicher, a former Macungie Borough Council member.

Tim Romig, a business owner in Macungie, spoke again about Council President Ron Karboski. Concerns were raised about the lack of staffing in the borough. Currently there is no manager or administrative assistant and open zoning positions. Romig suggested the resignation of Rob Rozak, who was mentioned before as having a criminal history and Karboski, for allowing Rozak to be on council. Even after Romig’s time to speak, he continued with comments while other people were speaking.

A business owner on Race Street said he was grateful for being in Macungie. He especially thanked the police for their great service. When it comes to fire protection, he is concerned about it as he is on the south side of the tracks.

Another resident suggested having a day once a week or maybe every other, to have borough hall open later in the day and stay open later in the evening due to many residents working within the borough.

Some council members spoke in defense of Karboski.

John Yerman said “He [Karboski] is a good leader.” Yerman acknowledged “there are many things very wrong.” He said Karboski has enforced the concept of shorter comments by residents when speaking during the meeting. Council members are also limited. Discussion of personnel is discussed by all council members.

Yerman also said being a council member “is not fun, not rewarding.” He has been a council member for 12 years.

Greg Hutchison is the longest member on Macungie Borough Council. He has experienced various council presidents and said Karboski “is the best.”

Rozak spoke and admitted to his history. He talked about many issues with the Macungie Volunteer Fire Department. He said he does not intend to resign from council.

Council Members Todd Ritter and Carl Sell also spoke. There was mention of a very negative and uncalled for Facebook post.

It was also said it is difficult to get residents to serve on council. If several members would resign, the government of Macungie would collapse.

In addition to council members, Carla Karboski spoke about the last meeting. Knowing council could not address the accusations, she chose to do so. She said her husband spends so much time doing borough business, it’s almost like having a full-time job.

She said it has been stated the council president is responsible for the financial failures of the Macungie Volunteer Fire Department.

Carla Karboski said council was told multiple times the fire department is a separate entity. She said her husband proposed an increase in funding but that would require more scrutiny. For the last year and a half, the fire department has not provided any proposals, audits, tax filings or financial plans, she said.

Karboski has been responsible for implementing the crosswalks on Main Street. He drafted a graffiti ordinance to prevent blight. When two homes burned to the ground, he worked with council to secure a qualified fire service to protect lives and homes.

Karboski reiterated council works together for whatever needs to be done. He also mentioned for those concerned that Lower Macungie’s Fire Department has areas marked in the borough where other fire houses will respond. For instance, living on the south side of the tracks would have response from Wescosville.

As for the current personnel situation, until permanent employees are hired, Macungie will bring in Kelly Temporary Services.

There was an executive session for personnel issues.