Macungie Borough Council met for its regularly scheduled meeting May 18. The bill list was approved as well as minutes from the previous meeting with a correction.

Council accepted the resignation of Vice President Ron Karboski effective May 14. Council members accepted it with regret.

In his letter to council, Karboski said, “After careful consideration, I have found it increasingly difficult to balance the responsibilities of public service with my family commitments and professional opportunities. I have recently accepted a position that would create a conflict with serving in any municipal role.”

He thanked those who inspired and supported him throughout his more than 16 years of public service with Macungie Borough.

A motion was made to amend the agenda by council member Megan Sell. The modified agenda was approved. Sell made the request to appoint Tom Ashlyn to replace Karboski on council. Ashlyn applied for a seat on council in January after one was vacated. The motion was rejected by a vote of 2-4 with some members saying they wanted more time to make a decision.

Borough Manager Kal Sostarecz provided an update on the Development and Financial Security Agreement for The Fields at Brookside. This agreement gave the developer 24 months to complete the improvements related to the development.

The agreement was signed May 20, 2024 and Sostarecz said the developer has not completed all the improvements required.

Kay Builders has submitted a letter requesting an extension of one year to complete such improvements. Their attendance was expected at the May 18 meeting; however, no representative appeared.

There are a number of outstanding items noted by Borough Engineer Joshua Fry, Barry Isett & Associates, including an emergency access road and regrading of access road along southern property boundary to prevent storm runoff from leaving the site, streetlights, irrigation system, curb and sidewalk repairs. These are just some of the items noted.

Two sinkholes have developed. A petition has circulated among the homeowners which has 40 signatures.

A meeting was suggested to evaluate the required improvements and repairs.

Mayor Bob Sell spoke about upcoming events. The Macungie Memorial Day Observance presented by Macungie Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No 9264 and Auxiliary, flag raising and VFW Memorial Day Ceremony will be held 10 a.m. at the Macungie Memorial Park, Veteran’s Memorial. The program will be conducted 10:30 a.m. at the Macungie Park Bandshell, immediately following the flag-raising ceremony. A memorial service will be held at the “All Gave Some-Some Gave All” Memorial, Macungie Veterans Association, 287 Lehigh St., noon. All are invited to remain for refreshments following the service. In the event of rain, the Memorial Day services will be held 10:30 a.m. in the Macungie Memorial Park auditorium, 50 N. Poplar St., Macungie.

Sell also mentioned Macungie Ambulance Corps is hosting a free “Healing Hands” CPR event June 6 at Macungie Memorial Park, 50 Poplar St. Registration starts 9 a.m. and training sessions begin 10 a.m.

In other business, a motion was made to authorize a proposal from Barry Isett & Associates for additional engineering work related to the Hickory Street Bridge Replacement in the amount of $17,180. A stormwater pipe under Hickory Street is undersized and in poor condition. The additional engineering fees are for design, easement exhibits and descriptions updates, easements coordination and grant progress reports preparation. This was approved.

A resident stated she had a high sewer bill in the early part of the year due to some water running into the ground and asked for assistance from the borough which was granted.

An executive session was held 6 p.m. before the regular meeting regarding personnel issues.

Sostarecz was authorized to seek interim police chief consultation proposals.

Councilman Stan Landis questioned the police hours and number of full-time and part-time officers. He also had questions regarding the 30-hour police officer. His concerns were on the high amount of overtime.

Landis also mentioned the Flower Park. He was driving by the one day and saw numerous volunteers working in the garden. He gave thanks to these volunteers for all their hard work. He said shortly this garden will show all the efforts of those working in it.

Landis also spoke of other volunteer events in the borough. He recalled being in Macungie when his kids were young. Noticing the antique automobiles was a wonderful memory.

The next Macungie Borough Council will be held 7:30 p.m. June 1 at the Macungie Institute, 510 E. Main St., Macungie.