At the Aug. 3 Macungie Borough Council meeting discussion began with the Macungie Volunteer Fire Department committee.

After initial conversation about the history of this issue, which included a timeline and various policy, ordinances and potential legal proceedings, talks began about what is needed to begin the possible resurrection of the Macungie Volunteer Fire Department.

Council member Lynette Sell began the discussion with several concerns and questions. She asked what qualifications do members have? A concern after the fire department was replaced by Lower Macungie Fire Department was highlighted as about how dire the situation was.

Lower Macungie assessed the area including structures, according to meeting discussion. A plan was formed with other area departments to cover all areas of the borough including both sides of the railroad tracks. Monthly reports are issued and state standards are met.

To date, there have been no records of receiving financial audits. Also no meeting minutes have been received.

Repeated attacks of council members have occurred. It has been said frequently this organization is solvent. Some equipment has been sold to do so. New equipment will need to be purchased to bring back the fire department. Also, according to meeting discussion, there has been no attempt to show council where training and funding stand.

Tim Romig, who owns a business in the borough and Macungie Volunteer Fire Department president, spoke about the situation. After extensive research, he found the Macungie Borough Authority engages the borough to manage and operate the water system for the fire department.

Romig is requesting the right to use water for training purposes. He is also requesting the right to work with other municipalities.

Romig stated, “Give us a fair chance. Stop sabotaging us.”

Presently the MVFD is self-funded by rentals and donations. Audits are public as well as taxes are also.

A proposal was made to have a full roster of personnel, have a list of all apparatus including radios and gear and copies of audits and certified insurance and other items. There was a debate and a motion was presented. The motion did not pass.

Further debate continued with another proposal. Another motion was presented, proposing a monthly training with water. A certificate of insurance is to be presented as well as training of personnel. The water authority will be involved in monitoring the water usage with the drought issue of present. This motion passed 5-2.

In other borough business, South Buttonwood Street was resurfaced. Thank you correspondence was sent to Alburtis, Lower Macungie Township and Upper Milford Township for assisting with the project.

Macungie Mayor Bob Sell reminded the community about “Food Trucks in the Park” events scheduled Aug. 5 and 12 in Macungie Memorial Park, 50 N. Poplar St. A cruise night is set for Aug. 9 and a Mustang car show will be held Aug. 16, also is the park.

Macungie Borough Manager Kal Sostarecz proposed for Macungie to participate in a LVCPC Janitorial Supplies contract. This allows a bidded price for all municipalities to get the lowest prices. This was approved by council.

Also at the meeting, a resident complained about an item shot into her yard. Council told the resident the situation is a state issue. The resident also spoke about vacation notification to police so the area could be checked.

With regard to The Fields at Brookside and The Ridings at Brookside, a new plan is being considered by Kay Builders and the Homeowners Association, according to meeting discussion.

A resident expressed concern about a utility pole installed in the middle of the sidewalk on Main Street.

An executive session was held concerning legal and personnel issues.