Macungie Borough Council approved a proposal Aug. 17 to bring in assistance from the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association (PCPA) to help guide the borough’s police department during a leadership transition.

During the Aug. 17 council meeting, Gerald Simpson, consulting service coordinator for the PCPA, outlined a proposal that includes interim public safety director services, an organizational systems study and assistance with a chief of police executive search and selection process.

The goal of the proposal is to stabilize police administration during the transition, improve communication among council, the mayor and police leadership and support the officer in charge. The PCPA provides consulting, executive recruitment, organizational reviews, promotional testing and transition services for law enforcement agencies.

Simpson, a retired police chief and law enforcement executive with more than 40 years of experience, was joined by two other PCPA representatives with similar law enforcement backgrounds.

Council approved the proposal, with Council President Stan Landis voicing strong support.

“This will help bring us together,” Landis said.

In other business, Joshua Frye of Barry Isett & Associates provided updates on several borough projects. Frye said UGI has suggested sharing costs associated with resurfacing Church Street.

The borough also continues to assess curb ramps along Church Street, many of which require replacement. The project is expected to be advertised for bids by the end of August, with an award anticipated Sept. 9. Construction is scheduled to begin Sept. 23 and be completed in November.

Frye also reported progress at Fields at Brookside. The interior walking path is partially complete, while the emergency access road has been finished except for its connection to The Ridings development.

Work has not yet been completed on the Route 100 sidewalk. Officials said the developer is being directed to finish the project and that escrow funds remain available.

The Lumber Street development received an extension while a traffic impact study continues to be reviewed.

Council also approved sending Officer Santiago to specialized police training courses. After completing the training, Santiago is expected to return and provide instruction to other officers.

Officials discussed concerns about the Cotton Street bridge, noting that no weight limit signs are currently posted. The issue and several other bridge concerns are expected to be considered during development of the 2027 budget.

Council members also addressed visibility concerns at the intersection of Cotton and Arch streets, where shrubbery obstructs motorists’ views. Officials said the vegetation will be trimmed or removed.

Mayor Bob Sell reminded residents that Wheels of Time will be held Aug. 28-30. He also noted that the next council meeting will take place Sept. 8, because of the Labor Day holiday.

Council discussed a statewide community improvement initiative that has selected Macungie for a revitalization project. The effort is expected to focus on Route 100, facade improvements and streetscape enhancements, including curb bump-outs, with grant funding helping to cover project costs.