Macungie Borough’s search for a new police chief is moving into its next phase, with 16 candidates applying for the position as of the Oct. 19 borough council meeting.

Jerry Simpson of the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association, which is assisting with the search, told council the initial phase of the process is nearly complete. The application period remains open through the end of the week.

Council members asked whether any current members of the police department had applied for the position. Simpson said no internal candidates had submitted applications.

The next step will include developing interview questions and a public listening session planned for Nov. 30, when residents will have an opportunity to provide input.

In other business, council approved moving forward with a $287,000 grant application to upgrade a playground on Spruce Street. Borough officials said a previous application had been rejected, but a new funding opportunity has allowed the project to move ahead. The grant would cover the full cost of the playground equipment.

Council also rejected bids for ADA-compliant curb ramps on South Church Street after learning the work can be incorporated into the larger Church Street reconstruction project through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. Officials said combining the projects is expected to reduce costs and limit road closures. Bidding is expected in late winter, with construction anticipated by late spring 2027.

Council tabled a proposed resolution revising meeting agenda procedures and the borough’s code of conduct to allow additional revisions.

Members also discussed possible changes to Main Street bump-outs after a study found they were not functioning as originally intended as landscaped stormwater features. Possible solutions remain under review.