Some were surprised a Colonial Regional Police Officer stood guard outside the doors of the Bath Borough Council chambers during the Oct. 7 meeting.

The police officer's presence was prompted by an unusually large crowd of more than two dozen citizens who attended the council meeting to express their concern with the borough's current sign ordinance.

Ordinance 2013-631 was adopted May 6 in an attempt to bring the language of the borough law up to date.

In addition, the ordinance attempts to implement various regulations throughout the borough.

Residents and business owners who attended the meeting claim the ordinance adversely impacts them and infringes upon their individual property rights.

When questioned by The Press after the meeting, Councilwoman Jennifer George said she was glad to have the officer present because of the larger than usual crowd.

"Nowadays you never know what's going to happen," she said. "Look at what happened at the [Ross] town council meeting."

George was referring to an incident in August in which a man opened fire during a supervisors meeting in Ross Township, Monroe County, over a land dispute. Three people were killed and several others were wounded.

In other business, council was briefed on the progress of the Dunkin' Donuts construction at 107 E. Main St. The business will be located at the Wells Fargo building, the former First National Bank. The proposed construction is currently pending and being reviewed by PennDOT.

Council officials also invited the audience to participate at the next budget workshop meeting Oct. 23 at 6:30 p.m.