Fountain Hill's Feb. 18 council meeting sped by with unprecedented speed and fiery discussion. The debate concerning a citizen's late fee dominated practically half the meeting. The council members debated how to treat the complaint of resident Barbara Padlock.

Though not present at the meeting, Padlock left a letter for the council's viewing explaining she'd received a penalty fee for a late trash bill. She said she never received the billing statement in the first place, ultimately causing her payment to be late. Now, alongside paying the trash tax, after 25 years of paying her bills on time, she is forced to also pay the penalty fee.

Council Member Carolee Gifford argued against the penalty fee, saying, "We should find a way to be able to waive that." However, Council President Larry Rapp reminded council that "the law doesn't allow for waivers."

The argument escalated as member Helen Halleman sided with Gifford, arguing to pay Padlock's fee, while the council president and those surrounding him sighed and rolled their eyes saying the law would not allow it. Despite Padlock's outstanding citizenship, her fine will not be waived.

The meeting then moved on to council actions. Fortunately for baseball teams all around the borough, council passed the motions to use both the St. Peter's Lutheran Church field and the Broughal MS's field for the upcoming season. The baseball season, with all its riveting action and warm weather, cannot come soon enough.