The Bath Borough Council meeting room was filled to near capacity April 3. Council President Mark Saginario opened with a discussion about the Citizens Police Advisory Panel assembled by borough council. Its charge is to explore alternative policing relationships for Bath. Several members of the panel were in attendance. Council members had the opportunity to ask questions of the panel members present.

“This is a big decision, and that is why we have a citizens panel,” Saginario said.

Council member Carol Bear-Heckman instructed the panel, “I want to see every option covered.”

Options include remaining with the Colonial Regional Police Department, pursuing discussions with Moore Township or Upper Nazareth Township or developing a new policing arrangement with Pennsylvania State Police.

The panel’s work is in its very early stages. No decisions have been made. Saginario foresees a town hall meeting later this year to introduce the information gathered by the panel and to seek additional resident input prior to any council decision.

“We have a good mix of people on the panel. That is what I wanted,” Saginario said.

The council is wrestling with about a $100,000 shortfall in the upcoming 2018 budget. Council and borough Manager Brad Flynn are working to find tax savings in order to minimize the tax hike. This savings review process began early this year.

Discussing the budget woes, Saginario thanked Flynn and other council members for the work to find savings.

“We eat and sleep budget issues and really tore into this budget looking for savings,” he said but acknowledged more work needs to be done.

Partially responsible for the tax shortfall is the increased costs of the policing arrangement with Colonial Regional. Costs, coupled with residents’ complaints at previous council meetings about police coverage, is stimulating the potential policing change. One panel member, Kevin Dotterer, remarked, “We need a guaranteed police presence in Bath.”

The Press spoke with Moore Township Supervisor Chair David Tashner Sr., who said supervisors are willing to meet with Bath officials to discuss the matter. Tashner indicated, at the end of any negotiations, the agreement “... must be a win-win arrangement.”

No formal meetings with Moore Township have occurred.

In other business, Jimmy Pasquale, leader of the Bath Social Club, presented a $500 check to the Bath Fire Department.

“I like working together with the fire department and community,” Pasquale said. “We do a lot for kids.”

“The Bath Social Club and the fire department are going in the right direction,” Fire Chief Emilio DeNisi said in thanking Pasquale.

The transition of borough administrative operations from the current location to the Thirst Quenchers building is proceeding. Flynn reported the borough has received much volunteer effort during the transition.

“The outpouring of volunteerism toward the project is amazing,” Saginario said.

Bath Farmers Market will open for the season May 19 at Keystone Park. Hours are 3-7 p.m. Bear-Heckman, Greater Area Bath Chamber of Commerce liaison, said the Chamber is planning to apply for a grant for the purchase of tables, chairs and possibly a bike rack for the park.

Renovations are planned for the Bath Fire Department. A low-interest loan up to $50,000 is being pursued. The monies will be used to install new doors, a new heating system and interior and exterior painting. The loan will be paid for with the rent of the ambulance bay.

According to council member Mike Reph, “There are a lot of small things that can also be done. These small improvements also mean something.”

The next meeting of Bath Borough Council is 7 p.m. May 3 at the Bath municipal building, 215 E. Main St.