Years of bickering over a $350,000 bathroom complex for Bethlehem Township’s athletic fields may have finally come to an end. On June 4, commissioners voted unanimously to seek bids for a mobile restroom that would include four toilets and a big ADA-compliant toilet, complete with a wheelchair ramp, for someone who is disabled. PPIS Director Steve Hunsberger presented the options to commissioners. He predicted that they could probably purchase a trailer for about $42,000, and place it on a concrete pad. It will take about 16 weeks to arrive once it’s ordered.

Hunsberger knows only one company that manufactures this miracle of modern plumbing. It’s called UltraLav. Their mobile lavatory can be connected and disconnected to water and sewer at will. The plan is to use this bathroom during youth sports athletic contests like softball or football.

The township has been renting porta-potties. But as many can attest, they tend to smell on warmer days. It’s a smell that would outlast religion.

“I think it’s a great idea,” said President Mike Hudak of the mobile restroom. He said he really liked the idea that it is portable and can be moved to different events, like Community Days or a Housenick Park chili festival. That way you could “spread the wealth.”

“But is it jail grade?” asked John Merhotten. Hunsberger replied that there are simple white sinks. Nothing frilly.

“But is it jail grade?” asked Merhotten again. He eventually explained he was looking for the cheapest model available, not one that includes Bubba.

That’s what the township will get, according to Hunsberger.

Hudak said he has considerable personal experience with these portable restrooms, which he gained during numerous hunting expeditions. He conceded that they do get dirty, “but you just go in with a hose and in five minutes they are sparkly and clean.”

In other business, commissioners voted unanimously to seek guidance from PennDOT for a flashing beacon on Freemansburg Avenue that would go off when the Bethlehem Township Volunteer Fire Company responds to a call. “Anything that would make things safer for our firefighters would be something I’d embrace,” said John Gallagher.

They also voted unanimously to purchase three “No Littering” signs to place along the roadways leading to the bike path along the old canal trail. Malissa Davis suggested a separate sign asking visitors to pick up after their dogs, who are unable to use the portable restroom.

Finally, commissioners are seeking carpentry bids for the Archibald Johnston Mansion and applying for a hotel tax grant to assist in the renovation of the mansion.