The Bath Borough Council meeting Nov. 2 included a mixture of congratulations and a simmering concern about the fines resulting from the borough’s recent enactment of a quality of life ordinance.

Jimmy Pasquariello, president of Bath Social Hall, addressed council regarding the club’s challenges operating the social hall during the pandemic. Citing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention rules that limit the amount of members and patrons in the hall, he said a significant financial burden had been created since March.

Pasquariello and his team have been solid supporters of Bath Fire Department.

He said, “We wanted to help the fire department” despite its financial challenges and presented council with a $500 check for the fire department.

Council member Carol Bear-Heckman recently hosted a scarecrow contest at Bath Farmers Market. The contest proceeds were earmarked for Bath Fire Department as well. The contest raised $40.25.

Resident Genesis Ortega congratulated Bath Borough, Councilman Frank Hesch and Mayor Fiorella Reginelli-Mirabito for the beautification effort at Creek Road. She noted the trees planted and other changes have improved the appearance of the area.

“I especially want to thank Councilman Frank Hesch for his work there,” Ortega said.

A resident expressed concerns about a fine he received and paid for inadvertently blowing grass trimmings in the street. He acknowledged his error but pointed out he was unaware of the quality of life ordinance that was passed this past summer.

The gentleman said he was not trying to be difficult but added he would have preferred a warning prior to a citation. He felt this sends a bad message when a town makes a decision to fine someone and not tell them. Moving forward, he asked if the ordinance could be revisited to include a warning before a resident is fined.

Wendy Gordon, a representative of an electronic recycling company in Kutztown, requested council consider holding an electronic recycling event for residents. Typically, it is a three-hour event on a Saturday or a weeknight.

The borough would be responsible for advertising. The cost to the borough would be around $650 to $700. There would be no cost to residents. Council President Mark Saginario said council will consider this for the spring.

Councilman Anthony Kovalovsky, in his public works committee report, said the Bath Borough road plan is moving forward. In an effort to inform residents, there are two open meetings planned for public comment. The dates are to be announced.

Monocacy Creek Watershed liaison Hesch noted Monocacy Creek is “a gem running through our borough.” The creek is considered a Class A wild trout water and viewed as the second best wild trout stream in Pennsylvania.

In her mayor’s report, Reginelli-Mirabito complimented Pennsylvania State Police for its presence in Bath on trick-or-treat night. She also thanked the Goldfarb family for its elaborate Halloween display.

Reginelli-Mirabito relayed the story of a Bath child on trick-or-treat night asking the mayor if she can “please fix the basketball court by the dog park because we like to play basketball.” Reginelli-Mirabito said she relayed the request to the recreation committee.

Fire department Chief Chuck Tully, unable to attend the meeting, asked the mayor to announce that residents, for safety, must cover their recreational backyard fires to control sparks. Reginelli-Mirabito requested residents lighting recreational fires also be considerate toward their neighbors.

Saginario asked council to accept the first reading of the no-tax-hike budget for 2021 and to advertise the budget. The first reading was passed unanimously. Saginario also reported all capital projects are on hold until 2021.

The next council meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. Dec. 7. The meeting is a hybrid of in-person and virtual attendance. Visit the borough website, bathborough.org, or call the borough office at 610-837-6525 for the meeting call-in number and access code.