At the Aug. 11 Bath Borough Council meeting, council struggled with a proposed ordinance. Ordinance 738 establishes approved parking surfaces, prohibits parking on grass and soils and establishes penalties for parking on unapproved surfaces.

The borough reportedly needs to have this ordinance to assist in keeping the borough in compliance with stormwater management regulations of the Clean Water Act. Rain runoff can carry pollutants into the stormwater management system. If tested by the state, this could find the borough out of compliance and at risk for fines.

The ordinance was on the council meeting’s agenda for a vote to advertise. Council President Frank Hesch introduced the ordinance, adding residents at the meeting might want to ask questions. He noted he was mildly troubled by this ordinance proposal.

A number of residents voiced their thoughts. One resident said he thought the ordinance is intrusive and the language harsh. He and others questioned the large fines and imprisonment for violations of the ordinance that are seen as excessive.

The borough solicitor noted the fine would not necessarily be $1,000, but up to $1,000, or imprisonment up to whatever the length of time is to be. He said the violation is a summary offense with the goal of resident compliance.

A summary offense is the lowest level of criminal charges in Pennsylvania. Convictions typically result in fines, but some summary offenses can also lead to a short jail sentence. Summary offenses include failure to pay parking tickets, public drunkenness, retail theft, underage drinking and more.

The progression would be alerting the resident of the violation, without a fine. If not corrected within a set time, a citation with a fine would be given. If compliance does not occur, then the resident would be sent to the magisterial district justice, who would assess a fine.

Borough Manager Brad Flynn noted the district justice picks the amount of the fine up to $1,000. Flynn noted a recent district justice encounter resulted in a $1 fine.

Residents asked how long can someone park their car in their backyard; what if my driveway is stone and is that considered like being on grass; and what happens if a person has a party in their backyard and has people parking in their yard and more.

After much discussion, it was suggested the fine should be $50, with a $500 maximum, assessed by the district justice. The ordinance was tabled until the September meeting to allow the borough solicitor to adjust the language of the ordinance based on resident input.

Council voted to advertise ordinance 739, amending the borough code of ordinances by adding a new Chapter 427 to adopt an official map depicting existing public streets, parks, trails and other public land and for the reservation of land for potential future public streets, public grounds, conservation lands, recreational and open space lands and other public uses.

Ordinance 740 reorganizes park names, lists park addresses, establishes designated park facilities and identifies the borough park system. Council approved this ordinance.

Council tabled ordinance 741 amending the borough zoning map.

All resolutions and ordinances are available by visiting bathborough.org or calling the borough office.

Council approved, with conditional approval and the development of an ordinance, to make Elm Street one-way traffic, going eastbound.

The community and economic development committee report noted the borough’s Old Home Weekend is planned for Sept. 18-21 at Ciff Cowling Field, Allen Street. It is billed as a reunion, providing fun, food, an outdoor movie, outdoor music and fellowship.

No council action was taken about the borough council’s junior councilmember, who leads the Bath free market. She requested permission to include for-profit businesses to have a presence at the market. The market would follow the guidelines of the farmers market.

The free market is held 10 a.m.-1 p.m. the second Saturday of every month from May through September at Keystone Park. Visit bathborough.org for information.

The next Bath Borough Council meeting is set for 6 p.m. Sept. 8 at borough hall, 121 S. Walnut St. It is a hybrid meeting, both in-person and on YouTube. Visit bathborough.org to review the meeting’s agenda and how to access the meeting virtually.