At the Bath Borough Council Oct. 14 meeting, council discussed the complexities of the planning and coordination of a Hometown Heroes banner program.

The program was suggested to the borough by the Bath American Legion Eckley E. Patch Post 470. Hometown Heroes is typically run by towns and cities to honor local veterans, first responders and/or law enforcement. Council embraced the concept of developing a Hometown Heroes program for military veterans and service members only.

The American Legion requested the banners be placed on poles in the borough by next year’s 250th celebration of America’s birthday.

One issue of concern is where to place the banners. There was an option to have them either at Ciff Cowling Park or on poles within the borough. It was reported that placing the banners in the park would require the purchase of additional new poles.

The challenge of having the banners on the borough street poles is there are already flags on poles, including room needed for the Christmas holiday banners. The discussion led to a suggestion to have American flags on poles street-side while the Hometown Heroes banners would be on the sidewalk side.

Because of the challenges, it was suggested the project could be postponed until a thoughtful decision can be developed and completed. Council President Frank Hesch said the utility company will need to be contacted to approve the use of any poles where a banner could be placed.

Council voted to delay moving forward with the Hometown Heroes banner program and will reconsider it at a later date.

In the public comment agenda item at the beginning of the meeting, a resident commented ordinance 740, planned for advertisement and eventual approval, is an alleged example of reported government overreach by regulating the parking of vehicles in a yard. She said she sees this ordinance as a violation of personal property rights.

Later in the meeting, council tabled a vote on ordinance 740, due to timing issues because of the road construction in the borough that will lead to potentially increased parking issues. The genesis of the ordinance is an effort to address requirements of the MS4, stormwater management regulations.

It was announced the water authority is raising fees by 8%, beginning in 2026. Customers will receive written notices about the fee hike by the end of 2025.

Mayor Fiorella Reginelli Mirabito said Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Jason Troutman planned to present comprehensive police data about Bath’s crime experience at the next Bath council meeting.

Council approved authorizing borough Manager Brad Flynn to execute an agreement between Bath and Anthony Panuccio, of Driverlocker, to provide IT services, setting contract terms and conditions.

Council authorized payment to Rybnick Mechanical in the amount of $25,023.06, as certified by the borough’s special project manager, Amanda Beaumont, dated Oct. 8.

A payment to Billitier Electric in the amount of $162,677.63, as certified by the borough engineer and per Collier’s Engineering and Design memorandum dated Oct. 9, was council approved.