At the March 9 Bath Borough Council meeting, a resident pressed council to answer questions about her perception and concerns about the transparency of council and the administration during the courtesy of the floor agenda item.

She was informed the courtesy of the floor is for public comment only, not for council to answer questions. This did not satisfy the resident who asked why council would not answer her questions about transparency.

“Courtesy of the Floor,” or public comment, is a state-mandated period for residents to address officials, governed by the Sunshine Act. It allows for public input on agenda items and general community concerns, according to the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs.

The resident questioned why she cannot get answers without filing a Right to Know request. The Right to Know law mandates most state and local government records be available to the public.

She asked if council allows independent parties to address contested issues presented to council and if council retaliates against a resident who raises an issue. She requested council be aware “transparency increases the public trust.”

The borough solicitor explained the Right to Know law is a vehicle for transparency and reiterated council is not obligated to answer questions during the courtesy of the floor agenda item.

Another resident alerted council there is a sink hole developing on his property that may include another property or two. He was told the borough engineer will evaluate the situation as soon as possible.

Council authorized borough Manager Brad Flynn to advertise for lawn care services for this year’s grass cutting season at the borough parks.

A waiver request was approved for a multifamily property at 403 S. Walnut St. to allow the owner of the apartment building to contract with their own solid waste disposal provider.

A highway operations plan was authorized by council, associated with the Wawa land development plan. Permits are required for work done under, over or within the state right of way involving detailed plans for traffic.

Council authorized a survey and reestablished a private property pin at 102 E, Northampton St., per borough Engineer Ron Madison’s proposal dated Feb. 4 and revised Feb. 10, for a survey cost of $1,240.

Resolution 2026-006 was approved to grant preliminary and final conditional approval for the property at 202 N. Walnut St.

Council approved resolution 2026-007 that lifts the open container restrictions for the Bath Blooms, Brews and BBQ event, scheduled for 1-6 p.m. May 2 at Ciff Cowling Field.

Council approved ordinance 2026-742 that amends the Borough Code of Ordinances by prohibiting certain classes, sizes and types of vehicles and prohibiting parking and stopping on Barrall Avenue.

The next borough council meeting is 6 p.m. April 13 at borough hall, 121 S. Walnut St. It is a hybrid meeting, with both in-person and virtual options. Visit bathborough.org to review the meeting’s agenda and to access the virtual meeting.