In an eyebrow-raising surprise at its Sept. 3 meeting, Bath Borough Council deemed all three bids for sanitation services as deficient.

Deficiencies included spill remediation and waste hauling license issues.

All three companies must submit new bids by Oct. 7 when they will be considered at the next council meeting.

“We were surprised by this,” Marena Rasmus, office administrator, said after the meeting. “These are established haulers. Now, we are on a tight timeline.”

Two years ago, JP Mascaro & Sons was the successful bidder over Waste Management by a scant 18 cents per household. Rasmus said this year’s bids, although deficient and requiring rebidding, were competitive.

In other business, the public safety committee met and had the possible parking meter installation in the business area on the agenda. No decisions were made. The potential ordinance being considered is Proposed Ordinance No. 2019-68X amending Chapter 625, Article V, adding a section titled “On-street and borough owned property lot metered parking.”

Council’s 2020 budget negotiations are occurring. Rasmus said the talks are proceeding and going well. She noted council’s goal is to hold the line on taxes for the 2020 budget. Council is hoping to increase its “rainy day” and capital accounts.

The Bath Museum committee has been requesting a key and key fob to the room housing historical artifacts in borough hall. When 501(c)3 status is achieved, the group will receive the requested keys.

The Nazareth Area Council of Governments report included a brief discussion about its efforts to develop a regional comprehensive plan and the animal control officer. NAZCOG members can choose to engage the animal control officer services for a modest fee. Bath chose to engage.

The animal control officer deals only with dogs. Rasmus said there are discussions about dealing with feral cat issues in the borough.

In her report, Mayor Fiorella Reginelli-Mirabito announced the grand opening of the much-desired and delayed dog park called Paw Park will be 3 p.m. Oct. 13. Food and refreshments will be served to attendees.

The next Bath Borough Council meeting is 6:30 p.m. Oct. 7 in Bath Borough Hall, 121 S. Walnut St.