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FEBRUARY 15-21, 2024
Cement Worker of the Month: Michael Ruzicka, Holcim, Cementon
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Bath Borough Council hears Police study presentation
(From left to right) Back: Solicitor James F. Kratz, Manager Bradford T. Flynn, Junior Councilwoman Lilah J. Goldfarb, Councilman James Lisiecki, Councilwoman Samantha L. Angst, Councilman Douglas Hamadyk, Councilwoman Lauren Bullsnake, Secretary Tanya Lamparter and Engineer Ronald B. Madison Front: Mayor Fiorella R. Mirabito, President Frank Hesch III, Vice President Michele Ehrgott and Council President Pro Tempore Emanuel Mirabito
Michael Ruzicka By ED PANY Mr. Michael Ruzicka was raised in Allen Township, graduating from Northampton High School in 2002. He recalled, “I enjoyed history class and weight lifting.” After high school, Mike attended Kutztown University and graduated with a business degree in 2006. During the summers he worked at Lafarge, now Holcim Cement in Cementon. He started his cement career as a shift supervisor in 2006, learning the entire plant operation. He also was trained to operate the control room, the heart of the plant. Mike said, “Bruce Miller trained me in the control room operation. You are always learning, something is always happening with safety, [which is] a major priority.” Erik Bammer also shared his skills with him. The control room personnel includes Brian Kaintz, Aaron Stalhnecker and Steve Paponick, a very
close-knit group of men. Mike also works closely with Mike Payran. Each day there are morning safety updates on any problems. The plant is inspected each year by federal regulatory agencies. Mr. Ruzicka has pride in the plant, saying, “I work with a great group of men and we hopefully make a contribution to the overall operation of the plant.” Mr. Ruzicka’s father Sam worked at the cement plant for 35 years and passed on his dedication and work ethic to Mike. He was Cement Worker of the Month a few years ago and was a fine student of this writer. Mr. Mike Ruzicka has been married to the former Ms. Kathleen Handwerk for 18 years. She is employed by Lehigh Valley Health Network. The friendly couple resides in Alburtis. We wish continued success to Mr. Ruzicka and all our friends at the century-old Cementon plant.
By SAVANNAH BROWN The Bath Borough Council met Monday, February 12 to discuss the 2023 police services study, announcements and various policies and ordinances. First, Police Peer Consultant, Po-
lice Chief David A. Mettin of the Pa. Department of Community and Economic Development Governor’s Center for Local Government Services provided a presentation on the recommendation for police services within the borough based on a study
conducted in 2023. Mettin reported: “The Pennsylvania State Police responded to or investigated an average of 762 incidents yearly while the Colonial Regional Police Department responded to or Continued on page 3
East Allen Supervisors discuss Active adult community along Bath Pike, review revised plans By KERI LINDENMUTH During the February 8 East Allen Township Board of Supervisors meeting, representatives from Traditions of America presented revised plans for a 55-plus active adult community along Locust Road and Bath Pike. The revised plans called for 350 active adult homes at the southern end of the property and 250 singlefamily homes to the north. During the meeting, Timothy McCarthy of Traditions of America said this new plan would create diversity in housing and demographics. While current zoning would allow for
as many as 1,016 active adult homes on the 250-acre property by right, McCarthy requested the township approve a zoning amendment allowing for more single-family homes, decreasing the density. McCarthy told the board that “[1,016 homes] is a lot” for one demographic in one location. Original plans presented before the board in December 2023 requested a mixed-used allowance for townhomes and apartments, but developers realized these properties would not benefit the township or Traditions of America.
“I don’t think our multi-family proposal was well thought out,” said McCarthy. While supervisors agreed that an active adult community would benefit the township, they worried that more single-family homes would hurt infrastructure. Continued on page 5
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