JULY 10-16, 2014 Your Local News
50 cents Rock, Rhythm and Blues Free Community Festival in Nazareth
The Home News –Photo by Tina Smith
Bath Council approves ordinances, Resolutions on number of issues
By BILL HALBFOERSTER The Home News
ROW OF AMERICAN FLAGS are shown flying at Kicker’s Pub on the square in Bath for the 4th of July weekend. – Home News photo
Although two members of Bath Borough Council were away on vacation, those who were on hand had a busy night at their monthly meeting on Monday. They had ordinances and resolutions to deal with, some of which have been controversial issues over the past few months. First ordinance that was adopted exempts open/closed signs that are on walls of businesses and establishes regulations on signs. Letters will be sent out to the businesses, letting them know the regulations. Second was a law regulating air pollution and prohibiting open burning within the borough. A third changes the time
that businesses and residents can put their garbage out, changing the earliest time from 5 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays for Wednesday pick-up. Since that has been debatable, Council had representatives of trash hauler, J. P. Mascaro & Sons, come to answer questions and complaints that were raised. Councilman Mark Saginario told them that on Chestnut St. where he lives the pick-up sometimes occurs on a Thursday and he also found trash that is thrown around. Council President Robert Fields reported that a Mascaro worker threw a garbage can on to the truck, but garbage fell on the street. Councilman Mike Reph also found trash in the street. Saginario said he wouldn’t vote to renew their contract if something is not done about
Moore Township supervisors Do work on three ordinances
By BILL HALBFOERSTER The Home News
Moore Township’s Board of Supervisors this past Tuesday discussed one proposed ordinance, voted to advertise another, and amended a third at their monthly meeting. Up for further discussion was an ordinance that would allow drinking of alcoholic beverages at the recreation park pavilion and its parking lot when a $50 permit is taken out for use of the pavilion. The ordinance as proposed would amend a previous ordinance, which did not allow any drinking in the recreation area. Even in its new form, no liquor or beer could be sold there. Supervisor Dan Piorkowski questioned about beer being sold for the 250th anniversary, when it is celebrated in 2015. Chairman David Tashner said the ordinance could be worded for the anniversary only. So the law will be given more discussion with solicitor David Backenstoe until a satisfactory draft can be brought to the township meeting. The supervisors did vote to advertise a garbage ordinance. It requires every property owner or resident to contract with a private
hauler, or if they take it to some work place for disposal they would need a note to that effect for the township. Backenstoe said it would be a self-policing ordinance. The flood plain ordinance that the township had in effect was amended to conform to the revised regulations of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and that was approved. Still another ordinance on non-uniform pensions was to be advertised for a special meeting on July 11. If approved, it would put $2.50 an hour for all township employees into an annuity. A resolution was noted that would allow local police to use radar, just as State Police do, in checking motorists’ speeding. There are two bills in the state Legislature about it, S.B. 1340 and H.B. 1272. Other Matters • Tashner said work has been completed on gravel roads that needed spring repairs. The public works department will also be working on blow-outs. They are working with Bushkill Township to complete paving on Johnson Rd. for $17,000. • While there was no report from the First Regional Compost Authority, it was noted that
these complaints. He suggested a corrective action plan. The Mascaro representative said they get weekly reports and the problems will be resolved. Mascaro’s contract extends to 2016. After that scenario, Council later took action on collection of sanitation fees from delinquent property owners. Two attorneys from Portnoff Law Associates reported how they deal with delinquencies, not only in this case, but also with school taxes, water and sewer bills that go far beyond the payment deadline. They said the typical response is 40%. If there is no response, a lien is filed and served by the sheriff. The sheriff’s sale would be the last step. Continued on page 6
there has been some illegal dumping of grass and sod. The cooperation of the public is needed so that this is not repeated. • A representative of the Environmental Advisory Council reported that a newsletter on EAC activities has been printed. Residents were complimented for getting in articles for it. The recent recycling event went very well with assistance from local Boy Scouts. • Sterling Laubach reported for the recreation commission that the Northampton High School football team wants to play two football games on the township recreation area fields. It was approved. In other items, it was noted that a permit is required for use of the recreation pavilion. . . .Ralph Kocher is the new president of Northampton soccer and the spring soccer has started. . . .On July 12-13 there will be a softball tour-
Nazareth Concerns raised about local police. Page 10
Community Fabey Denistry free services a success. Page 15
Awards NCC-PASR supports local education. Page 2
73rd Year, Issue No. 28 www.homenewspa.com
ERVICE Continued on page 3
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