Bath Borough Council meetings tend toward a collegial, friendly bantering and mild humor among council, the mayor and attendees. This meeting, for a few moments, departed from the typical meeting experience.

It began during the courtesy of the floor section of the agenda. Jim Pasquariello, president of Bath Social Club, rose for two reasons.

He congratulated council and the mayor for the recent successful vaccine clinic held at the social hall for Bath residents and residents of surrounding communities. Pasquariello then advocated for the canceling of this year’s Spuds and Suds Festival, a popular event held in August.

At this meeting, council had planned to reconsider a recent decision to possibly cancel Spuds and Suds.

The one-day street festival is a growing, successful event that features live music, good food and drink to honor the local potato industry. It was canceled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the Spuds and Suds discussion, a number of Greater Bath Area Chamber of Commerce representatives, various business leaders and members of the Spuds and Suds committee presented their plan to hold a safe one-day summer festival.

A safety plan was developed specifically for Spuds and Suds. The plan included expanding the area of the festival so social distancing can occur, decentralizing the entertainment and monitoring for mask compliance.

The plan called for additional restrooms and hand-washing stations and possible limits on attendance numbers.

Chamber representatives ended their presentation by saying communication is key to a successful outside event, adding marketing before the event is important. A slogan was advanced - “Be a good Spuddie. Mask up and socially distance.”

Next up were several Bath small-business owners.

Their comments included that by August, things may be much safer; a second year of cancellation is not good; if canceled this year, the festival might not come back; and small-business owners noted they heard no residents saying to cancel Spuds and Suds.

It was pointed out the attendance may be lower because of safety concerns and to let the people make their decision whether or not to attend.

It was also noted numerous events such as Musikfest and other local community festivals in the Lehigh Valley planned in August are moving forward. On April 10, Catasauqua Borough and Whitehall Area Chamber of Commerce held the StrEAT Fest, an event similar to Spuds and Suds.

Residents at the meeting shared there is a sense of community at the event.

On resident said, “We need the morale back in the community.”

Another attendee added, “It is too early to make a call on this. The plans should continue.”

Council President Mark Saginario asked for a motion to continue the planning of the 2021 Spuds and Suds event. A motion was made and was seconded by Saginario.

A roll-call vote was taken with Saginario and Carol Bear-Heckman voting to continue planning. Phyllis Andrews, Frank Hesch, Barry Fenstermaker, Michele Ehrgott and Tony Kovalovsky voted to cease the planning for the 2021 Spuds and Suds event, thereby effectively canceling this year’s festival.

At the conclusion of the Spuds and Suds discussion and vote, Saginario noted this is a difficult issue with “strong feelings, and I thank all for a respectful discussion.”

Eric Miller, leader of Bath Allen Youth Club, addressed council, noting the number of kids signed up this year is expected to reach 100. This is the club’s third year as Bath Allen Youth Club. In 2019, Miller said, 35 kids participated in the program. The 2020 season was completely canceled due to the pandemic.

For 2021, Miller said the opening day is 9 a.m. May 8 at Horwith Park, East Allen Township.

Mayor Fiorella Reginelli-Mirabito donated $500 from her mayor’s fund to Bath Allen Youth Club, it was mentioned.

In other news, for the personnel, finance and administration committee, Saginario reported the committee plans to eliminate compensation time and install overtime pay in lieu of comp time. Saginario explained the workforce is too small to accommodate the scheduling of comp time.

Andrews reported an electronic recycling pickup event is planned with Moore Township, East Allen Township and Chapman Borough for June 12 at Bath Borough Hall. Northampton County plans to assist with costs. Details are being worked out.

In her mayor’s report, Reginelli-Mirabito urged residents to call the Pennsylvania State Police nonemergency number if they see suspicious activity or what they think may be a crime occurring.

“If you see something, please call the state police,” Reginelli-Mirabito said, explaining if residents don’t call in an issue, police won’t be aware of the problem.

Council is considering four ordinance amendments. One is amending the parking lots ordinance; the second amending chapter 152 of the pensions ordinance; the third amending the property maintenance ordinance to include the 2021 International Property Maintenance Code; and the fourth creating an accessible parking spot at 273 Penn St.

For additional information about the ordinance amendments, contact the borough office.

The next council meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. May 3. It is a hybrid meeting, with both in-person and Zoom virtual attendance available. Visit bathborough.org for the call-in number and access codes.