Council President Norman Blatt started the first in-person Fountain Hill borough council meeting since the pandemic July 5.

Resident Jeff Remling addressed council once again regarding his concerns of the new Fountain Hill establishment, Gametime Sports Bar and Grill. Memling has stated in prior meetings that he feels the sports bar should not be allowed to open due to zoning regulations he interprets as not being met. Remling has already submitted a formal letter to the council of his complaint. Solicitor Peter Lehr has already advised the council to reject the complaints of Remling and the council has considered the matter closed. Remling brought up an additional concern stating that the bar and grill will be open until 2 a.m. He said the borough has rules about restaurants closing by midnight.

A representative of Gametime Sports and Bar Grill addressed council to state the establishment has endured a great deal of harassment from Remling and recommended that he be removed from the Zoning board.

In contrast, resident and former Zoning Committee member Connie Potts echoed Remling’s concerns about the changes to the Gametime Sports Bar and Grill. “The seating capacity has doubled,” Potts said. “Where is the parking?”

Blatt reiterated that council considers the matter closed.

In her address to council, Mayor Carolee Gifford commended the police department for perpetrators of fireworks over the holiday. “They were so responsive in the borough,” she said. Police Chief Edward Bachert verified that there were 10-12 arrests July 4. The mayor asked that residents who are concerned with the sale of fireworks to contact their legislature officials. The mayor also said she went to Gametime Sports Bar and Grill for the ribbon cutting and that “It is an absolutely beautiful place.” Referring to the owner of the establishment, “From what I’ve seen, he wants to be positive member of the business community.”

Blatt continued, “We wish you well, sir.“

Interim Borough Manager Anthony Branco read a letter to the council from a resident requesting a slowdown sign to be placed on a street in the borough and a motion was passed to approve it.

However, a resident in attendance addressed the council to state a need for her city curb to be painted because numerous residents have received tickets for parking too close to the curb. The council advised that it is a Public Works matter.

Later when the floor was open, a discussion was had about why the same consideration that was given to the slow down sign was not the same as the request for the curb painting. Again, the matter was referred to Public Works.

Reporting for Parks and Recreation, Committee Chair Jamie Johnson announced that the pool is open and is very short staffed. She announced a Fountain Hill resident wants to manage the snack bar at the pool. The motion was approved for the snack bar. Residents will still be able to bring their own food such as sandwiches and snacks, but no coolers are allowed. Currently the pool is in operation with 4-6 lifeguards on duty at any time.

The next meeting is scheduled for July 21 in Borough Hall.