Councilman Frank Hesch, the main proponent of holding a Bath homecoming 2022 event, shared the planning committee’s early ideas at the Sept. 8 Bath Borough Council meeting.

It was discovered a homecoming event used to be held in the borough about 100 years ago to encourage former Bath residents to come back and celebrate the town.

According to Hesch, the tentative plans are to hold the borough homecoming celebration Aug. 14-20, 2022.

Plans include a bicycle parade, bonfire, softball tournament and a Friday night dance. The weeklong event will culminate with the borough’s Spuds and Suds street festival.

“This will be a nice way for everyone to get together,” Hesch noted.

He asked for more residents to get involved with the planning of the event. Call the borough office at 610-837-6525 to join the homecoming committee.

Hesch also noted the historic district signs are ordered, and park/direction signs are ready for purchase.

The fall town cleanup throughout Bath is scheduled for 9 a.m. Oct. 23. Volunteers are asked to meet at borough hall. Refuse bags, safety vests and other supplies will be provided by the borough.

In other business, several residents voiced complaints about the parking challenges in the Old Forge district. Solutions to the long-standing parking issues in that neighborhood have reportedly been complicated and elusive.

Challenges include short driveways, narrow streets, multicar families, large pickup trucks and some residents reported as acting “testy” toward neighbors over parking problems.

Borough Manager Brad Flynn noted there are a number of scenarios to address the parking problems, but no decisions have been made moving forward.

Council President Michele Ehrgott said the personnel, finance and administration committee is working on employee evaluations and the 2022 borough budget and reviewing the quality of life ordinance.

Councilwoman Phyllis Andrews announced a shredding event and electronics pickup is planned for Nov. 13. More information is forthcoming.

Andrews also announced the First Regional Compost Authority has an abundance of mulch for residents to pick up. The mulch is free, but residents must load the mulch themselves. FRCA is located at 6701 Weaversville Road, Northampton.

Mayor Fiorella Reginelli-Mirabito said she has received a number of complaints regarding speeding on Route 248. The complaints were relayed to the Pennsylvania State Police.

Council Vice President Barry Fenstermaker said there is lingering vandalism occurring in the borough’s parks. Reginelli-Mirabito noted recently installed cameras at various parks are working well and providing leads to combat criminal mischief. She said those apprehended will be prosecuted.

The mayor implored residents if they “see something, say something” as a way to address criminal behavior.

Resolution 2021-011 was passed. It allows three land parcels to be joined into two parcels as defined in the resolution. A copy of the resolution is available from the borough office.

Council passed Ordinance 2021-711 amending and restating Chapter 497 titled Residential Rental License & Inspection Ordinance.

Council also passed Ordinance 2021-712 amending Chapter 190 titled Salaries and Compensation, which revises council member and mayor compensation payments quarterly in accordance with the borough code.

Copies of these ordinances are available on the borough website, bathborough.org.

The next Bath Borough Council meeting is 6 p.m. Oct. 4 in council chambers, 121 S. Walnut St.