Bath officials consider adding band stage at park
During budget discussions at the Sept. 9 Bath Borough Council meeting, council President Frank Hesch pitched the idea of adding funding for the development or construction of a permanent entertainment structure. The permanent band stage would be at Ciff Cowling Park, 301 Allen St.
Hesch noted, because there is already a baseball field announcer booth with electricity, it could be possible to expand the structure with a concrete pad and a roof to create a building.
Council raised questions about the final construction costs and whether increased bands might bring noise complaints from nearby residents. It was suggested much of the labor to construct the building could be from Bath volunteers.
Volunteers stepped forward to assist with the renovation of the building that now houses Bath Borough Hall. The volunteer efforts saved the borough taxpayers thousands of dollars in construction labor costs.
Borough Manager Bradley Flynn was authorized to possibly execute an agreement with the Barry Isett Group to complete structural and electrical design plans for the proposed Ciff Cowling bandshell project. The agreement is planned not to exceed $10,500.
In other business, the Bath Republican Club representatives awarded a check to council in the amount off $1,500 for improvements to the historic Siegfried log cabin at the western end of Main Street.
Council tabled two potential motions for the Siegfried cabin, one to provide a pre-restoration asbestos containing materials inspection and the second to have the Barry Isett Group complete a feasibility study of the log cabin. The total cost of both potential motions was $7,300.
Council authorized Flynn to execute an agreement between Bath Borough and Colliers Engineering and Design to assemble a design for the borough building and fire house/public works building backup generator. The cost is expected to be $6,500.
Resolution 2024-007 was approved to provide for a temporary suspension of open-container laws in specified areas.
Resolution 2024-008 appointed Susan Simon to Bath Borough Planning Commission.
Resolution 2024-009 was tabled, based on Solicitor James Kratz’s recommendation to add public works employees as parking code officials. Kratz indicated he needed more time to investigate the issue.
Council approved the advertising of ordinance 2024-736 to organize a Bath Storm Water Management Authority.
Three members were appointed to the pending Bath Borough Storm Water Authority. Emanuel Mirabito was appointed as the president for a one-year term. Lauren Bullsnake was appointed for a three-year term, and Sam Angst was appointed for a five-year term to the authority.
Council approved a request for a time extension for a SALDO application for the proposed preliminary/final land subdivision application for 450 N. Chestnut St.
The next borough council meeting is set for 6 p.m. Oct. 16 at borough hall, 121 S. Walnut St. The meeting’s audio recording is available at YouTube or by visiting bathborough.org.