Moore Township Warehouse Ordinance Amendments, Page 5
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JULY 29-AUGUST 4, 2021
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Bath Council introduces rental Inspection ordinance to residents By KERI LINDENMUTH The Bath Borough Council held an educational session on Tuesday, July 20, to introduce residents to the proposed rental inspection ordinance. This ordinance, which has been in the works for over a year, is “for the health, safety, and welfare of our citizens,” said Council President Michele Ehrgott. The Borough of Bath is home to 423 known rental units, as of 2015. Under the ordinance, it will be the responsibility of the property owner or manager to keep the property up to local, state, and federal standards. The goals of the ordinance, as stated by Ehrgott, are to eliminate disruptive conduct, ensure a safe living environment, maintain fire safety, ensure properties have proper insurance coverage and up-to-date licenses, ensure properties have trash and recycling services, and limit the number of occupants within units. The ordinance will
also work to eliminate absentee landlords, requiring owners not within 20 miles of the borough to designate property managers. While the ordinance is still in its early stages, council has already decided upon an application system. Under the ordinance, existing and new units will have 60 days to fully complete rental license applications for each unit. The proposed fee is $80 per unit per calendar year, though this rate is subject to change. This charge will be paid for by the landlord and it will cover up to two inspections. Renewal of the rental license will be required by December 31 of each year. New rental units licensed after July 1 will pay half the application fee. All units will require an inspection during the first year of the ordinance. The property owner will be given 10-days’ written notice prior to inspection and they must provide the occupant notice within three days. Their rental
license could be revoked if this is not adhered to. After the first year, units will require inspection every three years, though an inspection can be carried out if there is a written request by the occupant. Enforcement will be carried out by the borough’s code enforcement officer. If a violation is found, the owner has 20 days to remediate it. If not, the code enforcer may revoke the rental license. There is a charge of $150 for license reinstatement. Landlords and occupants must also follow a “three-strikes” policy for behavioral issues. If occupants are found to be disturbing the peace or violating drug laws, an eviction notice could be issued if there are three strikes within 12 months. “For too long, it has been the Wild West,” said Councilman Frank Hesch. “We have a responsibility to protect residents and Continued on page 2
Tickets still available for Annual Great Bath Duck Race
Submitted by SARAH FULTON The Great Bath Duck Race takes place Friday, July 30 and first prize wins $250 cash. The annual event is a fundraiser for the non-profit Bath Farmers' Market. Participants have up until race time, at 4:30 p.m. Friday, to purchase a chance for $5. The ducks hit the water at Monocacy Creek Park and
the owner of the first one across the finish line wins $250 cash. There are more than 20 other prizes for the runners-up, from restaurant gift cards and gift baskets, to newspaper subscriptions, t-shirts and farmers’ market items. The event benefits the producer-only farmers’ market in its 14th season. The market is held Fridays, mid-May through
September from 3 to 6 p.m. at Keystone Park. Winners will be announced there immediately following the race. Participants do not need to be present to win. Tickets can be purchased at Bath Farmers’ Market and the following locations: Daily Grind, Wunderler's Market, My Place Restaurant and S. Seem Antiques.
Looking by Back Ed Pany Kohl-a-daal series Part 5
Tom and Leona Sabia met while building aircraft for World War II. Photo courtesy of Larry Oberly. This series is dedicated to the memory of Leona Sabia, whose life is a major part of these columns. In today’s column, I am speaking to Ms. Lila Sabia, whose family lineage dates back to Heinrich Kohl, former farmer and veteran of the Revolutionary War. Her mother, Leona Vogel Sabia, lived with her sister Virginia on the family farm on Stagecoach Road, north of Kreidersville. She and her sister, along with friends, walked to Northampton High School from Kreidersville. If she was lucky, her father, Tilghman Vogel, would drop her off at the high school on Lincoln Avenue when he delivered milk to
Northampton Dairy. There was no bus transportation! She graduated in 1942. The school principal was Mr. Ira Shaeffer; the superintendent was Dr. George Eichler. Leona’s first job was at the ribbon mill in Catasauqua. The mill helped make parachutes for the military during World War II. Continued on page 2
80th Year, Issue No. 30 www.homenewspa.com
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PHOTO OF THE MONTH CONTEST August’s theme is sUNFLOWERS! Photos MUST INCLUDE SUNFLOWERS Deadline - August 23 • Winner featured in AUGUST 26 issue. Email photos to cstroh@homenewspa.com to enter Please include: Contact info, description of photo and date and location taken.