Work in The woods At Indian Trail Park
Northampton County Seniors
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The Home News Your Local News
JUNE 14-20, 2018
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Northampton Mayor Vetoes rental Ordinance, heated Discussion ensues
Nora Yost of Bath.
Bath Farmers’ Market Announces winner of Little Miss Strawberry contest
submitted by SARAH FULTON Bath Farmers' Market is pleased to announce the winner of the second annual Little Miss Strawberry Contest. Four-year-old Nora Yost of Bath was awarded first prize, which included a gift basket and a pint of strawberries from Twin Maple Farms, as well as a tiara and sash. Ten-year-old Mercy of Bath and 23 month old Charlotte of Northampton came in second and third respectively. Members of the market steering committee voted on the con-
testants whose only task was to arrive in their "berry best" attire to be presented to the crowd. The market organizers thank the children and their parents for their participation and support. The contest is a recent addition to the markets Strawberry Fest which also featured strawberry white chocolate peanut butter at the Peanut Butter and& More booth and strawberry pistachio biscotti at Annarella's Bakery. Check the Market calendar for upcoming festivals and events at www.facebook.com/BathFarmersMarketPA.
By KERI LINDENMUTH Northampton’s Mayor Thomas Reenock vetoed the borough’s rental inspection ordinance shortly after it was approved by council during its May 17 meeting, which made for a very heated debate during council’s June 7 meeting. With Mayor Reenock’s veto, council now must approve the ordinance with all members present and a majority plus one vote. With an eight-member council, this means the ordinance can only be approved by a 6-2 vote. In May, three members of council voted against the ordinance. Many residents who spoke up during the meeting spoke in favor of the ordinance. They spoke of the safety of residents and tenants and compared the ordinance to car inspections: something that has to be done every year in order to ensure drivers are safe. “By passing this ordinance, you are going to be affecting the lives of people for generations,” said one resident. Residents also spoke out against an alleged conflict of interest. One unnamed councilman is a landlord in the borough. Residents said he should have recused himself from the vote. One resident, who began reciting a code of ethics, was asked to stop speaking by borough solicitor Steven Goudsouzian. Goudsouzian previously ruled in favor of allowing the unnamed councilman to vote. This angered residents, many of whom shouted out during public
comment and demanded the resident be allowed to speak. “If one of the [council] members are a landlord,” continued one resident, “you should recuse yourself and step aside.” Councilwoman Judy Kutzler, who has adamantly supported the ordinance, left the meeting following council’s actions toward the resident.
----------------------I need one thing to veto. I gave you a multitude of sins here… My vote is already in. You need to change it. Mayor Reenock. ----------------------“As mayor, my position is to inspire public health,” said Mayor Reenock. However, he listed an abundance of objections to the way the ordinance intends to do this. “We are headed in the right direction. Unfortunately, we are headed in the wrong way.” His primary objections are that the borough has safety codes it is currently not enforcing. He also said the borough’s code enforcer has no certification and was not advertised to the public. He also mentioned the public did not have proper say in the ordinance. Councilman Robert McHale questioned the mayor’s objections. He said the code enforcer, Fire Chief Keith Knoblach, is “nothing more than qualified” Continued on page 2
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