Water Works looks at monthly billing

The Town of Bath Water Department is planning to change from a quarterly billing cycle to a monthly billing cycle on July 1.

Chief Water Operator Terry Largent said the monthly billing will allow him to detect leaks quicker and save money lost when tenants skip out on their water bills.

The Bath Council, meeting on Tuesday evening, April 3, reviewed the proposal to change the town’s water tariff ordinance. The new tariff would not only change the billing cycle, but also increase some service charges including the tap fee.

Mayor Susan Webster referred the proposal for further study to the town’s Water Committee.

Large Cruise-In scheduled
Richard Kesecker of the Mountain State Cruisers classic auto club appeared before council to announce the Cruisers will hold their annual Fathers Day Auto Show on Sunday, June 17. The event will be held in Berkeley Springs State Park and along Washington Street and the west side of Fairfax Street.

For the past several years, the Cruisers have held the event in Hancock. “We haven’t forgotten Hancock, but we wanted to bring it to Berkeley Springs this year,” Kesecker said.

Over a 100 classic cars are expected to be on display and 40 trophies will be awarded to car
owners.

Kesecker asked the council to bag meters on Washington Street adjacent to the park and on both sides of West Fairfax Street. Cars will park diagonally on Fairfax Street, Kesecker said.

The council agreed to have police bag the meters the night before the event.

Webster asked Kesecker to visit local businesses and let them know the parking plans for the day.

Speeding on Independence Street
Town resident Lynn Creel asked the council to crack down on speeders coming down the hill on Independence Street.

She said a very dangerous situation exists at the intersection of Harrison, Green and Independence streets for both pedestrians and pets. Her cat was killed there recently by a speeding vehicle.

In addition to setting up radar at the intersection, the suggestion was made to place one of the town’s electronic speed indicator signs on Independence Street to alert drivers of their rate of speed.

Webster referred the issue to the Public Safety Committee. Committee chairman Ken Easton said he would talk to Chief Pearrell about getting the electronic speed sign repaired.

Dumpster trash rates
The council held the first reading of an amendment to the town’s garbage collection ordinance. The amendment will set new rates for pickup from the larger six-yard capacity dumpsters.

The smaller four-yard capacity dumpsters have separate rates for pickup intervals of one, two or three times a week.

The six-yard dumpsters have only one rate and the council decided to set the rate schedule for the larger dumpsters the same as the smaller dumpsters.

The second reading of the amendment to the ordinance will be held at the April 17 council meeting.

Lighting for Mercer Street
The council voted to allow Mayor Webster to sign a resolution in support of an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant. The grant application is for eight streetlights along Mercer Street as part of the Streetscape project.

Make-it-Shine
The town has received all the supplies needed for the Make-it-Shine event to be held in town on Saturday, April 14 between 9 a.m. and noon.

Volunteers are still needed and those interested should contact the Bath Police Department.

Councilman resigns
Citing both work related and personal issues, Councilman David Bowers submitted a letter of resignation that was accepted by the council. There are no plans at this point to fill the vacant council seat, Webster said.