Last Updated: October 25, 2024
This committee webpage has been created to provide Borough residents the latest information regarding the Borough’s ongoing development of its Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) program. MS4 programs are unfunded state/federal mandates that must be adhered to by the Borough to stay compliant with state and federal stormwater protection laws.
Over the last several years, Bath, as a mandated MS4 community, is required to re-submit its National Pollution Discharge and Elimination System (NPDES) permit. The latest permit requires the Borough to develop and implement a Pollution Reduction Plan or PRP.
In 2022, Bath had submitted its new NPDES permit and PRP to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) for approval. Both, the NPDES permit and PRP were approved in late 2022. Bath’s NPDES permit is active as of January 1, 2023. NPDES permits are granted in five-year terms.
Click here for more information on Bath’s NPDES permit and PRP.
A Borough Council sub-committee, known as the Public Works & Facilities Committee, was re-organized in July of 2023 to become the MS4 Committee. The MS4 Committee is an advisory or recommending body to Borough Council to handle matters regarding the Borough’s storm sewer system program.
The MS4 Committee reports monthly to Borough Council on the following issues: MS4 program development objectives and setting goals, reviewing progress, reviewing Bath’s NPDES permit for compliance, to recommend implementation of the Borough’s PRP capital improvements, and plan for future storm sewer operational maintenance activity.
Borough Council, in conjunction with the MS4 Committee, work together to ensure Bath’s NPDES permit requirements are met by or before its 2027 deadline.
MS4 Committee Members:
- Manny Mirabito, Chairperson
- Frank Hesch, Committee Member
- Lauren Bullsnake, Committee Member
- Samatha Angst, Committee Member
- Bradford Flynn, Borough Manager – Committee Member
- Ron Madison, P.E., Borough Engineer – Committee Member
- James Kratz, Esq. Borough Solicitor – (As needed.)
The MS4 Committee is scheduled to meet on the 4th Monday of each month at 121 S. Walnut Street in Bath beginning at 5:00 PM.
October 25, 2024 – MS4 UPDATE!
September 4th and 12th Borough Council Meetings
BATH BOROUGH STORM WATER AUTHORITY BOARD MEMBERS CHOSEN BY BOROUGH COUNCIL:
- (Council Meeting of 09/12/2024) Emanuel Mirabito (President) – 1 Year Term
- (Council Special Meeting of 09/04/2024) Pam Romanishan – 2 Year Term
- (Council Meeting of 09/12/2024) Lauren Bullsnake (Vice President) – 3 Year Term
- (Council Special Meeting of 09/04/2024) Brian Schoeneberger – 4 Year Term
- (Council Meeting of 09/12/2024) Samantha Angst – 5-year Term
On September 12th, Council authorizes the intent to adopt the Bath Borough Storm Water Authority Ordinance.
Once Borough Council adopts the Bath Borough Storm Water Authority Ordinance (November 12, 2024, due to advertising requirements) the ordinance, along with the Authority’s Articles of Incorporation, these documents will be sent to the Pennsylvania Department of State for approval and certification. Once the Bath Borough Storm Water Authority is certified, the members listed above, with respective term limits become active.
When the Bath Borough Storm Water Authority Board forms, the MS4 Committee is likely to transition back to its original Public Works & Facilities Committee.
Bath Borough Storm Water Authority Timeline & Upcoming Meeting Events
During the July 8, 2024, Council Meeting, Borough Council adopted the following three (3) recommendations from the MS4 Committee:
- The MS4 Committee will continue working on a tiered structure, Storm Water Utility Fee as outlined as ‘Example 3’ of the Borough Engineer’s draft recommendations.
- Begin the process of forming a local Storm Water Authority, where such process will continue during the regular Borough Council meetings. Borough Council authorizes all steps necessary to create Bath’s Storm Water Authority, to the satisfaction of the Special Solicitor, Lee Stinnett, Esq.
- Borough Council desires the initial formation of Bath’s Storm Water Authority to consist of at least three (3) members of the MS4 Committee, without compensation, serving 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year terms. Borough Council authorizes the public advertisement to recruit two (2) members from Bath’s general public to serve on the Storm Water Authority for the remaining 2-year and 4-year terms, whereby the Storm Water Authority Board will have at least one member up for reappointment by Borough Council each year.
Timeline and events are subject to change.
Opening Remarks by Council President Frank Hesch – June 24, 2024, MS4 Town Hall
June 24, 2024, MS4 Town Hall Meeting Audio File
June 24, 2024, MS4 Town Hall Meeting – PowerPoint Presentation
Informational Video – UPCOMING June 24th, 2024, Town Hall Meeting about MS4
January 10th, 2024, Special Council Meeting – Storm Water Authority Kickoff Meeting
If you didn’t have a chance to attend the January 10th Special Council Meeting, watch the meeting below:
MS4 PUBLIC AWARENESS PRESENTATION
MS4 Committee Meeting Agendas
August 26, 2024, Meeting Cancelled. At Borough Council’s September 4, 2024, Special Meeting and Council’s September 12, 2024, Regular Meeting, the Bath Borough Storm Water Authority Board has selected Manny Mirabito, Lauren Bullsnake, Sam Angst, Brian Schoeneberger, and Pam Romanishan to serve the initial Board.
July 22, 2024, Meeting Cancelled.
Agenda to be published by Thursday, June 27, 2024
Meeting date changed from Monday, May 27th to Tuesday, May 21st due to Memorial Day.
Meeting date changed from Monday, April 22nd to Monday, April 29th.
Note: February meeting canceled due to lack of business. Colliers Engineering continues to work on statistical property data.
Note: November 27th Meeting rescheduled for December 4th at 1:00 PM.
