On Tuesday night, Bally Borough Council urged residents of the borough who utilize its sewer facilities to refrain from flushing rags, wipes, gloves, and masks into their toilets. 

            The extra debris flows into the borough sewer lines.  Eventually, borough sewer pumps become clogged.  As a result of all the extra material entering the sewer system, one of the sewer pumps failed and must be repaired at borough expense. 

            A resident who attended the meeting quipped, "Rags are costing us our riches." 

            The borough must wait for a report from its hydrogeologist who will determine if the pump test for Well #5 affected wetlands in its vicinity.  The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) must also analyze the data. 

            In another matter, Rich Mingey, a developer in Washington Township, requested a meeting with Bally's solicitor and engineer to determine the borough's requirements for the infrastructure he needs for his developments.  Bally and Washington Township have an agreement for sewer and water. 

            Council President Glenn Mutter explained Washington Township must notify Bally to request water and sewer for Mingey's development. 

            Borough Solicitor R. Tim Curley suggested that first Mingey should contact Washington Township to request what he needs.  Then, the township should send a letter to Bally that informs Bally of what Mingey requires.  Once a letter from Washington Township is received by the borough, the borough council can authorize its solicitor and engineer to meet with Mingey and his engineers. 

            Recently, three appeals Mingey filed against decisions by Washington Township in Berks County Court of Common Pleas were mandated to be settled by Judge Madalyn Fudeman.  

            Under the agreement with Washington Township, if all parties agree, Mingey has the potential to construct 48 age-restricted townhouses at 1606 Main St. just outside Bally Borough limits.  He also has a possibility of 37 single family houses on Kutztown Road in Washington Township and 32 townhouses in the Meadowbrook development along Old Route 100. 

            The borough will look into the cost to convert approximately five water meters at properties in Victoria Village that are fenced.  It is too difficult for borough employees to read meters when they must enter enclosed yards.

            Councilman Josh Sloan announced Bally Area Recreational Development Society (BARDS) will host a volunteer and donor "thank you" at the borough pool on August 14th.  On Saturday, September 11th BARDS will host a "doggie" swim at the pool.  On September 25th, from 2-7 p.m. a Music in the Park will be held featuring local talent.  The annual Christmas Parade with Santa is expected to be held on the first Saturday in December.

            Mayor Dave Schott announced that, on Friday, August 1st, he swore into office Police Chief Jeffrey Ellick, Corporal Jared Patt, and part-time Officer James Main. 

            Schott noted the borough hopes to employ one more part-time police officer within the next few months. 

            Schott urged residents not to call him with a police complaint.  He explained the borough police number, 610-845-2400, is an answering machine and will not respond.  He said if it is an emergency police matter, call 911.  If Bally police are unavailable, the Pennsylvania State Police will respond. 

            The Eastern Berks Fire Company will hold a chicken barbeque at its Bally Fire Station on August 21st from 2 p.m. until it sells out.