Because of staffing issues in area ambulance companies, Bally Borough Council President Glenn Mutter announced to the borough council, on Tuesday night that Bally Ambulance is stretched thin.

            The ambulance company had 128 service calls in August.  Mutter noted that because Bally Ambulance has to cover more municipalities to assist other ambulance companies, "It puts our people who need an ambulance in jeopardy."

            This past month Bally Ambulance covered Pennsburg, East Greenville, Red Hill, Bechtelsville, Upper Hanover, District, Pike, and Washington Townships.  

            He explained another ambulance crew could be necessary.  However, if it is not used, the ambulance company does not make any money.  Mutter noted there are ongoing discussions concerning staffing issues, but there is no solution thus far.

            Borough Manager Wendy Mutter reported that the borough sewer engineer, Thomas Unger, of System Design Engineering, requested relief from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) sewer Correction Action Plan (CAP) that was placed on the borough years ago.  Previously, Bally's sewer plant had issues with infiltration and inflow.

            DEP required the borough to correct the problems.  Repairs to the sewer system cost almost $2.7 million dollars.  Until the repairs were completed the borough was under the DEP CAP. 

            Although repairs to the sewer plant are finished, DEP has denied Bally's sewer plant release from its CAP.  This year, DEP noted Bally must seek a rerating for a sewer plant expansion before it is released from the CAP.  Mutter explained the rerating of the sewer plant is only on paper.

            The borough council agreed to advertise an ordinance for sewer and water regulations and fees with an amendment that would permit a one-time abatement of a late fee.  The ratepayer must be in good standing with payments for the previous five years, must request the late fee abatement in writing, and come before the borough council, who may agree, at its discretion, to the abatement.

            The borough council also agreed to table its tree ordinance indefinitely.

            Representatives of Most Blessed Sacrament, Bally requested and were approved to place a banner along Route 100 that advertises the church's October Fest scheduled for Saturday, September 24th.  The October Fest will be held on church grounds near Saint Francis Academy.

            Councilman Josh Sloan announced Bally Area Recreational Development (BARDS) autumn events.  The much anticipated "Doggie Swim" will be held at the borough pool this Saturday, September 10th.  A bake sale will be held beginning at 9 a.m. 

            Music in the Park, sponsored by Bally Mennonite Church, will be held on September 17th. 

            On October 15th there will be a Trunk or Treat Halloween celebration at the borough park followed by a movie. 

            Bally Lions will hold their annual Halloween parade on October 24th. 

            On October 29th, the borough will celebrate Bally's First Responders Day. 

            Bally Mennonite Church will hold a craft show on November 26th. 

            On December 3rd, there will be a basket raffle at 7 p.m. at the borough hall. There will also be a tree lighting ceremony the same evening.  There will be no Christmas parade this year.