Bethlehem Tp to Buy Portable Restrooms For Youth Sports

Years of bickering over a $350,000 bathroom complex for Bethlehem Tp's athletic fields may have finally come to an end. On June 4, Commissioners voted unanimously to seek bids for a mobile restroom that would include four toilets and a big ADA compliant toilet, complete with a wheelchair ramp, for someone who is either disabled or just ate curry. PPIS Director Steve Hunsberger, who is also apparently PooPooIS Director, presented the options to Commissioners. He predicted that they could probably purchase a trailer for about $42,000, and place it on a concrete pad. It will take about 16 weeks once it's ordered.

Hunsberger knows only one company that manufactures this miracle of modern plumbing. It's called UltraLav. It can be connected and disconnected to water and sewer at will, and is planned for public use during athletic contests like softball or football.

The Township has been renting porta-potties. They tend to smell on warmer days. It's a smell that would outlast religion.

"I think it's a great idea," said President Mike Hudak of the mobile restroom. He really liked the idea that it is portable and can be moved to different events, like community days or a Housenick Park chili festival. That way you could "spread the wealth."

"But is it jail grade?" asked John Merhotten. Hunsberger replied that there are simple white sinks. Nothing frilly, like the bidets included on my personal throne.

"But is it jail grade?" asked Merhotten again. He eventually explained he was looking for the cheapest model available, not one that includes Bubba.

That's what the Township plans to get.

Hudak said that he has considerable personal experience with these portable restrooms. He gained this during numerous hunting expeditions. He conceded that they do get dirty, "but you just go in with a hose and in five minutes they are sparkly and clean."

In other business, Commissioners voted unanimously to seek guidance from PennDot for a flashing beacon on Freemansburg Avenue that would go off when the Bethlehem Township Volunteer Fire Company responds to a call. "Anything that would make things safer for our firefighters would be something I'd embrace," said John Gallagher.

They also voted unanimously to purchase three "No Littering" signs along the roadways leading to the bike path along the old canal trail. Malissa Davis suggested a separate sign asking visitors to pick up after their dogs, who are unable to use the portable restroom.

Finally, Commissioners are seeking carpentry bids for the Archibald Johnston Mandion and applying for a hotel tax grant to assist in the renovation of the mansion.

The next scheduled meeting of Bethlehem Township Commissioners is June 18, 7 pm, at the Municipal Building at 4225 Easton Avenue.