RICHLAND Township Times

RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES - SPRING 2016
PAGE 1
RICHLAND
Township Times
SPRING 2016
Trail Update in Richland Township
Inside
Article
Page
Richland Township Cares
About Our Waterways
4
Garden Plots Now
Available
5
Message From
Tax Collector
5
Forum on Aging
7
Need Flood Insurance?
8
Support Extending
Open Space Funding
11
Message From State
Representative
12
Land Preservation Asks
Voters to Extend Tax
19
Help With Drug &
Alcohol Issues
20
Richland Adds 4 Farms
To Ag Security
22
Spotted Lanternfly...
A New Threat
24
Shelly School Update
26
Voting Information
27
Fall Leaf Collection
Schedule
28
Water Quality Report
Now on Website
29
From the Zoning Office
30
(And Surrounding Communities)
by Tom Marino, Vice Chairman
Park, Trails and Recreation Committee
The Bucks County Commissioners
voted on January 6, 2016, to begin
development of the abandoned
portion of the SEPTA rail line in the
northern section of the township.
It’s a 3.3-mile stretch of unused track
between Veterans Park and the county
line. Traveling north it will connect to
the Saucon Rail trail which extends for
another 5 miles and beyond. For Bucks
County, it is part of a much larger trail
system and will connect Quakertown
Borough, the southern portion of
Richland Township, and Milford
Township.
Planning is taking place to extend
the trail south through Quakertown
and to areas west of Route 309 using
a combination of existing local trails,
sidewalks and side-paths along
roadways. For Bucks County, this will
provide almost 13 miles of continuous
trails. It will create an alternate safe
transportation corridor to connect
schools and businesses without using
dangerous roads.
The new Upper Bucks rail trail will
pass through a beautiful geographic
feature known as the Upper Tohickon
watershed. The Tohickon Creek
flows into the Delaware River and is
located entirely in Bucks County. It
gets its start in Springfield Township.
It is the longest waterway located
entirely in Bucks County. Traveling
on the trail network southwest past
Quakertown Borough along the trail
route, shortly after crossing the Beaver
Run bridge (in the Brayton Gardens
development), you cross a watershed
divide from the Tohickon to the
Unami watershed. The Unami Creek
flows to the Perkiomen Creek, which
is the largest tributary to the Schuylkill
River. The ponds located in the newly
planned Richland Township park are
the headwaters of the Unami Creek
and support a variety of birds and
fish. The trail will then enter Milford
Township and follow the Barrel Run
Creek, which is also a Unami tributary
stream.
The new trail network in Upper
Bucks County is a key part of the
Pennsylvania Highlands Trail
Network (http://pahighlands.org), a
regional trail system that has evolved
over the past several years under
the leadership of the Appalachian
Mountain Club (AMC) and a
locally based Steering Committee
that includes representatives from
Bucks, Montgomery, Lehigh and
Northampton Counties. See map
on page 3. The vision of this system
is an interconnected trail network
linking people to where they live by
providing recreational opportunities
and protection of natural, scenic, and
historical resources.
All articles submitted by elected supervisors and contributing writers may or may not reflect the official policy of Richland Township.
PAGE 2
SPRING 2016 - RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES
Township Personnel
Supervisors:
Timothy Ritter, Chairman
Tim Arnold, Vice Chairman
Richard Orloff
Township Manager:
Stephen Sechriest
Assistant Manager/
Zoning Officer:
Richard Brittingham
Administrative Assistant:
Laura Held
Treasurer:
Charles Botson
Assistant Treasurer:
April Hillaert
Receptionist:
Tracey Virnelson
Code Enforcement Officer: Ray Constable
Solicitor:
B. Lincoln Treadwell, Jr.
Road Department:
Thomas Roeder, Public Works Director
James Benner, Michael Schmell
Scott Ambrone, Carrie Passerini
RTWA: Dianne McLane, Office Manager
Tim Gluck, Operations
Engineering Department:
Mike Schwartz, Amy Kaminski
Gilmore & Associates
David Jones, Judy Stern Goldstein
Boucher & James
Police Department:
Chief Richard J. Ficco, Sr.
Rosemary Wheatley, Admin. Asst.
Nancy Benfield, Receptionist
Sergeant Michael Kisthardt
Det. Sergeant Ray Aleman
Matt Mergen • John Burke
James Hohenwarter • Steven Bauman
Matthew Lawhead • Thomas Murphy
Brian Hendrzak • Zachary Herb
Ronald Rosenberg • Michael Colahan
Auditors:
Samuel Quier, Chairman
Bill Spanier • Randall Disert
“A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend
on the support of Paul.”
~ George Bernard Shaw
Ahhhh, Spring!
Richland Township
Committees
Agricultural Security Area
Advisory Committee (ASAAC)
Tim Arnold, Chairman
Dale Henninger • Robert Gerstenberg
John Keller • Thomas Stoneback
Robin Davidheiser
Community/Police Liaison Board
Jim Sulger, Chairman
William Rosson • James Smith
Andrew Maseloff • Barbara Werner
Wayne Rubic • Frank Hilt
Steve Cardell • Jonathan Taylor
Leanna McGuigan • David Galione
Facilities Committee
Richard Stoneback, Chairman
Mike McGee • Mark Fournier
Patricia Keller • Steaven Klein
Chris Fennell • Richard Petovic
Matthew Walsh
Ordinance Review Committee
Richard Keller • James Stiteler
Larry Jalowiec • George Schwartz
Park & Recreation Board /
Trails Committee
Cynthia Rosson, Chairman
Tom Marino • Gregg Pambianco
Keith Robinson • Michelle Loux
Richard Staudenmeier
Planning Commission
Scott Guidos, Chairman
Robert Bonomo • Mary Sulger
Chris Fennell • Matthew Walsh
Edward Whitham • Gwen Simek
Preservation Board
Kathleen Fedorocsko, Chairman
Dale Henninger
Douglas Godshall • Richard Sadler
Joe Geib • Rich Brittingham
Celebrate with great food and entertainment at McCoole’s.
Try a Pint! Our Red Lion Brewery selections change frequently.
Monthly Featured Wines! Join us the first Wednesday of each month,
complimentary wine tastings and suggested food pairings.
BROAD & MAIN STREETS, QUAKERTOWN 215.538.1776 www.McCoolesRedLionInn.com
LIVE MUSIC ON WEEKENDS
DAILY HAPPY HOURS
ONLINE RESERVATIONS
Water Authority
Ken Mitchell, Chairman
Chris Vanelli • Zane Stauffer
Bruce Jones • William Rosson
Tim Arnold, Executive Director
Mark Bahnick, Engineer
Stephen Shelly, Solicitor
Zoning Hearing Board
Thomas Steinfort
Todd Koch • Emery Ashton
Al McCrea Jr., Alternate
Kok Keng Yong, Alternate
Richard Brown, Solicitor
RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES - SPRING 2016
PAGE 3
PAGE 4
SPRING 2016 - RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES
From the Chair
Richland Township Cares About Our Waterways
by Supervisor Tim Ritter
What is Storm Water Runoff?
Keep Your Rivers, Lakes and Streams Clean
One of the most significant, yet unrecognized, group
of water contaminants is storm water pollutants. When
it rains, storm water runs over yards, streets, roads,
highways, parking lots, parks, and playgrounds, carrying
with it everything in its path, including debris and
pollutants. Eventually, the water will travel to a stream,
either over land or via a storm drain.
Storm drains are frequently located alongside streets and
parking lots. Unlike sanitary sewers that divert water to
a treatment plant directly from your home, storm drains
lead directly to surrounding lakes and rivers without any
type of treatment. All the debris and pollutants that were
picked up by storm water runoff end up in your lakes and
streams!
• Never dump anything down a storm drain.
• Use an oil pan when changing oil to keep fluids off the
pavement. Check local body shops and quick lubes to find
a place to appropriately dispose of used oil.
• Bag pet waste and dispose of it in a trash can.
• Leave grass clippings on your lawn as an alternate
nutrient to fertilizer. If a fertilizer is necessary, choose a
slow release product and test your soil to find out how
much fertilizer your lawn actually needs.
• Wash your car on your lawn so excess water,
chemicals, and dirt is filtered through the lawn.
• Keep household hazardous wastes, such as harsh
cleaners, paint, car fluids, and batteries, from entering lakes
and streams by disposing at a household hazardous waste
center. Try using environmentally-safe alternatives or
recipes with non-hazardous ingredients.
• Use a broom, rather than a hose, to clean up grass
clippings and dirt.
• Keep a trash bag in your car... and use it!
Where Does the Pollution Come From?
Most contaminants are made up of common items used
by residents, businesses and visitors, such as fertilizers, car
oils and greases, yard clippings, soil, and pet wastes. Below
are some tips you can follow to help keep pollution from
entering lakes and streams via storm water runoff.
Erie
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RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES - SPRING 2016
PAGE 5
Message From the Tax Collector
by Walt Johnson
Just a few reminders…..
v The 2016 Real Estate Tax bills for County and
Municipality were mailed on February 28th. If you own
property or a mobile home in Richland Township and
have not received your bill, please contact my office
at 215-536-6603. Sometimes bills are returned due to a
change in owner or address. Failure to receive a tax bill
does not relieve your tax obligation.
v All tax bills are sent directly to the property owner.
If your mortgage company escrows your taxes, it is your
responsibility to contact them with your tax information.
v If you are paying in person, my office location is 520
Station Road (Between the Q-Mart and the circle). Please
call if you need directions.
v My Saturday hours at the Richland Township
Building have changed. My new hours are: Saturday,
April 23rd from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and Saturday, April
30th from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
v If you mail your payment and require a stamped
receipt, you must send the entire bill (both the
TAXPAYER COPY and the TAX COLLECTOR COPY)
with your self-addressed stamped envelope.
Any current news, changes or updates can be located
on my website: Richlandtownshiptaxcollector.webs.com.
Garden Plots Now Available
Garden plots in our community garden located on
Station Road are now available. There are currently 22 lots.
It’s so simple to get started - all you need to do is call the
Township building at 215-536-4066. Plots are rented on a
first-come first-served basis. We will assign you a lot and
stake it out for you, and then the rest of the fun of growing
your own fruits and vegetables can begin.
The fee for a 12’ x 20’ plot is $10.00. Reservation forms
are available on our website at www.richlandtownship.org,
click on FYI.
NO CORN IS PERMITTED!
No metal stakes, fencing or plant supports are permitted,
as it may damage the tilling equipment. All metal materials
used will be removed by the Township.
No permanent structures or fencing is permitted.
Tools, supplies, and related gardening equipment left at
a garden plot site are left at your own risk and must be left
in a tidy manner and within your plot limits.
Please clean up after yourself. Richland Township will
not provide trash services.
Plot Maintenance:
Your Responsibility to Fellow Gardeners:
There is no water at the site, so each gardener is
responsible for making his/her own accommodations.
All gardeners are to maintain their plots in a reasonable
manner. Weeds and garden debris can serve as cover and
food for undesirable insects, rodents, and other vermin.
Lots that are not maintained will be considered abandoned.
Gardening is permitted from dawn to dusk.
No fertilizer or commercial pesticides are permitted.
No shade producing plants over 4’ tall are permitted
Please do not block garden paths with vehicles,
equipment, or debris.
Highly invasive plants are not allowed.
At no time should you build a structure or plant
anything that will shade or interfere with another plot.
End of Year Responsibilities:
Remove all non-organic materials including fencing,
stakes, and rain barrels.
Holiday Closings
Richland Township offices will be closed on:
Tuesday, April 26 - Primary Election
Monday, May 30 - Memorial Day
Monday, July 4 - Independence Day
Monday, September 5 - Labor Day
Summer Camp Begins June 13
Financial Assistance Available
Upper Bucks YMCA
ubymca.org
PAGE 6
SPRING 2016 - RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES
Richland Township
Shred Event/
Drug Takeback
NO
CHARGE!
Saturday, April 30, 2016
(Rain or Shine)
TIMES:
Drug Takeback
10:00 am - 2:00 PM
Shred Event
12:00 Noon - 2:00 PM
LOCATION:
Richland Township
Police Department
229 California Road
Quakertown, PA
* Please do not bring phonebooks, newspapers, cardboard
or hard-bound books.
~ For residents only ~
Richland Township Police Department
is holding a Shred Event/Drug Takeback
Shredding sensitive
documents is one way
to reduce your risk of
becoming a victim of
identity theft. These
documents include
materials containing
names, addresses,
social security numbers
and account numbers.
Got drugs? Check your medicine cabinets for
unused or expired medications and bring them
along for safe disposal here. Doing so will keep
them away from our children and out of our
water supply. Sorry, we are not permitted to
collect syringes.
RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES - SPRING 2016
PAGE 7
Please join us for our annual
Upper Bucks Forum on Aging
A program of the Phoebe Institute on Aging
Thursday, May 5
9:30 AM-2:30 PM
First UCC Quakertown 151 South 4th St., Quakertown
Learn about aging services and resources in your community
at this FREE educational event for individuals 55 years and older!
This year’s event will include new exciting topics and speakers.
A complimentary lunch will be provided.
Thank You to our Municipal Sponsors:
Haycock Township Richland Township
RSVP is required to ensure adequate seating.
Call 267-371-4566 to reserve your spot.
PAGE 8
SPRING 2016 - RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES
Need Flood Insurance?
New Website Helps Homeowners Find Affordable Options
Mike Megoulas has lived in a Dauphin County township
for more than a decade and never thought twice about
flood insurance. In October 2012, however, he received a
letter from his mortgage company notifying him that his
house was in a flood zone.
Flooding at Megoulas’s house has been rare. For
instance, there was the time in 2011 when Tropical Storms
Ivan and Lee hit the county and left several inches of water
in his basement. “When I bought my house,” he says, “I never even knew
I was in a flood zone — and now I need flood insurance.”
Plugging a financial drain
Many homeowners in Pennsylvania and elsewhere are
finding themselves in a similar situation.
“For most Pennsylvanians trying to buy individual flood
insurance coverage, especially for their homes, the National
Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) run by the federal
government was thought to be the only option,” state
Insurance Commissioner Teresa Miller says. “However,
now that Congress is mandating that federal subsidies
end for NFIP coverage and that premiums be based on the
property’s actual risk, costs for this coverage are rising and
may become difficult for many homeowners to afford.
“In addition, redrawn Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA) maps are placing many properties in flood
zones that had not been there before. That’s why my office
is committed to finding ways to help consumers identify
lower-cost coverage.”
The agency, for instance, has created a new one-stop
shop at www.insurance.pa.gov, where homeowners and
renters can find information about available insurance.
(Note: To access the page, click on “Flood” under “Top
Pages.”)
For decades, Miller says, the National Flood Insurance
Program kept its premiums artificially low, but an
unprecedented number of claims following Hurricane
Katrina sent the program into billions of dollars of debt.
The result? Large premium increases.
The good news for Pennsylvania consumers is that these
rapidly rising NFIP premiums are making flood insurance
more attractive for private market insurers, which are in
many cases offering coverage at substantially lower costs.
Just ask homeowner Mike Megoulas.
“In 2012, my property was remapped into a flood zone,
and I was told I had to buy flood insurance to keep my
mortgage,” he says. “NFIP insurance would have cost me
$2,700 a year, but I was able to find private coverage for
Continued on next page
Bill Heffentrager
PHONE 215-679-5676
FAX 215-679-0211
[email protected]
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Quakertown, PA 18951
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RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES - SPRING 2016
Flood Insurance
Continued from Page 8
only $718 annually.”
Pinpointing insurance options
Most private-market residential flood insurance in
Pennsylvania is sold by “surplus-line” insurers, which are
licensed in other states or countries and offer the higherrisk coverage that other companies tend to shy away from.
The state Insurance Department’s new one-stop online
shop has links for these and other insurers providing flood
coverage. In addition, the page has a link to the NFIP and
lists the coverage written by each licensed insurer. For
example, some insurers only offer contents coverage for
renters, while others offer coverage for both the dwelling
and its contents, for homeowners.
“My goal is to make sure Pennsylvanians can find good
coverage at affordable prices, and this one-stop website
will help homeowners and renters be able to do this,”
Miller says.
Recently, Miller testified before a congressional
subcommittee in support of proposed federal legislation
that would facilitate the entry of additional carriers into
the private flood insurance market and provide consumers
with additional options. The proposal would also require
mortgage companies to accept qualified private insurance
in addition to NFIP policies.
Note: Information courtesy of floodsmart.gov
2016 Southeastern Pennsylvania
Household Hazardous Waste
Collection Program
This issue went to press before the collection schedule
was finalized. You can visit the following website to see
the schedule: http://www.buckscounty.org/
government/departments/CommunityServices/
PlanningCommission/Recycling.aspx
OR
visit the township website at www.richlandtownship.org.
The schedule will be placed on our website when it
becomes available.
For additional information on disposal options, contact:
t the PADEP Recycling Hotline at 1-800-346-4242
t Bucks County Planning Commission
at 215-345-3400
t http://www.buckscounty.org and click on
“How do I ....... Recycle in Bucks”
PAGE 9
Flood Facts
• In the past 5 years, all 50 states have experienced
floods or flash floods.
• Homeowners’ insurance does not cover flood
damage.
• If you live in a Special Flood Hazard Area
(SFHA) or high-risk area and have a federally backed
mortgage, your mortgage lender requires you to have
flood insurance.
• Just a few inches of water from a flood can cause
tens of thousands of dollars in damage.
• Flash floods often bring walls of water 10 to 15 feet
high.
• A car can easily be carried away by just 2 feet of
rushing water.
• Hurricanes, winter storms, and snowmelt are
common — but often overlooked — causes of flooding.
• New land development can increase flood risk,
especially if the construction changes natural runoff
paths.
• Federal disaster assistance is usually a loan that
must be paid back with interest. For a $50,000 loan
at 4-percent interest, your monthly payment would
be around $240 a month ($2,880 a year) for 30 years.
Compare that to a $100,000 flood insurance premium,
which is about $400 a year ($33 a month).
• A preferred risk policy provides both building and
contents coverage for properties in moderate- to lowrisk areas for one low price.
• You are eligible to purchase flood insurance as
long as your community participates in the National
Flood Insurance Program.
• In most cases, it takes 30 days after purchase for a
policy to take effect so it’s important to buy insurance
before the storm approaches and the floodwaters start
to rise.
• In a high-risk area, your home is more likely to be
damaged by flood than by fire.
PAGE 10
SPRING 2016 - RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES
BIKE SAFETY
RODEO
Presented by
Quakertown Borough
and Richland Township
Police Departments
WHO?
Kids ages 6 - 12
WHAT?
Bike safety tips and fun
WHERE? Quakertown Memorial Pool Lot
WHEN?
Saturday, May 14
WHY?
Bike Fun and Safety
COST?
FREE! FREE! FREE!
CHANC
ET
WIN A O
NEW B
IKE!
(rain date Saturday, May 21)
Because the police departments want you to have a great time
(and, if you’re not careful, you just might learn something!)
Refreshments will be provided
Richlandtown Lions Club
Richland Township
Water Authority
Please detach and bring to the rodeo
NAME: ______________________________________ AGE: __________
ADDRESS: __________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
PHONE: ____________________________________________________
PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE: ________________________________
RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES - SPRING 2016
PAGE 11
My Opinion
Support Extending Open Space Funding
Five More Years
by Supervisor Rick Orloff
In 2002-2003, the Board of Supervisors, at the request of
Richland’s Preservation Board, placed a voter referendum
on the ballot to bond $3.2 million and levy 0.1% surtax on
the local Earned Income Tax to service it. In the tenor of
those times, with intensive development upon us and the
public clamoring against development, it passed 62% to
38%. I proudly supported making this a referendum and
giving the people the choice. (Observers at the time might
recall that I was quiet on the referendum. Candidly, in the
voting booth, I voted against it for reasons that would take
too much space.) The Bond met its objectives, and the tax is
due to expire in 2018.
Now I am proudly supporting a referendum for the
voters of Richland to decide on extending that tax for five
more years to 2023. And unlike my private opposition in
2002-2003, I urge everyone to vote for this referendum.
Why?
First, a five year extension plus the surplus will yield
about $1.9 million that could only be used for Open Space.
Second, the Preservation Board has an opportunity to
acquire about 270 added acres in a handful of tracts, mostly
in the southern tier of the township. Those tracts would
be central in building a trail system allowing active use
connecting almost 20% of our Township with each other in
wooded and fielded areas.
Third, acquiring matching grants, guided by the Heritage
Conservancy (an accredited private non-profit conservation
organization), which will be actively involved lending their
support to the efforts, is possible if not likely.
Fourth, to get matching grants, you have to have funds.
Finally – what do YOU gain for putting your hard earned
money into more open space?
Well, access to, and close proximity of your home to open
areas has long been known to increase property values.
Long-time residents are well aware of our flooding and
drainage issues. Investment in Open Space would offset
expenditures to artificially replicate vital environmental
and water run off mitigation demands. And just having it
nearby provides low cost or no cost recreational activities
for all people.
If you want to find out more about the social, economic,
cultural and environmental benefits, call up this link
provided by the Heritage Conservancy: http://www.dvrpc.
org/reports/11033A.pdf.
As a CPA, I feel confident in advising and urging you
to support this referendum just on dollars and cents. As a
citizen, I am just as comfortable in urging you to support
it for the quality of life elements it will bring you and your
family. So I urge you to vote “YES” as I will when it is
placed on the ballot.
See related article on page 19.
Yesterday.
Today.
Tomorrow.
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PAGE 12
SPRING 2016 - RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES
Pennsylvania’s Budget Update
by Rep. Craig Staats
Dear Friends,
Thank you for allowing me to serve
you in Bucks County and represent
you in Harrisburg. I want to take
this opportunity to update you on
the state budget and the other issues
facing our Commonwealth. On Dec.
29, 2015, Gov. Tom Wolf signed the
budget sent to him by the Legislature.
However, he vetoed about 13 percent
of this budget, leaving schools, health
and human service programs, and
agricultural programs without critical
funds.
My colleagues and I have voted to
restore the governor’s cuts to these
important areas – and to complete the
2015-16 budget. A few weeks ago, we
passed several supplemental budget
bills to restore funding for child
advocacy centers that help abused
children, the state’s correctional
institutions and hospital-based burn
centers. I am hopeful that we will soon
be able to complete the remainder
of the 2015-16 budget and focus our
attention on next year’s budget and
the other tasks at hand.
On Feb. 9, Gov. Wolf addressed
the Legislature in his 2016-17 budget
proposal and renewed his call for an
increase in the state’s Personal Income
Tax. That 11 percent tax increase (also
retroactive to Jan. 1, 2016), along with
several others, would amount to an
annual tax hike of $2.7 billion.
I cannot support this proposal
because you did not send me to
Harrisburg to raise taxes. Further, as
a legislator with extensive business
experience, I am confused by Gov.
Wolf’s approach of addressing the
structural deficit by proposing billions
in new spending. I am committed to
standing up for the taxpayers as we
examine the governor’s budget over
the next few months.
Although a great deal of time has
been spent on budget-related matters,
I am proud of everything we have
been able to accomplish so far. We
passed important legislation that
clarifies provisions in child protection
laws, we’ve sent a bill to Gov. Wolf
that would reduce the size of the
Legislature, and much more.
I am hopeful that this year, we will
be able to continue our important
work for Pennsylvania and avoid
another prolonged budget battle. That
said, I promised to represent you in
Harrisburg and I am doing my best to
keep your interests at the forefront.
If you have any state related
questions or concerns, please do not
hesitate to contact me at (215) 536-1434
or visit my website at www.RepStaats.
net.
See you around town!
Craig
Fire Hydrant
Flushing
Providing a Full Range of Engineering Services
• Municipal Engineering
• Green Acres Surveys
• Landscape Architecture &
Planning
• Land Surveying & Geographic
Information Systems
• Parks and Recreation
• Center-Based Development
• Redevelopment
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Municipal Planning Services
Water Supply and Distribution
Wastewater Collection,
Conveyance and Treatment
Stormwater Management
Schools and Campuses
Bridge and Dam Design
Utility Engineering & Construction
Geotechnical Engineering
Mark Bahnick, P.E. u 610-332-1772
Office Locations:
Hillsborough NJ • Hamilton NJ • Freehold NJ • Lebanon NJ • Phillipsburg NJ • Wyomissing PA • Bethlehem PA • Doylestown PA
Richland Township Water
Authority and Milford
Township Water Authority
will be conducting their
annual Fire Hydrant Flushing
Program from April to May of
2016.
The dates had not been
finalized by the time this
issue went to print. Visit the
Township website at www.
richlandtownship.org (click on
Water) to see the full schedule.
RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES - SPRING 2016
PAGE 13
Richland Township
Volunteer Information Application
Name_____________________________________________________ Date _____________________
Address______________________________________________________________________________
City____________________________________________ State _________ Zip __________________
Preferred Phone # ___________________________ E-mail____________________________________
Occupation ______________________________ Employer____________________________________
To volunteer on a Board, Committee, or Commission:
c Check here if you are willing to serve wherever needed
OR
Indicate your interest below by numbering the committee/event in order of preference:
_____ Park & Recreation Board (& Trails Committee) – meets fourth Wed. of the month at 7:00 pm
_____ Community Day
_____ Movie Night
_____ Preservation Board - meets second Wed. of the month at 7:00 pm
_____ Community/Police Liaison Board - meets fourth Tues. of the month at 7:00 pm at the police bldg.
_____ Planning Commission - meets third Tues. of the month at 7:00 pm
_____ Water Authority – meets second Thurs. of the month at 7:00 pm
Please list your skills and experiences relevant to the board or commission you are applying for:
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Please explain why you would like to serve as an appointed volunteer on a Township board or
commission and describe your vision for Richland Township’s future:
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Please attach a resume and/or letter of interest. Thank you for volunteering your valuable time and talents!
PAGE 14
SPRING 2016 - RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES
BCWSA is offering the $afeGuard Water & Sewer Maintenance Program for Residential and
Commercial properties. This program is designed to help customers offset the cost of repairing the
water service line and the sewer lateral that run from the outside of your home/building to the curb,
which can typically cost up to $5,000 for residential and up to $10,000 for a commercial property to
replace.
Under this program residential properties pay $5.00 a month per service line and commercial $10.00
a month per service line for coverage.
This program is also available to Non-BCWSA customers in Bucks County & Montgomery County
24-7 Emergency coverage with live operators to take your call in the evening or Holidays
Unlimited Service calls
Coverage two year minimum
Repairs are only performed by licensed BCWSA Professionals
Sign up today! It’s easy just go to our website at www.bcwsa.net or call 215-343-2538 Ext 140.
Bucks County Water & Sewer Authority strives to provide affordable services to our customers. Under
this program you will receive professional and prompt service with a personal touch whenever the
need arises. We look forward to serving you.
others.
RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES - SPRING 2016
PAGE 15
From the Park & Recreation Board:
Purchase Discounted Tickets
at the Township Building
Did you know that discounted tickets for many local
attractions can be purchased at your Township building?
Why pay more when you can buy them where you live?
The following tickets will be available for purchase for
Spring/Summer:
vDorney Park
vHershey Park
vKnoebels Amusement Park
vBaltimore Aquarium
vSesame Place
vSix Flags Great Adventure
vAdventure Aquarium
vCamelbeach
vDutch Wonderland
vPennsylvania Renaissance Faire
vThe Philadelphia Zoo
vMorey’s Piers (Wildwood, NJ)
vSplash Zone (Wildwood, NJ)
vBusch Gardens/Water Country
Williamsburg, VA
vLongwood Gardens
vBusch Gardens Tampa
vSea World
We also have discount movie tickets for
Regal Cinema for $9.50.
The township accepts MasterCard, VISA
and Discover credit cards as well as cash.
Personal checks will only be accepted from
Township residents.
Having a group picnic
this summer?
If so, why not rent the Richland Township pavilion? The
pavilion is located adjacent to the Township building and
right next to the Township nature trail.
The cost to rent the pavilion is $40: $30 to rent plus a
$10 deposit which is refundable after the rental date if
the pavilion has been cleaned. The cost of the rental also
includes electricity if needed.
In order to rent the pavilion, contact the township at
215-536-4066. You need to check on the availability of the
pavilion for the date you would like to rent it. The pavilion
is rented on a first-come, first-served basis.
Join us as we clean up
Richland Township’s roads!
Saturday, May 28, 2016
8:30 am to 12:30 pm
Meet at the Richland Township Building
1328 California Road
A FREE lunch will be served afterwards.
To volunteer, contact Tim Arnold 215-536-4066
Or email: [email protected]
THE MINNIS GROUP
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
(610)
259-2590
We represent many insurance carriers including Blue Cross & Blue Shield and deal with
hundreds of small businesses in the area. We
have unique ideas on how to offer you the
best coverages while offering old-fashioned
personal service. We will deal with all of the
enrollment, claims and billing issues.
William A. Minnis, III
Independent Agent
[email protected]
“Let us be your outsourced Personnel
Department with NO FEE!”
PAGE 16
SPRING 2016 - RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES
Richland Township
Park & Recreation Board
presents
Creative Arts Camp
Week of July 25-29, 2016
Ages 6 and up
9 AM to 4 PM
Work with artists and volunteers developing techniques in:
Sculpture (plaster, clay, mosaics, wire) • Paper (print making, book making)
Painting and Drawing (acrylics, pastels, pencil) • Fibers (tie dye, macrame, batik)
Registration: $175.00. Ages 6 and up.
Register early as Space is Limited.
All classes take place at:
Richland Township Municipal Building, 1328 California Road, Quakertown, PA 18951
Questions? Contact Tim Arnold or Laura Held at 215-536-4066
Registration Forms are available on the Township website at
www.richlandtownship.org - click FYI, click on Summer Camps or call the Township at 215-536-4066.
RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES - SPRING 2016
PAGE 17
Come Celebrate Community in Richland Township
Richland Township Community Day
When:
Where:
Parking:
Saturday, October 1, 2016
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Veterans Park,
145 E. Pumping Station Road
On site
Beginning at 9:00 a.m.:
Sausage &
Pancake
Breakfast
FREE ALL DAY
starting from 9:30 a.m.:
CAR SHOW
8:00 AM TO 2:00 PM
Registration time: 8:00 am to 10:00 am
In Advance $10.00
Day of Show $12.00
For More Information contact:
Tim Arnold @ 215-536-4066 or
email: [email protected]
• Musical Entertainment
•Puppets
•Caricature Artists
•Face Painting
•Moon Bounce & Giant Slides
•Food Concession Stands
•Clowns, Balloon Art & Magic
•Community Service Organization Activities
•Richland Township Arts Camp Expo
•Crafts for Kids
•Huge Animal Tent featuring:
v Petting Zoo
v Pony Rides
PAGE 18
SPRING 2016 - RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES
OUTDOOR FAMILY
MOVIE NIGHTS
**** FREE ****
All movies
start at dusk
VETERANS PARK
145 E. Pumping Station Road,
Quakertown
Sponsored by the Richland Township
Park & Recreation Board
Friday, June 10: “Inside Out”
Trails
Revitalization
(plus Summer Egg Hunt)
June 18, 2016
Friday, July 8: “Hotel Transylvania 2”
8:30 am to 12:00 pm
Friday, August 12: “The Good Dinosaur”
A FREE lunch will be
provided afterwards
Come and watch a movie with your friends and family under the stars.
Please bring chairs or a blanket for the field.
For more information, please contact Tim Arnold (215-536-4066).
Mark Your Calendars!
Richland Township
13th Annual Golf Outing
September 19, 2016
Silver Creek Country Club
The Park and Recreation
Board is currently looking
for sponsors for the annual
golf outing. Please call the
township at 215-536-4066 for
further information.
Contact Tim Arnold
at 215-536-4066
to volunteer.
RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES - SPRING 2016
PAGE 19
Land Preservation Board Asks Voters to
Extend Tax for Open Space
by Kathleen Fedorocsko,
Chairwoman, Preservation Board
In 2002, when the voters
overwhelmingly voted for the
township to secure a $3.2 million
dollar bond for the purchase of open
space and conservation easements,
2018 seemed far away. That is the
life of that bond. Around $300,000
of that original bond is still left, but
there is still quite a bit of interest from
property owners to preserve their
land.
A bit of background as to what the
Land Preservation Board has been able
to accomplish with these funds. We
have tried to stretch these tax dollars
as far as we could over the past 13
years. The Land Preservation Board
has been able to protect in perpetuity
26 additional farms and significant
natural area properties, a total of over
950 acres. This is at an average cost of
around $3,368 per acre, during a time
that the easement values have ranged
from $5,500 to $12,500 an acre, a great
cost savings.
The Land Preservation Board has
been able to do this by participating
in various conservation and
preservation programs that require
us to match their funding. By having
the bond money in the bank, we
were able to use up our allocation of
the Bucks County Municipal Bond
funding as fast as we had farmers
interested. It required a 25% match.
Richland Township is one of the few
municipalities that did such; much of
the rest of the county money remains
unspent from other townships and
towns.
Having matching funds also allowed
us to utilize the county’s Natural
Areas Program. Four properties with
significant natural areas were able
to participate in this program with a
50% match from Richland Township.
We have also been able to accept land
offered as a donation because we had
the funds to take care of surveys and
closing costs.
The Land Preservation Board
currently has seven applications
submitted from landowners for
conservation easements. Other
applications have been put on hold for
various reasons. It all comes down to
funding. Two other properties have
currently applied to the County’s
Farmland Preservation Program,
a very selective land preservation
program that ranks all the applicants
before deciding on which farms are
the most valuable and covers most of
the costs of preservation.
Roughly 650 acres of rural lands
remain in the township, and half of
these property owners have expressed
interest in preservation, all properties
being valuable farmland with
exceptional soils or significant natural
areas that need to be protected.
For the past several years, the
Land Preservation Board has been
soliciting responses at the annual
Township Community Day to
see the degree of interest of the
residents about continuing our land
preservation efforts. The result was
overwhelmingly positive each year
and everyone that responded said
yes. That is why we have approached
the supervisors to put the question
to the voters: would they approve of
extending the current 0.1% EIT tax for
the purchase of development rights
from some of these properties for up
to 10 years?
This is NOT a tax increase, it is the
extension of the current tax you have
been paying since 2003, and is only
on income, it is not a real estate tax. It
does not affect those who are living on
retirement income.
Urban sprawl is one problem that
residents have the power to control by
preserving Open Space. Preservation
of valuable farmland also prevents
development, which always brings
more children into the school system,
and as you see every year, raises your
school taxes. It also retains much of
the rural character you may have
come to Richland Township to enjoy,
or have been enjoying your whole life
here.
No one has expressed it better than
Mr. Lamont Wernett, who preserved
his property several years ago: “It’s
this generation that has to step up
to the plate and protect our lands.
There’s a window for preservation
open and it has an urgent timeframe
before it closes. We need other farms
to act now.”
When you see the question on the
ballot, please vote “YES” for Open
Space.
PAGE 20
SPRING 2016 - RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES
Bucks County Drug & Alcohol Commission, Inc.
600 Louis Drive
Suite 102A
Warminster, PA 18974
(215) 773-9313, Option 2, Ext. 2703
Diane W. Rosati, MA
Executive Director
Fax (215) 956-9939
[email protected]
Where To Turn For Help With
Drug and Alcohol Issues In Bucks County
This informational sheet will help you or your family member access treatment for a drug and/or alcohol problem,
as well as give some other resource information. The first step in accessing treatment is for the individual to get
a professional assessment to determine the extent of the problem and the type of treatment and recovery plan
needed. Adult and adolescent services are available throughout Bucks County. For more information, please
call our Approval of Care Department at 215-773-9643.
To access treatment for those who have private health insurance, call the number on the back of the insurance
card listed under Mental Health/Substance Abuse.
To access treatment for those with Medical Assistance, call Magellan Health Services at 877-769-9784 and
they will give information as to the nearest treatment agency for an assessment.
To access information regarding Veteran’s Benefits, call 877-222-8387 to find out eligibility for services.
Individuals who are Veterans are eligible for county funding.
For individuals with no insurance, there may be county funded treatment available as well as other supportive
services. The individual must go to one of the assessment sites listed below, either as a walk-in or calling for
an appointment. The individual will need to bring certain documents to the assessment, including proof of
Bucks County residency, and other documents to complete a Medical Assistance application. Due to limited
funding, County funding for residential treatment is budgeted on a monthly basis, which limits the number
of individuals who can be admitted into that level of care each month. However, other treatment alternatives,
such as outpatient treatment, are available. Pregnant and/or injection drug users and those being referred
by an emergency room following an overdose are given preference for funding.
The following is a listing of Assessment sites as well as other resources.
Assessment Sites
Aldie Counseling Center
11 Welden Drive
Doylestown, PA 18901
215-345-8530
www.aldie.org
Walk-in Hours: M-F 7:30 am - 2:00 pm
*Evening assessments available on Mondays
by appointment only
Aldie Counseling Center
2291 Cabot Boulevard, West
Langhorne, PA 19047
215-642-3230
www.aldie.org
Walk-in Hours: M-F 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES - SPRING 2016
PAGE 21
TODAY, a Pyramid Company
1990 Woodbourne Road
Langhorne, PA 19047
215-968-4713
www.todayinc.org
Call for an appointment
TODAY, a Pyramid Company
1230 Veteran’s Highway, Suite F-1
Bristol, PA 19007
215-244-7607
www.todayinc.org
Walk-in Hours: M-F 8:30 am - 3:00 pm
Penn Foundation - The Recovery Center
807 Lawn Avenue
Sellersville, PA 18960
215-257-9999
1-800-245-7366
http://www.pennfoundation.org
Walk-in Hours: M-F 8:30 am - 2:30 PM
*Phone intake preferred prior to assessment
Gaudenzia Lower Bucks
501 Bath Road
Bristol, PA 19007
(on the grounds of Lower Bucks Hospital)
267-405-6530
www.gaudenzia.org
Walk-in and appointments available
DUI
For court-ordered Driving Under the Influence (DUI) classes, assessment and treatment services.
Council of Southeast Pennsylvania, Inc.
http://www.councilsepa.org
DUI Central & Upper Bucks County
Livengrin Foundation, Inc.
http://www.livengrin.org
DUI Lower Bucks County
Family Supports
Free Family Education Programs are available to help family members of individuals with an active addiction
- call 1-800-221-6333 Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm for locations and times.
Recovery Centers and Intensive Case Management Services
For more information about Community Recovery Centers, Intensive Case Management and Recovery Coaches,
go to the following website: www.proact.org, or call 1-800-221-6333 Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm. They
can also give you information about local mutual aid support groups including AA and NA, Alanon, etc.
Recovery Houses
Recovery Houses are available throughout Bucks County. Recovery Houses provide a safe living environment
for individuals seeking recovery and support. For more information, go to the following website: http://www.
bucksrecoveryhouses.com.
For more information about the full array of services available in Bucks County, go to the website:
www.bucks.pa.networkofcare.org
If you have a complaint about assessment or treatment services you receive, please contact:
Bucks County Drug and Alcohol Commission, Inc. 215-773-9643 • [email protected]
COMMISSIONERS u Robert G. Loughery, Chairman u Charles H. Martin, Vice Chairman u Diane M. Ellis-Marseglia, LCSW
Jon Rubin, MSW, Director of Human Services u John T. Poprik, Chair, Board of Directors
PAGE 22
SPRING 2016 - RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES
Richland Adds Four More Farms to Ag Security
by Kathleen Fedorocsko, Chairwoman,
Preservation Board
By mid-March 2016, Richland Township will have
added four more farms to the township’s Agricultural
Security Area (ASA). In December 2015, three farms were
added that include 79 acres owned by Walter and Martha
Herrmann on Rich Hill Road, two properties consisting
of 38 acres owned by Brad Gruver on Gross Road, and 20
acres on Union Road owned by Eileen and James J. Casey,
Jr. In March, the Preservation Board expects that the 64
acres on Cherry Road owned by Dr. Zavitsanos will be
included.
www.grimlaw.com
Perkasie 215.257.6811 Quakertown 215.536.1200 Doylestown 215.348.2199 Fall registrations currently being accepted.
Keystone STAR 4 site offering Preschool, Child Care & Early Intervention
215.536.7800 ~ 995 Doylestown Pike, Quakertown
[email protected] ~ www.cdpchildren.org
Insurance
tailored
to you.
HOME / AUTO / BUSINESS / LIFE
19 E. Union St., Richlandtown / 215.529.7600 / brunnerinsurance.com
These 201 acres will bring the total acreage belonging to
Richland Township’s Ag Security Area to over 1,300 acres.
Richland Township continues to support the township’s
farmers with the ASA. It shows the community that we
are on the farmer’s side and will not stand in the way
of their work, helping farmers continue to farm. The Ag
Security program assists farmers by protecting exceptional
agricultural lands from the threat of development, some
cases of eminent domain condemnation, and local nuisance
ordinances. Richland Township values and respects its
farmers.
Being in an ASA is a requirement for applying to the
County Farmland Preservation program. Two of the
farms that were just accepted into Richland’s ASA have
submitted applications with the county for the Farmland
Preservation Program. Two others have already been
preserved with this program.
For more information about ASAs, and applying to join
Richland’s ASA, contact Rich Brittingham at 215-536-4066.
RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES - SPRING 2016
PAGE 23
Richland Township Agricultural Security Areas
9-101 9-101-3
9-121
9-116
9-80
37-01
9-102-2
9-115
9-168-6
9-103-1
9-104-3
6-11
a
ni
or
lif
Ca
Richlandtown Pike
5-1
29-38
9-104-1
9-104
9-114-3
ad
Ro
9-150
29-31
9-149-3
5-23
5-13
Route 309
9-140
9-140-1
37-20
29-34-5
37-17
29-90
37-16-3
29-33
29-23
37-16-2
29-88
29-94
29-32
29-20
29-21
29-86
29-95
34-4
9-128
RICHLANDTOWN
BOROUGH
9-134-2
29-7-3
9-126
29-8
29-7-1
29-9
29-96-2
29-96
29-11
5-38
37-15
29-78
29-76
5-49
29-71-1
East Pumping Station Road
29-70
West Pumping Station Road
33-29
29-64
n
io
Un
ad
Ro
5-71
29-53
29-46-1
29-47
45-7
29-50-1
45-6-3
29-97
45-5-1
Route 663
ch
er
45-5-5
Th
at
45-4
Ro
ad
45-5-6
45-3
45-28-3
QUAKERTOWN BOROUGH
45-27
39-106
39-107
13
tP
ale
to
wn
Ro
ad
St
a
tio
n
Ro
ad
Ro
ute
3
Ea
s
q
13-8-1
39-65
39-40
South Old Bethlehem Pike
13-14
Tollgate Road
13-25-1
13-59
13-24
38-20
39-64
39-25
s
We
a
tP
let
n
ow
ad
Ro
39-35-3
39-35-2
39-63
39-35
38-59-3
Agricultural Security Area Parcels
13-46
38-8-1
2020 Primary Development Area
Lakes, Ponds
Streams, Creeks
0
Boucher & James, Inc.
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
www.bjengineers.com
1,250 2,500
5,000
7,500
Feet
Richland Township
Existing Agricultural Security Area Parcels
Potential Agricultural Security Area Parcels
Proposed Agricultural Security Area Parcels
Agricultural Security Areas
PAGE 24
SPRING 2016 - RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES
The Spotted Lanternfly…a New Threat
Egg Mass
Spring
Although the spotted lanternfly is a beautiful, eyecatching bug, it’s an invasive pest. It poses a significant
threat to Pennsylvania’s $20.5 million grape, $134 million
apple, and $24 million stone fruit industries as well as to
the hardwood industry, accounting for $12 billion in sales.
Closer in our own backyards, lanternflies in large numbers
can create weeping wounds of sap on our tree trunks. Such
damage, in turn, can attract wasps, hornets, bees and ants.
The advancing lanternfly is presently found in portions
of four counties: Berks, Montgomery, Chester, and Bucks.
Quarantined municipalities to date within Bucks are
Milford Township and Trumbauersville Borough. As yet,
there have been no sightings in Richland Township.
The general quarantine restricts movement of any
material or object that can spread the pest. This includes
firewood or wood products, brush or yard waste, outdoor
household articles like lawnmowers, grills, and tarps, and
vehicles not stored indoors. Businesses in a quarantine
area must obtain a Certificate of Limited Permit from the
PA Department of Agriculture in order to move these
articles.
The lanternfly gets its name from the color of its head,
which looks like an alligator. Its wings have patterns
by Tom Smicker,
Upper Tohickon Watershed Association
Summer
Fall
that resemble eyes; when they are spread, they scare off
predators. And although adult lanternflies look like moths,
they are actually cicadas. To effectively eradicate this
menace, one must recognize it in all stages.Beginning in
late April to early May, the nymph hatches from its egg
case and passes through several immature stages. In the
first stage, it is wingless and black with white spots. It then
grows red patches in addition to the white spots. Next,
red wing pads appear and its upper body is red. Lastly, as
early as July, it assumes the adult look of black head and
grayish wings with black spots.
In the fall, adults prefer Tree of Heaven or any smooth
trunked tree, stone, or vertical surface for food sourcing,
mating, and egg laying. Eggs are laid in late September
through late November and early December. The egg
masses consist of 30 to 50 eggs, covered in a gray, waxy,
mud-like coating, and pose the greatest risk for accidental
transport of lanternflies to new areas.
The PA Department of Agriculture encourages us to
watch for the spotted lanternfly and offers the following
suggestions:
1. Do a quick inspection of your vehicle for lanternfly
hitchhikers before moving within/near a quarantine area.
2. If you discover egg masses, collect a sample and place
it in a leak proof container with alcohol or hand sanitizer.
Submit the specimen to the Bucks County Penn State
Extension office for verification.
3. Scrape remaining eggs from the surface, double bag
them, and throw them in the trash.
4. To report sightings in your neighborhood, call
Invasive Species report line at 866-253-7189.
5. If you take a photo of adults or egg masses, submit it
to [email protected] with your contact information.
For more information about the lanternfly invasion, visit
www.agriculture.pa.gov and search “lanternfly.”
RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES - SPRING 2016
PAGE 25
Richland Township Fire & Rescue
64 Shelly Road
Quakertown, PA 18951
215-536-7226
www.rtfr.org
Activities & Events
Bingo
“VOLUNTEERS NEEDED”
Shelly Bingo — Tuesdays, Games start 6:45 pm Doors open 5:30 pm
Regular & Special Games. New monitors. Refreshments available.
Designer Purse Bingo
Designer Purse Bingo – Friday, April 29th 7:00 pm Doors open 5 pm
Call 215-778-1641 for tickets. BYOB Tables reserved for groups of 6 or more
Cheese Steak Dinner
FIRE FIGHTERS
FIRE POLICE
JUNIOR MEMBERS
(14yrs & up)
“FUNDRAISING HELP”
Cheese Steak Dinner — Fridays, April 1st June 3rd, July 15th August 5th
4 pm to 7 pm Includes: Fries, Applesauce or coleslaw, drink & dessert
BINGOS
BREAKFASTS
Breakfast Buffet
Breakfast Buffet — Sundays, April 10, May 8th Mother’s Day & June
19th Father’s Day, 8:00 am to 1:00 pm “All you can eat”
FUND DRIVE
HALL RENTALS
SPECIAL ACTIVITIES
Hall Rentals
Hall Rentals — Anniversaries, Birthdays, Graduations, Receptions
Catering by “Jesslemel Foods” 215-536-7226, option 4
SPECIAL EVENTS
TRUCK FUND
For More Information: www.rtfr.org or call 215-536-7226
Thank you for your support - Richland Township Fire & Rescue
Thank you for your support
PAGE 26
SPRING 2016 - RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES
Shelly School Update
Education Serves A Purpose
from the Richland Historical Society
What a great opportunity it is for us to help perpetuate
one of the great legacies of American History. A nation that
began with the belief of educating all its citizens, however
humble a beginning, proved to be a great idea.
While the one room schools were basically built for the
children in the countryside, mostly children of farmers, the
idea of including all children was in and of itself a broad
concept. The idea reached beyond ethnic, color, and class
situations.
The one room school created another concept of family.
Frequently former students of the one room school will
claim its family association. Former students and teachers
frequently recall the friendships made during their time at
these small institutions.
As in any situation, all was not always perfect in these
little schools, but the idea of a well-educated constituency
bore out the ideas of many - that an intelligent nation
might rise high
enough to even “land on the moon” for
instance! Now, they probably weren’t thinking in the realm
of such an accomplishment at that time, but the reality
of what educating a nation brings to fruition breaks all
bounds.
In comparison to other countries, our nation should be
nothing but proud of our accomplishments in education.
While the directions have changed in many ways, the
recognition that an educated nation is, after all, a strong
nation, born out by the experience of third world countries.
Nations, where only the top levels of people are allowed
to be educated, have a continuous battle of government
revolution.
The ever present belief that an educated populace makes
trouble for the tyrants, while educated people demand
answers to their questions, bears witness to the fact that a
truly progressive state is well educated.
Hence the one room school was created, expanded, and
became the focal point for the education of our country.
If you are interested in learning more, or to take a tour
of the school, contact the Richland Historical Society, 130
Richlandtown Pike, Quakertown, PA 18951. Phone: 215536-7562. Website: www.richlandhistoricalsociety.com
INNOVATIVE ENGINEERING Proud to serve as
Richland Township
Planning Consultant
and Inspection Engineer
Doylestown
215-345-9400
Lehigh Valley
610-419-9407
Consulting Engineers
www.bjengineers.com
An Employee Owned Company
Stroudsburg
570-629-0300
RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES - SPRING 2016
PAGE 27
Richland’s Four
Voting Precincts
If you are unsure of where to vote, here is a
brief description of each voting precinct. (See
the attached map.)
Richland 1
If you live south of Raub Road and east of
Route 309, you will cast your ballots at the
Richland Elementary School just off Route 313.
Richland 2
If you live in the northeast section of the
township, north of Raub Road and east of the
Railroad Tracks, you will cast your ballot at the
Richland Township Municipal building located
on California Road.
Richland 3
If you live in the northwest section, west of
the railroad tracks and north of Cemetary Road
and Milford Square Pike, you will cast your
ballot at Grace Bible Fellowship Church on Old
Bethlehem Pike near Stonegate Road.
Richland 4
If you live in the southwest portion of the
township, south of Mill Road and west of
Route 309, you will cast your ballot at First
Church of the Brethren, 455 Trumbauersville
Road.
DON’T FORGET
TO VOTE!
Primary Election Day
April 26, 2016
Polls Open 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
POLLING PLACES
Richland 1: Richland Elementary School
Fairview Avenue
Richland 2: Municipal Building
California Road
Richland 3: Grace Bible Fellowship Church
Old Bethlehem Pike
Richland 4: First Church of the Brethren
Trumbauersville Road
Recycling in Richland Township
Recycling is mandatory in Richland Township
for all residents and non residential establishments.
Residents are required to recycle at least the following
items: newspapers, inserts, junk mail, magazines,
phone books, cardboard, aluminum cans, tin and steel
cans, glass jars and bottles, all plastic containers labeled
1 thru 7 and leaf waste. Operators of non-residential
property uses are also required to recycle at least the
following items: high-grade office paper, corrugated
cardboard, aluminum cans, glass jars and bottles,
plastic water bottles and leaf waste. If you need to
know your recycling collection day or requirements,
contact your trash hauler. Most trash haulers working
in the Township include the collection of recyclable
materials at no additional cost.
PAGE 28
SPRING 2016 - RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES
Fall Leaf Collection Schedule
October 3 - December 2, 2016
Although it is still spring, leaves will
begin to fall before our fall newsletter
is prepared.
Richland Township began its leaf
collection program because of the
need to keep stormwater inlets clear,
and to help our residents properly
dispose of leaves. The leaves we
collect are taken to facilities that
recycle them into compost. If you have
a composting lawn mower, you may
want to consider using it to leave the
composting leaves in place to benefit
your lawn instead of piling them up at
the road for collection.
Although we will try to meet the
following schedule, our collections
may be affected by poor weather
or other factors. If we get behind in
our schedule, we will collect leaves
as close to your collection date as
possible.
Leaf collection in developments
with roads dedicated to the
township
Residents who live in developments
with roads dedicated to the township
may place leaves for collection
beginning October 17, 2016, through
December 2, 2016. The leaf collection
vehicle will travel through the
dedicated road developments weekly.
If leaves are placed out late in the
week, they may be collected the
following week. Leaves must be on the
road surface, against the curb. Leaves
on the sidewalk or in yards will not be
collected.
Developments in this group are:
The Elms
Walnut Bank Farms (Walnut Bank
Farm Road, Farm House Lane, Red
Barn Lane and School House Lane)
Richland Mead
Hunters Crossing (including
Timberbrook Drive and Hallmark
Place)
Sweetbriar
Brayton Gardens I
Brayton Gardens II
Tollgate Landing
Richland Court
Regency Manor
Spring Meadows
Academy Place
Richland Station (including
Turntable Circle)
Heather Valley/Richland Farms
Deer Run Estates
Morgan Creek
Leaf collection in developments
with non-dedicated roads
Leaves will be collected two times
in developments with roads that are
privately maintained and not part of
the township road system: October 31
to November 4, 2016, and again the
week of November 14 to 18, 2016.
Most of these developments have
parking lots or courts that cannot be
accessed with our equipment because
of space constraints and numerous
parked cars. Place the leaves on the
street, against the curb, on the main
access roads. Leaves on sidewalks,
yards and inaccesible areas will not be
collected.
Developments in this group, and the
streets where leaves may be placed:
Stonegate Village (place leaves on
Stonegate Road)
Beaver Run (place leaves on Beaver
Run Drive, Terrace Drive and Windsor
Court)
Richland Greene
Quakers Green (place leaves on
Quakers Way)
Walnut Bank Farms Condominium
Section (place leaves on Walnut Bank
Farm Road)
Renaissance at Morgan Creek (place
leaves on Memory Lane, Creekside
Lane, and Turtle Creek Lane)
Arbours at Morgan Creek
Reserve at Hidden Ponds
Leaf collection on rural roads
Because of the large amount of
frontage along rural roads, we must
limit collections on those roads to a
one time collection during the week
specified for your road. Leaves placed
for collection after the specified week
may not be collected.
Pile leaves on the shoulder as close
to the roadway as possible. Our
machine cannot reach farther than the
shoulder so leaves beyond that point
will not be collected.
Please use the following schedule
for a one time collection during your
specified week.
Week of October 3 to 7, 2016:
Route 309
Route 663
E. Cherry Road
Route 313
Paletown Road
Rocky Ridge Road
Thatcher Road
Union Road
Apple Road
Richlandtown Pike
Route 212
Younken Road
Pullen Station Road
Trumbauersville Road
Tollgate Road
Mill Road
N. Old Bethlehem Pike
W. Zion Hill Road
Week of October 17 to 21, 2016:
N. Mine Road
S. Mine Road
Hickon Road
Keystone Road
Gross Road
W. Cherry Road
California Road
Dickert Road
Camp Rockhill Road
Scholls School Road
Continued on next page
RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES - SPRING 2016
Leaf Collection Schedule
Continued from Page 28
Yankee Road
W. Rich Hill Road
Whaland Road
E. Rich Hill Road
Muskrat Road
Smoketown Road
S. Old Bethlehem Pike
Station Road
Stoneback Road
Tohickon Road
Shelly Road
Nice Road
E. Zion Hill Road
Station Avenue
Cemetery Road
Portzer Road
Ambler Street
Woodland Avenue
Penrose Street
Walnut Street
Important information
Week of November 7 to 11, 2016:
E. Rockhill Road
Raub Road
Erie Road
Axehandle Road
Meadow Road
Beck Road
E. Pumping Station Road
W. Pumping Station Road
Heller Road
Reservoir Road
Milford Square Pike
Portzer Road
Franklin Lane
Morris Road
Fairview Avenue
Hellertown Street
Perkasie Avenue
1). Do not place any other materials
such as sticks, grass, or yard waste
with your leaves. These items clog the
vacuum hose and will not be collected.
2). Do not park vehicles on leaf
piles. We cannot collect leaves that
are under vehicles. Hot mufflers and
exhaust pipes may ignite the leaves
and cause vehicle damage or loss.
3). A leaf drop-off area is available
for all residents. You may drop them
off in the leaf bin behind the salt
storage shed at the Township Building
at 1328 California Road.
4). WE NO LONGER ACCEPT
LEAVES IN PLASTIC BAGS AT
THE DROP OFF BIN. Dump bags
out on to the pile and take the plastic
bags away. Leaves in paper bags are
accepted.
If you have any questions
concerning these matters, please
contact the Township’s Public Works
Director at 215-536-4066.
PAGE 29
Yard Waste
Collection
Richland Township will again
be offering a Spring Yard Waste
Collection in May.
This year’s yard waste pickup
will occur the week of May 16th
through May 20th. You may
place yard waste, consisting of
leaves and/or sticks, at the curb
for collection anytime during
that week. The Township’s
Public Works employees will
collect the yard waste at that
time. Please try to place your
waste out early in the week, if
possible.
Leaves may be piled against
the curb or bagged. Sticks
should be stacked on top of the
curb.
Please do not put out rocks,
dirt, stumps, trash, lumber or
anything other than leaves and
sticks. We will not collect grass
clippings or other unacceptable
items.
From the Water Authority
Water Quality Report Now on Website
The Richland Township Water Authority is pleased to report that water quality monitoring, in
accordance with EPA and Pennsylvania DEP guidelines, shows that our water is safe and meets or exceeds
federal and state requirements.
The 2015 Water Quality Report is now available on our website. To see the report, please go to:
http://www.richlandtownship.org/water/CCRreport.pdf
If you are a Water Authority customer, this report contains important information about the source and
quality of your drinking water.
If you do not have Internet access and would like a paper copy, please contact Dianne by phone at 215536-4733, or by email at [email protected] and the report will be mailed or emailed to you
promptly.
PAGE 30
SPRING 2016 - RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES
From the Zoning Office
by Rich Brittingham
Permits are required for:
11. Earth disturbance over 1,000 sq.ft. (Ordinance #210)
1. Change of Use of Occupancy
2. Construction of a new building
3. Structural alterations or repairs
4. Signage
5. Adding new structures, additions or dwelling units
6. Sheds, fences, swimming pools, concrete patios,
paver patios, parking lots and driveways
7. Plumbing fixtures, installed or replaced
8. Well drilling
9. Moving or relocating a building
10. Demolition, razing (Ordinance #191)
All applications for Building and Zoning Permits
should include the following information:
1. Plot plan including lot dimensions, building setbacks,
proposed construction location, existing structures
and easements
2. Description of the proposed construction
3. Estimated cost of construction
4. Type of occupancy (present and proposed use)
5. Name, address, and telephone number of owner,
contractor and authorized agent
Developments Under Consideration
Developments Under Construction
1. Front Gate Community
13 Mid-rise buildings, 402 units (Age Qualified 55+)
46.26 acres located along Station Road behind Q-mart
2. Reserve at Woodside Creek
75 Single family
101.7 acres located on the south side of Paletown Road
& Rocky Ridge Road
3. Steeple Run
39 Single family
21.1 acres located on the north side of Paletown Road
4. Tollgate Crossing
30 Single family
65.7 acres located on the south side of Tollgate Road
5. Select Properties - Twin Lakes
107 Single family
54.3 acres located on the east side of Old Bethlehem Pike
6. Prospect Acquisitions, LP
40 Townhomes
26 acres located along Heller Road
Permits Available Online:
Permit applications are available on our website at
www.richlandtownship.org. These include: Zoning and
Building Permit; Shed, Deck and Pool Permit (also for
fences & patios); and Sign Permit.
Also available are the Subdivision & Land Development
Application, 2015 Fee Schedule, Escrow Agreement; the
Zoning Board Application, and the Conditional Use
Application.
Click on BLDG & ZONING.
1. Renaissance at Morgan Creek
141 Single family (Age Qualified 55+)
101 acres located on the south side of Station Road
2. Arbours at Morgan Creek
134 Townhomes/multiplex units (Age Qualified 55+)
89.2 acres located on the north side of W. Paletown Road
1.
2.
3.
4.
Commercial/Industrial Projects
under Consideration
Pavillion at Richland
14.06 acres located at the SE corner of N. West End Blvd.
& West Pumping Station Road
Proposed multiple commercial use
Quaker Alliance, LLC
1.022 acres located on the southwest corner of
S. West End Blvd. & Tollgate Road
Proposed Multiple Commercial Use
Dunkin Donuts & California Tortilla
SW Quakertown CVS LP
2.75 acres located on the southeast corner of
S. West End Blvd. & Tollgate Road
Proposed E2 Large Retail Store (CVS Pharmacy)
Cemetery Road, LLC
3.5 acres located along California Road & Cemetery Road
Proposed D1 Office Use
RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES - SPRING 2016
PAGE 31
Richland Township’s
Memorial Garden at Veterans Park
COMMEMORATIVE BRICK PAVER PROGRAM
The Richland Township Park & Recreation Board is selling commemorative bricks to be placed
in the walkway to the Veteran’s Memorial Garden. The 4”x8” gray paver can be imprinted with
three lines of up to thirteen characters on each line (including spaces and punctuation).
Bricks will be placed randomly. Corporate/group donations may be accommodated.
The cost is $50.00 for the first two lines and an additional $10.00 for the third line, per brick.
PERSONALIZED BRICK ORDER FORM
Name_________________________________________________________________________________________
Address_______________________________________________________________________________________
City ___________________________________________ State _______ Zip ______________________________
Phone _____________________________ Email _____________________________________________________
Fax _______________________________
My gift donation: $________________
(Make checks payable to: Richland Township Parks & Rec)
PLEASE PRINT YOUR MESSAGE IN THE BOXES BELOW:
FOR MULTIPLE BRICK ORDERS, PLEASE REQUEST EXTRA FORMS. THANK YOU!
Mail form and payment to:
Richland Township
1328 California Road, Suite A
Quakertown, PA 18951
All proceeds will benefit Richland Township’s
Memorial Garden at Veterans Park.
For more information, call 215-536-4066.
Richland Township reserves the right to approve, deny, or change all messages.
PAGE 32
SPRING 2016 - RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES
Richland Township
1328 California Road, Suite A
Quakertown, PA 18951
RICHLAND TOWNSHIP MUNICIPAL OFFICES
1328 California Road, Suite A, Quakertown, PA 18951
Phone 215-536-4066 • Fax 215-538-3020 • www.richlandtownship.org
POLICE DEPARTMENT
229 California Road
Quakertown, PA 18951
215-536-9500
WATER AUTHORITY
1328 California Road, Suite D
Quakertown, PA 18951
215-536-4733 • Fax 215-536-0205
EARNED INCOME TAX
Keystone Collections Group
546 Wendel Road
Irwin, PA 15642
888-519-3898
www.keystonecollects.com
REAL ESTATE TAX COLLECTOR
Walter Johnson
P.O. Box 940
Richlandtown, PA 18955
(Office located at 520 Station Road)
215-536-6603
richlandtownshiptaxcollector.webs.com
The Township building is open for business Monday through Friday
from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. All minutes, financial reports, ordinances,
resolutions, contracts, agreements, sub-division plans, etc., for the
Township are available for public inspection. Copies are charged at
$.25 per page.
MEETING SCHEDULES
All meetings are open to the public. The
following meetings are held at 7:00 p.m.
in the Township Building:
Board of Supervisors
Planning Commission
Water Authority
Park and Recreation Board
Trails Committee
Preservation Board
Zoning Hearing Board
Second Monday of the month
Third Tuesday of the month
Second Thursday of the month
Fourth Wednesday of the month
Fourth Wednesday of the month
Second Wednesday of the month
As advertised when required
Community/Police Liaison Board
Fourth Tuesday of the month
7:00 p.m. at the Police Building