Notes from the Chief
Transcription
Notes from the Chief
Semi-Annual PO Box 244, 156 B W. Main Street, Reinholds, PA 17569 Spring 2013 Notes from the Chief Sergeants will be missed: Sergeant Larry Martin has retired from the police department, effective February 19, and Sergeant Ray Burns will retire on April 5th. Between them, they had amassed 56 years of law enforcement experience, all of it with the East Cocalico Township Police Department. These two dedicated officers will be missed. We thank them for their service to our communities. Spring safety tips for our walkers, runners, and bicyclists; all of whom have to share our narrow roads and streets with motor vehicles: Pretend that you’re invisible. Sounds sort of funny but it’s a good way to keep from getting run over. Make it irrelevant whether drivers see you or not. If you always assume that a driver doesn’t see you, you’ll be a lot safer. Never run or walk more than two-abreast, and make sure you face traffic, keeping as close to the shoulder-of-the-road as possible in case you have to take evasive action. Bikers should travel with traffic, and obey the rules of the road, while always wearing a helmet. Wear reflective clothing. Take a look at the next police officer you see on traffic duty. They’re wearing reflective colors, you should too, if you’re going to be in the roadway. Be attentive to the lighting conditions. It’s harder for drivers to see during dusk and dawn. Remember that solar glare is a factor in a lot of accidents. Keep a cell phone with you. It’s good to program the word ICE in your cell phone contact list. ICE stands for In Case of Emergency. Just enter your emergency contact person (Mom, dad, husband, wife, brother, sister, etc.) under the name ICE, so police, fire, or EMS personnel will have a point of contact in case you’re involved in an accident and we don’t know who you are. Contributed by Chief George Beever Cocalico Creek Watershed Association 2013 Spring Update The organization recently held its 9th Spaghetti Supper and Annual Meeting in February. Last fall they applied for a Growing Greener Grant for a stream restoration project on the Little Cocalico Creek between Reinholds and Denver. They were recently notified that they received a grant, but only for a portion of what they initially applied for. They are currently discussing their options as to what extent they can implement the plan to stay within the available budget. A tree planting project is scheduled on a property west of Schoeneck where old Stober’s Dam was removed on April 13th. The Association has a limited number of rain barrels available for sale at a cost of $10.00. The barrel is blue and has a spigot attached. They also have rainspout diverters available for an additional $15.00. Call Dave @ 336-4271 for purchase or for additional information. The monthly membership meetings are open to the public. They are normally held the first Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Cocalico Sportsmen’s Clubhouse. Contributed by Dave Weidman WEST COCALICO TOWNSHIP Schoeneck Fire Company 1st row (L-R): Jamie Pannebecker, Captain; Andrew Showalter, Captain; John Mertz, Assistant Chief; Tim Hackman, Deputy Chief; Jeff Hackman Chief. 2nd row (L-R): Ashley Weinhold, Paul Gantert, Scott Smith, Wendall High, Jeremy Horning, Delbert Sensenig, Linda Weaver – Fire Police Captain, Jay Weaver – Fire Police Lieutenant. 3rd row(L-R): Brandon Hilton, Derrick Smith, Nevin Horning, Bob Hackman, Amos Hoover, Jerry Fasnacht, Luke Weinhold, Mike Fasnacht, Justin Hoover, Josh Mertz, Marvin Showalter, Glenn Zimmerman, John Shirk Jr, Gerald Martin 2013 Fundraisers The Schoeneck Fire Company was established November 19, 1924. The first piece of fire apparatus was purchased on August 9, 1926 (this truck was in service until 1937). The fire company is currently located at 125 North King Street, Denver (this building was dedicated in 2007). The company’s current apparatus are a 1997 Pierce Quantum Pumper (1000 gallon water, seats 8), a 1985 Pierce Dash Pumper (1000 gallon water, seats 4) and a 2006 Ford F0550 Squad (carries extra equipment, seats 5). At the end of 2012 the company approved the purchase of a 2013 Pierce XT Pumper (1250 gallons water, seats 8); this engine will be delivered to the station in April and will be placed in service Summer 2013. The Schoeneck Fire Company currently has 32 active firemen and 10 active fire police. The members of the Schoeneck Fire Company and Auxiliary would like to thank the community for their past and continued support at the fundraising events and during the annual Fund Drive. April 20th, Fish Fry 3PM-7PM (last day to purchase tickets 4/13) May 4th, Community Yard Sale 7AM-?? And Big John Nolt’s Chicken BBQ dinner 10AM May 18th, First Annual Consignment Sale 9AM and Quilt Auction 1PM. Items will be accepted on 5/16 3PM-8PM and 5/17 8AM-8PM no items will be accepted on day of sale. Call 336-6767 for more information. May 24, 25, 26, Adamstown Community Days (French fry stand) June 1st, A Day in the Park - Ephrata Community Hospital (French fry stand) October 12th, Big John Nolt’s Chicken BBQ dinner 10AM October 26th, Soup & Sub Sale 8AM November 16th, Craft Show 8AM-2PM Visit Earth911.com for your recycling needs The following vendors recycle electronics: Staples: 365 N Reading Rd. Ephrata PA 17522 717-733-6677 Best Buy: 1701 Crossing Dr Wyomissing PA 19610 610-375-3340 For membership or questions, see Chief, Jeff Hackman, Tuesdays 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the fire hall (336-6767). For Schoeneck Fire Hall and grounds rental, contact Rich Beiler at 717-330-9752. Burn permits can be obtained at the fire hall on Tuesday evenings between 6:00 & 7:00 p.m. (336-6767). 2 WEST COCALICO TOWNSHIP Reinholds Fire Company Front Row (L-R): Pat Gibson, Zach Crills, Liam Greenwood, Kurt Knoll, Taylor Schmeck, Dwight Walters, Joe Groff, Tylor Arndt, Craig Eberly . Back row( L-R): Kent Reich, Dennis Schmeck, Scott Moyer, Kurt Reich, Dick Pannebecker, Ryan Brown, Steve Kauffman, Lonnie Oglesby, Mike Youndt, Jeremy Brubaker, Matt Eberly, Larry Hagey, Ed Hainley, John Reich. (Not pictured are Mike Sheidy, Dustin Fox and Tom Showalter, who was taking the picture. ) The Reinholds Fire Company was chartered on April 15, 1915 (they’re approaching the 100th anniversary). The 1st engine was purchased on April 6, 1915. The carnivals started the year of 1916. The Reinholds Fire Company currently has two engines, one brush truck, one air truck/squad. There are thirty active members. For membership or questions, contact Chief Kent Reich or President, Dennis Schmeck. (336-7753) For Banquet Hall rentals, contact Michelle Brown at 336-7191. Burn permits can be obtained at the fire hall on Monday evenings between 7:00 & 9:00 p.m. (336-7753). See a Chief Officer for the permit. 2013 Fundraisers FUND DRIVE currently underway There will be two Carnivals in June: June 1—Craig Campbell, Flamin Dick June 8 - Dustin Lynch, Jimmy & The Parrots Visit their website at: www.reinholdsfireco.com for additional carnival information and other upcoming events. Baked goods are needed for the carnivals. They can be dropped off at the carnival grounds on either of the Saturdays listed above or you can contact an active firefighter to have them picked up. Thank you for your support! PAVILION RENTALS Tree Donation Anyone may reserve a pavilion in any of the parks: Chapel Gate Park, Main Street Park, or the Schoeneck Park. The rental fee is $50.00 and is nonrefundable. Please call the Township Office at 336-8720 to make your reservation. The Schoeneck and Chapel Gate Pavilions have a refrigerator. If you are interested in using the refrigerator area, an additional $50.00 fee will be charged. This fee is refundable. For pictures and more information visit our website-www.co.lancaster.pa.us/west_cocalico. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted at any of the Township Parks. Thank you for adhering to this. If you would like to donate a tree to one of the Township parks in memory of a loved one, please contact the Township Office during regular hours or attend a Park Board Meeting held the 4th Wednesday of each month, 7:00 p.m. in the Township Meeting Room. 3 WEST COCALICO TOWNSHIP Greetings library lovers! Services Offered by Humane League of Lancaster County Below are listed some of the services the Humane League offers at little to no cost: Several kinds of low-cost preventive programs, namely, spay/neuter clinics for owned pets; microchip clinics and vaccination clinics. Contact the shelter to schedule spay/neuter services for your pets. Microchip and vaccination clinics are held periodically at sites throughout the county. 2. Low-cost trap-neuter-return (TNR) as the most effective control for feral cats. Citizens should call the shelter for assistance with trapping and for scheduling. 3. Acceptance of stray dogs after the two-day hold period and by appointment for $100 per dog. 4. Acceptance of stray cats by appointment for the surrender fee of $75. 5. Microchip scanning of strays for immediate reunion with owners. 6. Opening soon: Wellness Clinic for lowincome pet owners needing basic medical care for pets. Income eligibility will be determined by evidence of public assistance. The Adamstown Area library has a fantastic line up of programs for the whole family. Please join them for any one of the following and don’t forget to register online at www.adamstownarealibrary.org or call the library at 484-4200 to sign up: Poetry Night ( Open Mic) Thursday, April 18 @ 6:30 PM Hans Suhrbier and his wife will be the featured poets. Please bring your poems and share them with the community. Technology Night Thursday, May 16 @ 6:30 PM Bring your GADGETS to the library as Public Relations Specialist, Kyle Sellers will help you work your IPADS, phones, Nooks, & Kindles, etc. Job Workshop (Two Sessions) Wednesday, May 22nd from 4 to 6 PM & 6 to 8PM Learn how to write a resume, practice your interviewing skills, and find jobs online. “So what is the Big Deal about Stormwater?" Thursday, June 13 @ 6:30 PM · Jay Snyder will talk about water cycle & where it goes versus where it needs to go. · The difference between Penn's Woods & Urban/Suburban Water Management, and progress made in the big picture. · Then bring it around to a personal level of What Every Property Needs is a Water Management Plan. · Then we can go down to the creek to see What it Has to Say to Us. Civil War Relics featuring a Musket & Pistol Thursday, July 25 @ 6:30 PM Join us for a fascinating presentation by Civil War author (and Ephrata Attorney) Larry B. Maier. Photoshop Workshop Thursday, August 15 @ 6:30 PM Avid photographer & Public Relations Specialist, Kyle Sellers, will help you make the most of your photos. Bring your camera & photos! HUMANE LEAGUE Of Lancaster County 2195 Lincoln Highway East Lancasater, PA 17602 (p) (717) 393-6551 (f) (717) 295-1391 Email: [email protected] Website: humaneleague.com The Lancaster SPCA has recently opened…. The Lancaster SPCA has recently opened and is accepting surrendered animals: $45 for cats $75 for dogs SPCA 599 Chesapeake St. Lancaster, PA 17602 717-917-6979 Contributed by Kathy Thren 4 WEST COCALICO TOWNSHIP Healthy Habits for Clean Water As stormwater flows over driveways, lawns, and sidewalks, it picks up debris, chemicals, dirt, and other pollutants. Stormwater can flow into a storm sewer system or directly to a lake, stream, river, wetland, or coastal water. Anything that enters a storm sewer system is discharged untreated into the water bodies we use for swimming, fishing, and providing drinking water. Polluted runoff is the nation’s greatest threat to clean water. By practicing healthy household habits, homeowners can keep common pollutants like pesticides, pet waste, grass clippings, and automotive fluids off the ground and out of stormwater. Adopt these healthy household habits and help protect lakes, streams, rivers, wetlands, and coastal waters. Remember to share the habits with your neighbors! Healthy Household Habits for Clean Water Vehicle and Garage: • Use a commercial car wash or wash your car on a lawn or other unpaved surface to minimize the amount of dirty, soapy water flowing into the storm drain and eventually into your local waterbody. • Check your car, boat, motorcycle, and other machinery and equipment for leaks and spills. Make repairs as soon as possible. Clean up spilled fluids with an absorbent material like kitty litter or sand, and don’t rinse the spills into a nearby storm drain. Remember to properly dispose of the absorbent material. • Recycle used oil and other automotive fluids at participating service stations. Don’t dump these chemicals down the storm drain or dispose of them in your trash. Lawn and Garden: • Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly. When use is necessary, use these chemicals in the recommended amounts. Avoid application if the forecast calls for rain; otherwise, chemicals will be washed into your local stream. • Select native plants and grasses that are drought and pest resistant. Native plants require less water, fertilizer, and pesticides. • Sweep up yard debris, rather than hosing down areas. Compost or recycle yard waste when possible. • Don’t overwater your lawn. Water during the cool times of the day, and don’t let water run off into the storm drain. • Cover piles of dirt and mulch being used in landscaping projects to prevent these pollutants from blowing or washing off your yard and into local waterbodies. Vegetate bare spots in your yard to prevent soil erosion. Home Repair and Improvement: • Before beginning an outdoor project, locate the nearest storm drains and protect them from debris and other materials. • Sweep up and properly dispose of construction debris such as concrete and mortar. • Use hazardous substances like paints, solvents, and cleaners in the smallest amounts possible, and follow the directions on the label. Clean up spills immediately, and dispose of the waste safely. Store substances properly to avoid leaks and spills. • Purchase and use nontoxic, biodegradable, recycled, and recyclable products whenever possible. • Clean paint brushes in a sink, not outdoors. Filter and reuse paint thinner when using oil-based paints. Properly dispose of excess paints through a household hazardous waste collection program, or donate unused paint to local organizations. • Reduce the amount of paved area and increase the amount of vegetated area in your yard. Use native plants in your landscaping to reduce the need for watering during dry periods. Consider directing downspouts away from paved surfaces onto lawns and other measures to increase infiltration and reduce polluted runoff. For more information, you might want to attend the Library Program, Thurs., June 13 @ 6:30 PM “So what is the Big Deal about Stormwater?" 5 WEST COCALICO TOWNSHIP TAX INFORMATION The County and Township Tax Bill (Spring Taxes) is sent to you by the County of Lancaster. Payments are to be made to the Treasurer of Lancaster. If you have questions about your Spring Taxes, please call 717-299-8222. Your School Tax or (Fall Taxes) is mailed to you by the Cocalico School District. If you have questions, please call the tax office 336-1406. The West Cocalico Township Office mails the Street Light Tax to residents that have a street light on their street. If you have questions, please call 336-8720. TOWNSHIP MEETING SCHEDULE Meetings are held monthly in the township meeting room on the following days: Supervisors: 1st Thursday at 7 p.m. 3rd Monday at 9 a.m. Planning Commission: 2nd Monday at 7 p.m. Authority: 2nd Tuesday at 7 p.m. WEST COCALICO TOWNSHIP 2013 TAX RATES Zoning Hearing: 3rd Thursday at 7 p.m. Park Board: 4th Wednesday at 7 p.m. Please visit the township website for meeting dates and times, as well as, park information, meeting minutes, Zoning Hearing Ads, Building Permits, and other useful information: www.co.lancaster.pa.us/west_cocalico REAL ESTATE TAX 2.0 Mills REALTY TRANSFER TAX 0.005% EARNED INCOME TAX 0.005% STREET LIGHTS $1.56 per street front foot with a 100 foot maximum 2013 Budget and 2012 Audit WE NEED YOUR HELP The 2013 Budget is available on the West Cocalico Township website: www.co.lancaster.pa.us/ west_cocalico. Also, the 2013 Budget and the 2012 Audit are available at the township office Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. If you notice a street light outage, please obtain the two pole numbers located at the bottom of the pole, the one begins with a “4” and the other with an “S” and call the township office (336-8720) with this information. We need this info to report the light outage to PPL. Thanks for your help! Landscape Reminders With spring finally here, please remember when landscaping or planting, do not plant shrubbery, trees or crops or place decorative stones close to the roads. It’s important to stay several feet from the roadway so the flow of traffic or the sight of motorists is not hindered. While doing your spring landscaping, please remember to keep shrubs and trees away from the water meters. The Authority greatly appreciates easy access to the meters. You will need a Burn Permit if you are planning to do open burning of brush, etc. These can be obtained from your local fire company. (See the information regarding the Fire Companies on page 2 & 3.) Street Light Tax Bill The 2013 Street Light Tax Bills were mailed 2/27/13. If you normally receive a Street Light Tax Bill but did not this year, please call the township office at 336-8720 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Available at the Township Office The following items are available at the township office for use in recycling: Household Battery Collection Bags Recycling Bins 6 WEST COCALICO TOWNSHIP Recap of 2012 Road Work York Excavating completed work at the Hillside Rd. bridge & the Creek Rd. bridge. Plowed and/or salted roads, 1/21, 1/22, 2/9, 2/10, 2/11, 2/12, and 11/27. Road crew spent time on truck and snow equipment repairs. Cleaned up anti-skid. Mowers and paving equipment were serviced. Work was completed on Tannery Rd. storm water piping. Replaced catch basin on Horseshoe Trail Rd. Creamery Rd. repairs were completed. L/R: Doug Miller, Mike Grant, Dick Pennabecker, Tom Showalter Filled in sink holes on Forest Road, Swamp Bridge Road and Short Rd. Installed parking bumpers at the Chapel Gate Parking lot. The drainage swale in Chapel Gate Park was dug out and reseeded. Repairs to the end wall were also made. Pipe replacement was done at Main St. Park, and N. Blainsport Rd. Paving repairs were made on Camp Rogers Rd., Project Drive., Gockley Rd., Pine View Dr., Hickory Rd., Leisey Rd., Creek Rd., S. Blainsport Rd., White Hall Rd., Garvin Rd., Ross Rd., Mechanic St., Forest Rd.,.Netzley Rd., Lincoln Ave. and Red Stone Circle. Installed inlets and replaced pipes on Lower Hillside Rd., Horseshoe Trail Rd. and inlet top on Lincoln Ave. Line painting was completed. No Truck signs were installed on Kline Rd., Strickler Rd. and Wollups Hill Rd. Mowed shoulders of roads numerous times. Roads were cleared of debris from heavy rains on May 15th. Cleaned gutters, trimmed trees and brush in Township’s right of way along roads. Chip Sealing of roads was done by Martin Paving. The Swamp Bridge Rd. and Hartings Park Rd. storm water project was completed on August 16th. New 36” Stop signs and Stop Ahead signs and reflective post strips were installed at the intersection of Schoeneck Rd. and Indiantown Rd.. The Hillside Rd. pipe replacement was completed on August 17th. Repaired a storm water pipe on Mechanic St., so that paving of the shoulders could be completed. Burkholder Paving did shoulder paving on Mechanic St. Paving on Swamp Bridge Rd. from Greenville Rd. to Hartings Park Rd., was completed by Burkholder Paving. Replaced a storm water pipe that collapsed on Village Spring Lane. Installation of a 38” x 24” culvert pipe on Blue Lake Rd., was completed. Repaired a railing on Chapel View Dr. that was damaged in a vehicle accident. The Road Crew also does mowing and maintenance of the three Township Parks, the two ball fields and maintenance of all municipal buildings. Roads to be Sealcoated or Paved during 2013 The following roads will be sealcoated: Swamp Bridge Road, Pine St., Sportsman Rd., Hickory Rd., High School Rd., Hackman Rd., Pleasant View Rd., Sandy Hill Rd., Pine View Rd. There are two alternate roads that might be sealcoated based on bids received, they are: Resh Rd. and Shenks Mill Rd. Portions of Indiantown Rd., Wollups Hill Rd., Hillside Rd. and all of Lower Hillside Rd. will be paved this year. 7 West Cocalico Township 156 B W. Main Street P.O. Box 244 Reinholds, PA 17569 (717) 336-8720 PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID LEBANON PA PERMIT No. 146 Township Office 156 B W. Main Street PO Box 244 Reinholds, PA 17569 336-8720 Authority 156 B W. Main Street PO Box 95 Reinholds, PA 17569 336-6265 Hours Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Except Holidays Township Website: www.co.lancaster.pa.us/ west_cocalico Email: [email protected] Police: 336-1725 Emergency: 911 Water/Sewer Emergency call-Authority’s Cell Phone: 717-629-7044 West Cocalico Township Newsletter Published by: West Cocalico Township Supervisors: Jacque Smith Terry Scheetz James Stoner Editor Shelbie Shupp Staff Contributor Carolyn Friesema, Mgr. Tammy Sweigart The Schoeneck The Authority reads your water meters four times a year. Sump Pumps may not be connected to the public sewer system as this overloads the sewer treatment plant. ________________________________ Billing Information Water and sewer bills are mailed on a quarterly basis. You should receive your bill, per the following schedule: 1st Qtr. (Jan/Feb/Mar) 2nd Qtr. (Apr/May/June) 3rd Qtr. (July/Aug/Sept) 4th Qtr. (Oct/Nov/Dec) by April 15th by July 15th by October 15th by January 15th If you don’t receive a bill or have any questions, please call the Authority at 336-6265. 8