Municipal News
- Last Updated on Tuesday, 01 December 2015 16:54
By Miranda Startare
Carroll Township Police Chief Paul Brand thanked the board of supervisors at the Nov. 5 regular monthly meeting for approving a five-year labor contract with the local police department.
The agreement between Carroll Township and Teamsters Local 205, who represent Carroll Township Police Department, was accepted and approved for the period of Jan. 1, 2016 through Dec. 31, 2020.
Chief Brand also thanked the taxpayers of Carroll Township for their contribution to the police force, especially when many communities are disbanding local police departments and passing the burden of law enforcement onto the state police, according to Brand.
“We’re trying to beat back the bad guys,” Brand said, expressing his appreciation that the board of supervisors and the Carroll Township community support their efforts.
“They take public safety seriously,” Brand stated, “and we thank you and appreciate your support.”
Also at the monthly meeting, resident Maya Patch discussed the possibility of Carroll Township using the legal channels available through Pennsylvania Act 90 to help eliminate blighted properties in the township.
The Neighborhood Blight Reclamation and Revitalization Act, known as Act 90, was enacted in 2010 and gives municipalities more legal muscle to go after neglectful property owners, in part by allowing municipalities to attach assets of an owner to pay to bring a blighted property up to code or to tear it down.
Patch addressed the board, saying, “You can go after those people.”
The supervisors, who are aware of the legislation and have used legal means to address problem properties, also reminded residents that the law does not equate to having the funds to enforce it.
Zoning Officer Dennis Butler echoed the supervisors, stating, “Where do you get the money?”
In other business, Carroll Township recently received a performance grant from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in the amount of $2,381. The grant is given to the township based upon the community’s recycling efforts, and the amount is directly correlated to the amount of recycling that is collected in the township.
Residents and businesses are reminded and encouraged to continue recycling, noting that increased efforts will result in increased funds for the community.
The next regular meeting is scheduled for Dec. 1 at 6 p.m.