Published by the Board of Supervisors r Founded 1741 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Message from the Chairman ..2 Township Contact Information ..............................2 2011 Highway and Bridge Maintenance Program..............3 Bicycle Rules ............................3 Inaugural Perk UP Half Marathon ..........................4 The Perkiomen- Lehigh Path ..............................4 UHT Debt Free (and Other Cost Savings) ......5 Parks and Recreation Update..5 Pruning Woody Plants Workshop ................................5 Agricultural Conservation Easements ................................5 Recycling Program On the Way ..............................6 Pavilion ............Center Spread 2010 In Review........................9 Floodplain Mapping Update ..9 Supervisors Urge Residents to Make Their Addresses Visible ........10 Regional Comprehensive Plan Update Nearing Completion ............11 Every Drop Counts: Benefits of Using a Rain Barrel ..........................12 From the Perkiomen Valley Library ........................13 Summer is West Nile Virus Season ..........................13 Newsletter Montgomery County, Pennsylvania Spring/Summer 2011 Newsletter www.UpperHanoverTownship.org www.UpperHanoverTownship.org The Board of Supervisors presented several Service Recognition Awards at their meeting of April 12, 2011. From left to right: Township Supervisor Ben Fiorito; Planning Commission Member Jacqueline Fiorito (Five Years); Township Supervisor Eugene Fried; Board of Supervisors Chairman Richard Fain (Five Years); Industrial Development Authority Member Edgar Stauffer (Ten Years); Planning Commission Member William Kalb, Jr. (Ten Years); Township Supervisor Shannan Bieler (Five Years) and Township Supervisor Mary Kershner. R esults of the 2010 U.S. Census provided Township residents with an official population count that is easy to remember. The final 6,464 count is an increase in population from 2000 to 2010 of 1,579 residents, representing a 32.3 percent increase over the 2000 population of 4,885. Housing units in Upper Hanover Township increased from 1,764 in 2000 to 2,424 in 2010. This 37.4 percent increase is the third-highest percent change among Montgomery County’s 62 municipalities. 2,163 of the households are owner occupied. The Race and Hispanic Origin census data for Upper Hanover Township reports 95.7 percent white, 1.8 percent Hispanic, 1.5 percent black or African-American, 1.6 percent Asian and 1.2 percent other. (The total percentages do not add up to exactly 100 percent due to rounding.) The total Township population consists of 3,229 males and 3,235 females. 78.2% of the population is 16 years of age and over. According to the census, Montgomery County’s population grew by 6.8 percent from 2000 to a 2010 population of 799,874. This was the third-largest gain of all of the 67 counties in the state. Montgomery County remains the third largest county in Pennsylvania behind Philadelphia and Allegheny (Pittsburgh). From 2000 to 2010, Montgomery County’s number of housing units increased to a total of 325,735. Additional census data specific to Upper Hanover Township will be released over the next few months. Newly released data will be periodically listed on the Township website at www.upperhanovertownship.org under the heading of News and Updates. Census Update: 2010 Township Population Reached 6,464 Congratulations!
Transcript
Published by the Board of Supervisors r Founded 1741
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Message from the Chairman ..2
Township Contact Information ..............................2
2011 Highway and BridgeMaintenance Program..............3
Bicycle Rules............................3
Inaugural Perk UP Half Marathon..........................4
The Perkiomen-Lehigh Path ..............................4
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Board of Supervisors, along with the H&K
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construction at THP’s Northgate community,
located along Route 663. THP looks forward
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and to completing a beautiful community of
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The Board of Supervisors presented several Service Recognition Awards at their meeting of April 12, 2011. Fromleft to right: Township Supervisor Ben Fiorito; Planning Commission Member Jacqueline Fiorito (Five Years);Township Supervisor Eugene Fried; Board of Supervisors Chairman Richard Fain (Five Years); IndustrialDevelopment Authority Member Edgar Stauffer (Ten Years); Planning Commission Member William Kalb, Jr.(Ten Years); Township Supervisor Shannan Bieler (Five Years) and Township Supervisor Mary Kershner.
Results of the 2010 U.S. Census provided Township residents with an official population count that is easyto remember. The final 6,464 count is an increase in population from 2000 to 2010 of 1,579 residents,
representing a 32.3 percent increase over the 2000 population of 4,885.
Housing units in Upper Hanover Township increased from 1,764 in 2000 to 2,424 in 2010. This 37.4percent increase is the third-highest percent change among Montgomery County’s 62 municipalities. 2,163of the households are owner occupied.
The Race and Hispanic Origin census data for Upper Hanover Township reports 95.7 percent white, 1.8percent Hispanic, 1.5 percent black or African-American, 1.6 percent Asian and 1.2 percent other. (The totalpercentages do not add up to exactly 100 percent due to rounding.) The total Township population consistsof 3,229 males and 3,235 females. 78.2% of the population is 16 years of age and over.
According to the census, Montgomery County’s population grew by 6.8 percent from 2000 to a 2010population of 799,874. This was the third-largest gain of all of the 67 counties in the state. MontgomeryCounty remains the third largest county in Pennsylvania behind Philadelphia and Allegheny (Pittsburgh).
From 2000 to 2010, Montgomery County’s number of housing units increased to a total of 325,735.
Additional census data specific to Upper Hanover Township will be released over the next few months.Newly released data will be periodically listed on the Township website at www.upperhanovertownship.orgunder the heading of News and Updates.
Census Update: 2010 Township Population Reached 6,464
Congratulations!
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If you have provided an email address foryour account, MCLINC libraries will useemail to notify you when:
• Items you requested are now ready topick up.
• Your library card will need to be renewed.
• Your library materials are due soon.
• You have library materials checked outthat are now overdue.
Email is faster, requires less staff time, iseco-friendly, and saves libraries money -- animportant tool in helping your librarystretch scarce dollars. If you do not wish tobe notified by email, you will need to optout of email notification.
Please contact UPV Library at 215.679.2020to opt out.
For information about summer and fallprograms, visit upvlibrary.org
Did You Know?
The library offers a wide selection eBooksto anyone with a valid Library Card. For details, go tohttp://www.upvlibrary.org/eBooks.php
Job Hunting? Use the library!
People are utilizing the library not just forpleasure reading, but out of necessity for jobhunting, and resume writing.
Most businesses require people to apply fora job on-line. How do they do that if theydon't own a computer, or because of limitedfinances they had to give up their Internetconnection?
Answer: the library. Our nine publiccomputers are very heavily used most of thetime for job hunting
13 2
Message from the Chairman:
Board of SupervisorsRegular Meeting: Second Tuesday
of each month at 7:00 p.m.
Workshop Meeting: Monday prior to each Regular Meeting at 7 p.m.
Planning CommissionWorkshop Meeting: First Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.,
Third Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.
Regular Meeting: First Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m.
Industrial Development AuthoritySecond Monday of the last month
of each quarter at 7:30 p.m.
Zoning Hearing BoardThird Wednesday of each month,
as required, at 7 p.m.
Parks and Recreation CommitteeFourth Monday of each month at 7 p.m.
Historical CommitteeThird Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m.
Upper Hanover AuthorityFirst Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m.
Township Contact Information Office Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 1704 Pillsbury Road, PO Box 27, East Greenville, PA 18041
For Police, Fire and Medical Emergencies: Dial 911
Meeting Schedule
All meetings are open to the public and are held at: Upper Hanover Township Municipal Building: 1704 Pillsbury Road, East Greenville, PA
Board of Supervisors Richard K. Fain, ChairmanEugene F. Fried, Vice Chairman Shannan E. BielerBen Fiorito, Assistant TreasurerMary Gibbs Kershner, Assistant Secretary
StaffTownship Manager: Stanley W. Seitzinger, Jr. Road Foreman: Larry D. Buck
A Reminder....The Township Building will be closed on the following holiday:July 4, 2011 – July FourthSeptember 5, 2011 – Labor Day
Dear Residents:
According to the U.S. Census, our population has grown to 6,464, a 32.5 percent increasesince 2000. That growth has a practical implication – we are now required to institute aTownship-sponsored recycling program. See page 6 for details.
All those new residents means our Parks and Recreation program will continue to grow.Camelot Park, in particular, has become a hub of activity for community members of allages. As the weather warms, even more people will take advantage of this wonderfulresource.
By the time you read this, construction of the pavilion should be completed, adding yetanother amenity to an already popular setting.
I am also proud to report the Township is completely debt free, a statement not manymunicipalities can make. It is only through the prudent vision of the Board of Supervisorsand the hard work of our employees that the Township is in such good financial shape.
Thank you for your support and encouragement as we continue to strive to make Upper Hanover Township a greatplace to live and work.
Here’s wishing you a safe, fun and relaxing summer.
Richard K. FainChairmanUpper Hanover Township Board of Supervisors
Upper Hanover TownshipBoard of Supervisors
Chairman Richard K. Fain.
The West Nile Virus (WNV) season began April 1 and the Montgomery CountyHealth Department (MCHD) is recommending that residents take precautions to
clear away mosquito breeding areas around their homes. WNV, which surfaced in theU.S. more than ten years ago, is commonly transmitted back and forth between infectedbirds and mosquitoes. However, humans can become the unintended hosts of thedisease when they are bitten by an infected mosquito.
With the onset of warmer weather and peak WNV season approaching, MCHD isreminding residents that they can help prevent the spread of WNV by eliminatingstanding water from their property.
West Nile virus remains an unpredictable disease, and we won't be able to tell howsevere a problem it will be this year. By taking steps now, residents can help to reducemosquito populations.
MCHD also encourages residents to mosquito-proof their homes by replacing tornscreens in doors and windows; cleaning out gutters; and by emptying and turning overcontainers that could collect water, allowing mosquitoes to breed. Standing water is apotential breeding ground for mosquitoes. Anything that can hold water for four dayscan breed 1000’s of mosquitoes. Eliminating standing water has proven effective incontrolling WNV.
MCHD will soon begin routine larviciding of public properties throughout thesummer months. If WNV activity poses a risk to human health, adulticiding or sprayingmay be necessary in targeted areas.
Residents who would like to be notified of when spraying will occur should sign upfor the ReadyNotify service at https://montco.alertpa.org. Residents must register for“Health Alerts” to get notifications from the Health Department about WNV sprays andother emergent and non-emergent issues. Other information about WNV, includingproducts used can be found at the Health Department website,http://health.montcopa.org.
Summer is West Nile Virus Season
How to Reduce Your Exposure to Mosquitoes• Check and repair windows and screens to prevent mosquitoes fromentering your home.
• Eliminate any standing water that collects on your property.
• Survey your property and dispose of containers that can collect standingwater such as old tires, cans, bottles, buckets, toys.
• After it rains empty any plant containers, birdbaths, flowerpots, kiddie poolsand pool covers to keep water from collecting in these items.
• Make sure roof gutters drain properly and rooftops are free of standing water.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. Keepthem empty and covered if not in use; drain water that collects in pool covers.
• Drill several holes in the bottom of recycling buckets so water can drain fromthem. Trash containers should be covered so no rain can accumulate in them.
• Use an approved mosquito repellant when outdoors in areas wheremosquitoes are active. Apply insect repellent sparingly to exposed skin.Follow the label directions carefully. Do not apply to the face. Never allowchildren to apply repellents. Parents should avoid applying repellents to thehands of children
• Check with a physician before applying repellents to very young children(less then 3 years old).
• Avoid mosquito-breeding areas during peak periods of mosquito activity.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, making sure to cover feet and ankles.
• Discuss any concerns with your private physician.
Arain barrel connected to your downspout—also known as a rain bank—is a great way to keep stormwater out of thesystem and to cut down your water bill! Because you are collecting right off the roof, it has few contaminants and is
perfect for watering the garden.
Diverting water from your downspout into rainwater catchment systems has several advantages:
• Reduces the volume of water flowing to the sewer treatment facility;
• Lowers the percentage of roof top rainfall as a component of urban runoff;
• Provides a backup source of water during times of drought or between rain showers;
• Helps to keep our creeks and beaches clean;
• It’s naturally softened water - great for delicate houseplants, auto cleaning and window washing;
• Saves money by lowering your water bill;
• Reduces the need for additional tax dollars earmarked for sewer expansion;
• Chlorine-free water helps maintain a healthy biotic community in the soil;
• Educational tool for teaching residents about water conservation.
Residential irrigation can account for 40 percent of domestic water consumption in a given municipality. Rain barrels not only storewater, they help decrease demand during the sweltering summer months.
One-quarter inch of rainfall runoff from the average roof will completely fill the typical barrel. Collection of water from rooftoprunoff can provide an ample supply of this free "soft water" containing no chlorine, lime or calcium. Because it tends to have fewersediments and dissolved salts than municipal water, rain water is ideal for a multitude of applications, including biodynamic andorganic vegetable gardens, raised planter beds for botanicals, indoor tropical plants like ferns and orchids, automobile washing, andcleaning household windows.
Saving water in this manner will reduce you demand for treated tap water, and save money by lowering your monthly bill.Rainwater diversion will also help decrease the burden on water treatment facilities and municipal drainage systems during storms.The storage of rainwater is also recommended for general emergency preparedness, or for areas prone to disasters or drought. A goodformula to remember: 1 inch of rain on a 1,000 sq ft roof yields 623 gallons of water. Calculate the yield of your roof by multiplyingthe square footage of your roof by 623 and divide by 1000.
Rain Barrels Prevent Mosquitoes From Breeding
Most rain barrels come with a screw on, perforated top with a screen (mesh) under the lid to keep out mosquitoes, bugs, debris,pets and children. If the mosquito screen is intact and there are no leaks where mosquitoes can enter the barrel, your rain barrelshould be mosquito-free.
More tips:
Place rain barrels on a pervious surface so that overflow water soaks into the ground instead of pooling on paved surfaces.
Keep your rain barrel lid sealed.
Keep your rain barrel free of organic material.
During the rainy season (every 3-4 days) turn on the spigot or use your hand to splash off any water that may collect on top of the barrel.Mosquitoes need at least 4 days of standing water to develop as larva.
If you believe mosquitoes are breeding in your rain barrel, empty your rain barrel completely. This will kill all mosquito larvae thatmay be in your barrel.
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Paving projects scheduled for this year include Miller and Fennel roads. Oil and Chip roadway maintenance projects areOld School Road, Hillegass Road, Peevy Road, Jacobs Sawmill Road, and Warner School Road.
The 2011 Bridge Maintenance Program will entail repair and maintenance activities on 19 Upper Hanover Townshipowned and maintained bridges. The work will include guiderail replacement, concrete repair, the placement of rip-rap alongabutments and piers, grouting and painting. Project work is expected to begin in July.
2011 Highway and Bridge Maintenance Program
By Lt. David C. Buckley
Pennsylvania State Police
As warm weather arrives, we see many more people enjoying the outdoors by bicycling onor near the highway. Unfortunately, some traffic accidents and bicyclist injuries happenbecause a bicyclist was neither riding with the proper safety equipment nor following the“rules of the road.”
Pennsylvania’s Vehicle Code requires every person operating a bicycle upon a highway toobey the same rules of the road as a vehicle driver must obey.
In addition to operating under the same traffic rules and obeying the same traffic-controlsigns and signals that drivers must obey, the following excerpts from Pennsylvania’s VehicleCode represent the most common violations seen regarding operation of bicycles:
• Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway shall not ride more than two abreast.
• A person shall not ride other than upon or astride a permanent and regular seat attachedto the bicycle. (No riding on the handlebars.)
• Every bicycle, when in use between sunset and sunrise, shall be equipped on the front with a lamp that emits a beam of whitelight intended to illuminate the bicycle operator's path and visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front, a redreflector facing to the rear that shall be visible at least 500 feet to the rear, and an amber reflector on each side.
• Every bicycle shall be equipped with a braking system that will stop the bicycle in 15 feet from an initial speed of 15 milesper hour on a dry, level and clean pavement.
• A person under 12 years of age shall not operate a bicycle or ride as a passenger on a bicycle unless the person is wearing abicycle helmet.
• No person operating a bicycle shall carry any package, bundle or article which prevents the driver from keeping at least onehand upon the handlebars.
• No person shall ride a bicycle on a freeway.
Help do your part in preventing crashes and injuries by following the general rules for vehicle operation, following theadditional rules for bicycles, and ensuring that you and your bicycle have the proper safety equipment.
The full list of rules for operating a bicycle on a highway can be found in Chapter 35 of Pennsylvania’s Vehicle Code athttp://www.dmv.state.pa.us/vehicle_code/index.shtml
Bicycle Rules
Every Drop Counts: Benefits of Using a Rain Barrel
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Sunday, August 28, 2011Race starts and end at The Perkiomen School in Pennsburg
13.1 miles---RUN it or WALK it to support a great cause -- theDelaware Valley Chapter of The National Hemophilia Foundation.All money raised from this event will help local families affectedwith bleeding disorders.
Visit www.perkuphalfmarathon.com for more information
If you’ve lived in Upper Hanover Township for any period of time, you most likely heard stories of farmers and others findingarrowheads or other Native American relics while plowing their fields or digging a new well.
There are many fine Indian artifact collections in area museums, many ofwhich were collected near the Perkiomen Creek in Upper HanoverTownship. But little is known about a major path used by NativeAmericans in another area of the township.
In an article written in 1906, “well-known Allentown archeologist” D. N.Kern was reported to have one of the most valuable collections of Indianrelics in Eastern Pennsylvania. Among his collection was a 28-poundjasper sledgehammer from the Vera Cruz mines.
Kern also found “three medallion portraits made of brown jasper, two ofthem representing the heads of men and the other that of a women.” Thesemedallions were very rare and the only other one known to exist was inLebanon County.
Native Americans worked the jasper pits and quarries at Vera Cruz, aswell as others in Lehigh and Bucks Counties back in the early 1700’s. As amatter of archeological record, they worked the quarries some 12,000 yearsbefore that!
The quarries at Vera Cruz, in Lehigh County, were just a few hundredyards west of the town. It is one of many sites reported on the PennsylvaniaHistorical Museum Commission’s National Register Listed EligibleProperties.
According to the Commission, the earliest Native Americans quarriedand shaped the jasper “for tool making as early as ten thousand to twelvethousand years ago. Their descendents continued to quarry and work thisstone until the time of their first contact with Europeans in the 17thcentury.”
Researchers claim that the Jasper from Vera Cruz was traded into NewJersey, Delaware, and Western Pennsylvania. This sparked some interest inthe various routes of travel used and Upper Hanover Township lies right in the middle of a major trail once used Native Americanson their travels on their way to the Jasper mines.
According to Dr. Paul A. W. Wallace’s Indian Paths of Pennsylvania, “a path ran north from an Indian town on the Schuylkill at themouth of the Perkiomen Creek (about a mile south of Oaks) to the Vera Cruz jasper quarries.” The path was reported to have runup the west side of the Perkiomen Creek, past modern day Schwenksville and Perkiomenville. It was reported to have crossed thewater where the Perkiomen and Macoby creeks meet in Green Lane. From there, the path crossed the hills between the two creeksand continued north along the Macoby and Stony Run creeks, through Kleinville, in Upper Hanover Township, and on to Geryville,Hosensack, and the Jasper mines at Vera Cruz.
The Perkiomen-Lehigh Path
The dark spots on the map mark the location of thePerkiomen-Lehigh Path as it wound from the banks of theSchuylkill River to the Jasper mines in Vera Cruz. Map isfrom Dr. Paul A. W. Wallace’s Indian Paths of Pennsylvania.
In 2001, Upper Hanover Township joined Marlborough Township, and East Greenville, Green Lane, Pennsburg and Red Hillboroughs in adopting the Upper Perkiomen Valley Regional Comprehensive Plan. While the specific reasons for joining together
and developing a regional comprehensive plan varied for each municipality, the fundamental purpose of the Plan is to provide ablueprint for growth management in the Upper Perkiomen Valley.
The Plan designates areas for growth and areas for rural preservation, while protecting the six municipalities from residential“fair share” challenges. The legal protections for “fair share” essentially enable the municipalities in the region to share residentialland uses, meaning that each municipality does not have to provide for every housing type or higher densities.
This protection contributes to the concentration of new residential growth in areas with existing sewer and water facilities andprevents sprawl into the region’s rural and environmentally sensitive areas. Lastly, but no less important, regional planningprovides the region with greater influence and gives the participating municipalities access to priority funding at the county andstate levels.
In 2009, the Regional Planning Commission began updating the Regional Comprehensive Plan. This update was initiated tocomply with the state requirement that comprehensive plans be reviewed at least every ten years. The update, which wassubstantially completed during 2010, involved re-examination of the broad regional planning policies adopted in 2001 todetermine if any revisions are necessary.
The updated plan also accounted for changes in factual data, such as the continued existence of identified historic sites or theacreage of protected open space, and incorporated new information, such as the results of the Regional Traffic Study completedin 2007 and the emerging interest in recreational planning and economic development from a more local perspective.
The Regional Planning Commission’s goal is to finalize the Comprehensive Plan in 2011. The last pieces of the plan to bedeveloped involve the results of the 2010 Census. Much of the data from the Census will not be available until this summer andwill need to be augmented by the release of the 2011 American Community Survey data (an annual analysis done to provide yearlyestimates) at the end of the year. Once the demographic data is updated, it is the goal of the Regional Planning Commission topursue municipal adoption of the revised Comprehensive Plan in early 2012.
In the interim, the Regional Planning Commission has begun an analysis of non-residential uses in the region. Much of thisanalysis will involve review of local zoning ordinances to catalogue the uses permitted in the region and the location of these usesin comparison to the revised policies of the draft comprehensive plan. The regional planning commission wants to identifyopportunities for strengthening zoning for nonresidential uses that the region wants to encourage and confirm that reasonablestandards are in place for uses that may have broader regional impacts.
Please contact Eric Jarrell at the Montgomery County Planning Commission (610-278-3745 or [email protected]) with anyquestions regarding the Upper Perkiomen Valley Regional Planning Commission or the Comprehensive Plan update.
Regional Comprehensive Plan Update Nearing Completion
Supervisors Urge Residents to Make Their Addresses Visible
When an emergency strikes, precious minutes can make abig difference in the outcome, and a clearly marked
address, especially at night or during bad weather, can be thatdifference.
Three years ago, the Board of Supervisors passed an ordinancethat requires all properties to have clearly marked addresses.Many residents responded quickly by purchasing and installingthe proper signs.
The ordinance requires street address numbers signs to becomprised of paint, metal, enamel and other similar materials, tobe not less than four inches (4”) in height, and to be reflectiveand in contrast to their immediate background.
The ordinance requires that all signs consist of white numberson a green background. Additional requirements under theordinance are noted as follows:
• For all residences, buildings and other structures, StreetAddress Numbers shall be placed in a conspicuous place asnear the front entrance as is possible and practicable, andshall be clearly visible from the street, day or night.
• For residences, buildings and other structures that are notclearly visible from a public street, Street Address Numbersshall also be posted at the intersection of the driveway withthe public street so as to be clearly visible from the publicstreet. Such Street AddressNumbers shall be placed upona post or other structure thatdisplays the Street AddressNumbers in such a mannerthat the bottom of the StreetAddress Numbers isforty-eight (48) inches fromgrade.
• Where private roads anddriveways contain multipleturnoffs to access residences,buildings and/or otherstructures, Street AddressNumbers shall also be postedat the turnoffs in such amanner that clearly indicatesthe direction in which theresidence, building or otherstructure is located.
Residents may purchase signs meeting theabove specifications from private sign companiesor from any of the local fire companies, includingthe East Greenville Fire Company, the PennsburgFire Company or the Red Hill Fire Company. Thecost of the signs purchased from the fire companies is $15 withpayments made directly to the fire companies. Contact andpayment information is as follows:
East Greenville Fire Company401 Washington Street, East Greenville, PA 18041
Telephone: 215-679-5311
Checks should be made payable to: “East Greenville Fire Company”
Pennsburg Fire Company501 Penn Street, Pennsburg, PA 18073
Telephone: 215-679-5311
Checks should be made payable to: “Pennsburg Fire Company”
Red Hill Fire Company71 East Fourth Street, Red Hill, PA 18076
Telephone: 215-234-4550
Checks should be made payable to: “Red Hill Fire Company”
For your convenience, a copy of thestandard address sign order form canbe obtained from the local firecompanies, at the Township MunicipalBuilding or on the Township websiteunder “Applications/Forms” atwww.upperhanovertownship.org.
Questions regarding compliancewith the Ordinance # 2009-04, StreetAddress Numbers can be directed toJeffrey Ashman, Upper HanoverTownship Fire Marshal at215-768-3371.
The highly visible, two-sidedand reflective house numbersigns are available in both ahorizontal and vertical design.
5 10
The Board of Supervisors is pleased to announce that Upper Hanover Township is now completely debt free as a result of the earlypayoff of a ten 10-year-old general obligation loan that was originally secured to assist with the purchase of the Ateeco Wastewater
Treatment Plant in 2002. The early payoff of the loan resulted in the savings of approximately $1,300 in interest.
Another cost savings was realized by changing the Township’s phone service carrier to Comcast and by reorganizing phone line use.The estimated annual savings will total $1,800 or more.
A third cost savings will come from an Agreement with Direct Energy for the provision of electricity that allowed the Township andthe Upper Hanover Authority to group its electric purchases under one contract. This joint cooperation resulted in a $.07721 perkilowatt hour rate for electricity that will produce an annual cost savings to the Township of approximately 15 percent, $1,500 to$2,000 per year.
While the cost savings are relatively small items compared to the overall annual operating budget, the small savings add up overtime and are an integral part of the Township Supervisors’ ongoing efforts to run an efficient and cost effective local government.
UHT Debt Free (And Other Cost Savings)
2011 is shaping up as a banner year for visitors at the Township parks. The athletic fields at Camelot Park are scheduled with activeuse from April through October. Teams include Upper Perk Youth Baseball, Valley Soccer, Upper Perk Girls Softball and the
Tri-County Women’s Soccer League.
The number of trail-walkers at Camelot Park and Macoby Run Park round out a full and regular schedule. The tot lots at both parksalso attract regular visitors.
The new pavilion at Camelot Park was completed in the spring. The 30-foot by 76-foot pavilion is available for use by park visitorsand can also be rented for special events (see the Township website). Other 2011 planned improvements include the addition ofbenches and planter areas.
Other interesting uses for the park are turning up in 2011. A tree-pruning workshop under the direction of the Penn State Schoolof Forest Resources was held in February. A Renaissance Fair event is tentatively scheduled for later this year.
Come on out and join in the fun!
Parks and Recreation Update
The Montgomery County Agricultural Land PreservationBoard recently presented a Resolution to the Upper HanoverTownship Board of Supervisors in recognition of theTownship’s ongoing participation toward the purchase of threeagricultural conservation easements on farms in the Townshipinvolving the permanent preservation of nearly 191 acres offarmland. To date, 18 farms have been permanently preservedin Upper Hanover Township with five applications pending.From left to right: Township Manager Stan Seitzinger, Jr.;Township Supervisor Shannan Bieler; Chairman Richard Fain;Elizabeth Emlen, Montgomery County Senior FarmlandPreservation Administrator; and Township Supervisors MaryKershner, Eugene Fried and Ben Fiorito.
The Penn State School of Forest Resources and Extension UrbanForester Julianne Schieffer held a Pruning Woody Plants Workshop atthe Township Highway Maintenance Building on February 24, 2011.
9 6
This past year was a busy and productive one for the Township.
Here are some facts and figures:
2010 In Review Recycling Program on the WayThe completed U.S. Census counts of 2010 pushed Upper Hanover Township over a population number and density
threshold that now requires the implementation of an official recycling program in accordance with Act 101 of1998, “The Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling and Waste Reduction Act”.
At a minimum, the Township must:
• Adopt the recycling program by a Township resolution or ordinance that provides for:
• Separation and Collection of Materials. Persons must separate at least three (3)materials deemed appropriate by the Township from other waste generated at theirhomes, apartments and other residential units, and they must store such materialsuntil collection. The three (3) materials may be chosen from among the following:clear glass, colored glass, aluminum, steel and bi-metallic cans, high-grade officepaper, newsprint, corrugated paper and plastics.
• Leaf Waste. Persons must separate leaf waste from other waste generatedat their homes, apartment and other residential units until collection,unless those persons have otherwise provided for composting of theleaf waste.
• Multi-Family Residential Units. The Township must allow an owner of aresidential property consisting of four (4) or more units to establish acollection system for the property by providing suitable containers forcollecting and sorting materials, easily accessible locations for the containersand written instructions. Owners of such buildings are not liable for thenoncompliance of their tenants.
• Commercial, Municipal, Institutional Properties. Persons must separate high-grade office paper,aluminum, corrugated paper, leaf waste and other material that the Township deemsnecessary for commercial, municipal and institutional establishments and communityactivities. The Township must exempt such persons from compliance if they haveotherwise provided for the recycling of such materials. In that event, the person mustprovide the Township with an annual written report detailing the number of tons of suchmaterials recycled.
• The separated materials must be placed at the curbside or a similar location on a scheduled day at least once permonth.
• A system, including trucks and related equipment, must collect the recycled materials at curbside at least onceper month from each residence or other person (commercial, etc.) generating waste. The Township must explainto the residents how the recycling system will operate, when the dates of collection fall, incentives and penalties,and any other responsibilities of its residents.
• Provisions ensuring compliance are in place, including incentives and penalties.
• Provisions for the recycling of collected materials
• Notice to the Public. The Township must notify all residents of the program at thirty (30) days prior to itsimplementation and at least once every six (6) months thereafter. This can be accomplished by an advertisementin a newspaper of general circulation.
• Details for the implementation of the new program are presently under review. You can expect additionalinformation in the near future through the Township website at www.upperhanovertownship.org, localnewspapers and the next Township newsletter.
The Township has completed the first steps in the lengthy process to adopt updated floodplain maps. The Federal EmergencyManagement Agency (FEMA) has revised the maps to include the correct street names and other minor changes recommended
by the Township. These maps are available for viewing at the Township Building.
The proposed floodplain maps are also available on-line at www.rampp-team.com/pa.htm. At this site, choose Montgomery County,then the Preliminary Interactive Floodplain Map Index (sheet 1). Upper Hanover Township is at the top of the county, and is includedin several different panels.
Letters were sent out in April 2011 to property owners directly affected by changes to the mapped floodplain. The fact that thefloodplain crosses a parcel does not automatically mean that it will need flood insurance. Flood insurance covers structures andcontents, and is required for properties with federally insured loans. A lender or insurance agent will determine whether the floodinsurance is required, based on the location of the buildings and the floodplain.
The Township will be adopting a new Floodplain Ordinance in 2012. This Ordinance will include updated sections and referencesrequired by FEMA. The ordinance will formally adopt the new Flood Rate Insurance Maps (FIRMs). The Township participates inthis federal plan to allow property owners to be able to buy flood insurance and to make the Township eligible for federal disasterassistance.
Floodplain Mapping Update
• 5 zoning hearings were heard and adjudicated.
• 2 new subdivisions were filed, 4 final approvals were granted, and 5 plans were active and pendingapproval as of December 31.
• 122 building permits were issued, including 21 permits for new homes.
• The Board of Supervisors adopted 5 ordinances and 35 resolutions.
• 1 property was added to the Upper Hanover Township Agricultural Security Area.
• The Pennsylvania State Police reported 1,406 incidents in Upper Hanover Township.
• Work continued on an update to the Upper Perkiomen Valley Regional Comprehensive Plan.
• Construction started on a pavilion at Camelot Park.
• 2010 was the first year of full athletic field use at Camelot Park.
• Held a Renewable Energy Festival at Camelot Park.
• Completed full roof replacement project at the Municipal Building.
Red Hill GreenhousesFLORIST
Red Hill GreenhousesFLORIST
215-679-78471006 Main StreetRed Hill, PA 18076
www.redhillgreenhouse.com
Camelot Park Pavilion Project
Camelot Park Pavilion Project
9 6
This past year was a busy and productive one for the Township.
Here are some facts and figures:
2010 In Review Recycling Program on the WayThe completed U.S. Census counts of 2010 pushed Upper Hanover Township over a population number and density
threshold that now requires the implementation of an official recycling program in accordance with Act 101 of1998, “The Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling and Waste Reduction Act”.
At a minimum, the Township must:
• Adopt the recycling program by a Township resolution or ordinance that provides for:
• Separation and Collection of Materials. Persons must separate at least three (3)materials deemed appropriate by the Township from other waste generated at theirhomes, apartments and other residential units, and they must store such materialsuntil collection. The three (3) materials may be chosen from among the following:clear glass, colored glass, aluminum, steel and bi-metallic cans, high-grade officepaper, newsprint, corrugated paper and plastics.
• Leaf Waste. Persons must separate leaf waste from other waste generatedat their homes, apartment and other residential units until collection,unless those persons have otherwise provided for composting of theleaf waste.
• Multi-Family Residential Units. The Township must allow an owner of aresidential property consisting of four (4) or more units to establish acollection system for the property by providing suitable containers forcollecting and sorting materials, easily accessible locations for the containersand written instructions. Owners of such buildings are not liable for thenoncompliance of their tenants.
• Commercial, Municipal, Institutional Properties. Persons must separate high-grade office paper,aluminum, corrugated paper, leaf waste and other material that the Township deemsnecessary for commercial, municipal and institutional establishments and communityactivities. The Township must exempt such persons from compliance if they haveotherwise provided for the recycling of such materials. In that event, the person mustprovide the Township with an annual written report detailing the number of tons of suchmaterials recycled.
• The separated materials must be placed at the curbside or a similar location on a scheduled day at least once permonth.
• A system, including trucks and related equipment, must collect the recycled materials at curbside at least onceper month from each residence or other person (commercial, etc.) generating waste. The Township must explainto the residents how the recycling system will operate, when the dates of collection fall, incentives and penalties,and any other responsibilities of its residents.
• Provisions ensuring compliance are in place, including incentives and penalties.
• Provisions for the recycling of collected materials
• Notice to the Public. The Township must notify all residents of the program at thirty (30) days prior to itsimplementation and at least once every six (6) months thereafter. This can be accomplished by an advertisementin a newspaper of general circulation.
• Details for the implementation of the new program are presently under review. You can expect additionalinformation in the near future through the Township website at www.upperhanovertownship.org, localnewspapers and the next Township newsletter.
The Township has completed the first steps in the lengthy process to adopt updated floodplain maps. The Federal EmergencyManagement Agency (FEMA) has revised the maps to include the correct street names and other minor changes recommended
by the Township. These maps are available for viewing at the Township Building.
The proposed floodplain maps are also available on-line at www.rampp-team.com/pa.htm. At this site, choose Montgomery County,then the Preliminary Interactive Floodplain Map Index (sheet 1). Upper Hanover Township is at the top of the county, and is includedin several different panels.
Letters were sent out in April 2011 to property owners directly affected by changes to the mapped floodplain. The fact that thefloodplain crosses a parcel does not automatically mean that it will need flood insurance. Flood insurance covers structures andcontents, and is required for properties with federally insured loans. A lender or insurance agent will determine whether the floodinsurance is required, based on the location of the buildings and the floodplain.
The Township will be adopting a new Floodplain Ordinance in 2012. This Ordinance will include updated sections and referencesrequired by FEMA. The ordinance will formally adopt the new Flood Rate Insurance Maps (FIRMs). The Township participates inthis federal plan to allow property owners to be able to buy flood insurance and to make the Township eligible for federal disasterassistance.
Floodplain Mapping Update
• 5 zoning hearings were heard and adjudicated.
• 2 new subdivisions were filed, 4 final approvals were granted, and 5 plans were active and pendingapproval as of December 31.
• 122 building permits were issued, including 21 permits for new homes.
• The Board of Supervisors adopted 5 ordinances and 35 resolutions.
• 1 property was added to the Upper Hanover Township Agricultural Security Area.
• The Pennsylvania State Police reported 1,406 incidents in Upper Hanover Township.
• Work continued on an update to the Upper Perkiomen Valley Regional Comprehensive Plan.
• Construction started on a pavilion at Camelot Park.
• 2010 was the first year of full athletic field use at Camelot Park.
• Held a Renewable Energy Festival at Camelot Park.
• Completed full roof replacement project at the Municipal Building.
Red Hill GreenhousesFLORIST
Red Hill GreenhousesFLORIST
215-679-78471006 Main StreetRed Hill, PA 18076
www.redhillgreenhouse.com
Supervisors Urge Residents to Make Their Addresses Visible
When an emergency strikes, precious minutes can make abig difference in the outcome, and a clearly marked
address, especially at night or during bad weather, can be thatdifference.
Three years ago, the Board of Supervisors passed an ordinancethat requires all properties to have clearly marked addresses.Many residents responded quickly by purchasing and installingthe proper signs.
The ordinance requires street address numbers signs to becomprised of paint, metal, enamel and other similar materials, tobe not less than four inches (4”) in height, and to be reflectiveand in contrast to their immediate background.
The ordinance requires that all signs consist of white numberson a green background. Additional requirements under theordinance are noted as follows:
• For all residences, buildings and other structures, StreetAddress Numbers shall be placed in a conspicuous place asnear the front entrance as is possible and practicable, andshall be clearly visible from the street, day or night.
• For residences, buildings and other structures that are notclearly visible from a public street, Street Address Numbersshall also be posted at the intersection of the driveway withthe public street so as to be clearly visible from the publicstreet. Such Street AddressNumbers shall be placed upona post or other structure thatdisplays the Street AddressNumbers in such a mannerthat the bottom of the StreetAddress Numbers isforty-eight (48) inches fromgrade.
• Where private roads anddriveways contain multipleturnoffs to access residences,buildings and/or otherstructures, Street AddressNumbers shall also be postedat the turnoffs in such amanner that clearly indicatesthe direction in which theresidence, building or otherstructure is located.
Residents may purchase signs meeting theabove specifications from private sign companiesor from any of the local fire companies, includingthe East Greenville Fire Company, the PennsburgFire Company or the Red Hill Fire Company. Thecost of the signs purchased from the fire companies is $15 withpayments made directly to the fire companies. Contact andpayment information is as follows:
East Greenville Fire Company401 Washington Street, East Greenville, PA 18041
Telephone: 215-679-5311
Checks should be made payable to: “East Greenville Fire Company”
Pennsburg Fire Company501 Penn Street, Pennsburg, PA 18073
Telephone: 215-679-5311
Checks should be made payable to: “Pennsburg Fire Company”
Red Hill Fire Company71 East Fourth Street, Red Hill, PA 18076
Telephone: 215-234-4550
Checks should be made payable to: “Red Hill Fire Company”
For your convenience, a copy of thestandard address sign order form canbe obtained from the local firecompanies, at the Township MunicipalBuilding or on the Township websiteunder “Applications/Forms” atwww.upperhanovertownship.org.
Questions regarding compliancewith the Ordinance # 2009-04, StreetAddress Numbers can be directed toJeffrey Ashman, Upper HanoverTownship Fire Marshal at215-768-3371.
The highly visible, two-sidedand reflective house numbersigns are available in both ahorizontal and vertical design.
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The Board of Supervisors is pleased to announce that Upper Hanover Township is now completely debt free as a result of the earlypayoff of a ten 10-year-old general obligation loan that was originally secured to assist with the purchase of the Ateeco Wastewater
Treatment Plant in 2002. The early payoff of the loan resulted in the savings of approximately $1,300 in interest.
Another cost savings was realized by changing the Township’s phone service carrier to Comcast and by reorganizing phone line use.The estimated annual savings will total $1,800 or more.
A third cost savings will come from an Agreement with Direct Energy for the provision of electricity that allowed the Township andthe Upper Hanover Authority to group its electric purchases under one contract. This joint cooperation resulted in a $.07721 perkilowatt hour rate for electricity that will produce an annual cost savings to the Township of approximately 15 percent, $1,500 to$2,000 per year.
While the cost savings are relatively small items compared to the overall annual operating budget, the small savings add up overtime and are an integral part of the Township Supervisors’ ongoing efforts to run an efficient and cost effective local government.
UHT Debt Free (And Other Cost Savings)
2011 is shaping up as a banner year for visitors at the Township parks. The athletic fields at Camelot Park are scheduled with activeuse from April through October. Teams include Upper Perk Youth Baseball, Valley Soccer, Upper Perk Girls Softball and the
Tri-County Women’s Soccer League.
The number of trail-walkers at Camelot Park and Macoby Run Park round out a full and regular schedule. The tot lots at both parksalso attract regular visitors.
The new pavilion at Camelot Park was completed in the spring. The 30-foot by 76-foot pavilion is available for use by park visitorsand can also be rented for special events (see the Township website). Other 2011 planned improvements include the addition ofbenches and planter areas.
Other interesting uses for the park are turning up in 2011. A tree-pruning workshop under the direction of the Penn State Schoolof Forest Resources was held in February. A Renaissance Fair event is tentatively scheduled for later this year.
Come on out and join in the fun!
Parks and Recreation Update
The Montgomery County Agricultural Land PreservationBoard recently presented a Resolution to the Upper HanoverTownship Board of Supervisors in recognition of theTownship’s ongoing participation toward the purchase of threeagricultural conservation easements on farms in the Townshipinvolving the permanent preservation of nearly 191 acres offarmland. To date, 18 farms have been permanently preservedin Upper Hanover Township with five applications pending.From left to right: Township Manager Stan Seitzinger, Jr.;Township Supervisor Shannan Bieler; Chairman Richard Fain;Elizabeth Emlen, Montgomery County Senior FarmlandPreservation Administrator; and Township Supervisors MaryKershner, Eugene Fried and Ben Fiorito.
The Penn State School of Forest Resources and Extension UrbanForester Julianne Schieffer held a Pruning Woody Plants Workshop atthe Township Highway Maintenance Building on February 24, 2011.
Sunday, August 28, 2011Race starts and end at The Perkiomen School in Pennsburg
13.1 miles---RUN it or WALK it to support a great cause -- theDelaware Valley Chapter of The National Hemophilia Foundation.All money raised from this event will help local families affectedwith bleeding disorders.
Visit www.perkuphalfmarathon.com for more information
If you’ve lived in Upper Hanover Township for any period of time, you most likely heard stories of farmers and others findingarrowheads or other Native American relics while plowing their fields or digging a new well.
There are many fine Indian artifact collections in area museums, many ofwhich were collected near the Perkiomen Creek in Upper HanoverTownship. But little is known about a major path used by NativeAmericans in another area of the township.
In an article written in 1906, “well-known Allentown archeologist” D. N.Kern was reported to have one of the most valuable collections of Indianrelics in Eastern Pennsylvania. Among his collection was a 28-poundjasper sledgehammer from the Vera Cruz mines.
Kern also found “three medallion portraits made of brown jasper, two ofthem representing the heads of men and the other that of a women.” Thesemedallions were very rare and the only other one known to exist was inLebanon County.
Native Americans worked the jasper pits and quarries at Vera Cruz, aswell as others in Lehigh and Bucks Counties back in the early 1700’s. As amatter of archeological record, they worked the quarries some 12,000 yearsbefore that!
The quarries at Vera Cruz, in Lehigh County, were just a few hundredyards west of the town. It is one of many sites reported on the PennsylvaniaHistorical Museum Commission’s National Register Listed EligibleProperties.
According to the Commission, the earliest Native Americans quarriedand shaped the jasper “for tool making as early as ten thousand to twelvethousand years ago. Their descendents continued to quarry and work thisstone until the time of their first contact with Europeans in the 17thcentury.”
Researchers claim that the Jasper from Vera Cruz was traded into NewJersey, Delaware, and Western Pennsylvania. This sparked some interest inthe various routes of travel used and Upper Hanover Township lies right in the middle of a major trail once used Native Americanson their travels on their way to the Jasper mines.
According to Dr. Paul A. W. Wallace’s Indian Paths of Pennsylvania, “a path ran north from an Indian town on the Schuylkill at themouth of the Perkiomen Creek (about a mile south of Oaks) to the Vera Cruz jasper quarries.” The path was reported to have runup the west side of the Perkiomen Creek, past modern day Schwenksville and Perkiomenville. It was reported to have crossed thewater where the Perkiomen and Macoby creeks meet in Green Lane. From there, the path crossed the hills between the two creeksand continued north along the Macoby and Stony Run creeks, through Kleinville, in Upper Hanover Township, and on to Geryville,Hosensack, and the Jasper mines at Vera Cruz.
The Perkiomen-Lehigh Path
The dark spots on the map mark the location of thePerkiomen-Lehigh Path as it wound from the banks of theSchuylkill River to the Jasper mines in Vera Cruz. Map isfrom Dr. Paul A. W. Wallace’s Indian Paths of Pennsylvania.
In 2001, Upper Hanover Township joined Marlborough Township, and East Greenville, Green Lane, Pennsburg and Red Hillboroughs in adopting the Upper Perkiomen Valley Regional Comprehensive Plan. While the specific reasons for joining together
and developing a regional comprehensive plan varied for each municipality, the fundamental purpose of the Plan is to provide ablueprint for growth management in the Upper Perkiomen Valley.
The Plan designates areas for growth and areas for rural preservation, while protecting the six municipalities from residential“fair share” challenges. The legal protections for “fair share” essentially enable the municipalities in the region to share residentialland uses, meaning that each municipality does not have to provide for every housing type or higher densities.
This protection contributes to the concentration of new residential growth in areas with existing sewer and water facilities andprevents sprawl into the region’s rural and environmentally sensitive areas. Lastly, but no less important, regional planningprovides the region with greater influence and gives the participating municipalities access to priority funding at the county andstate levels.
In 2009, the Regional Planning Commission began updating the Regional Comprehensive Plan. This update was initiated tocomply with the state requirement that comprehensive plans be reviewed at least every ten years. The update, which wassubstantially completed during 2010, involved re-examination of the broad regional planning policies adopted in 2001 todetermine if any revisions are necessary.
The updated plan also accounted for changes in factual data, such as the continued existence of identified historic sites or theacreage of protected open space, and incorporated new information, such as the results of the Regional Traffic Study completedin 2007 and the emerging interest in recreational planning and economic development from a more local perspective.
The Regional Planning Commission’s goal is to finalize the Comprehensive Plan in 2011. The last pieces of the plan to bedeveloped involve the results of the 2010 Census. Much of the data from the Census will not be available until this summer andwill need to be augmented by the release of the 2011 American Community Survey data (an annual analysis done to provide yearlyestimates) at the end of the year. Once the demographic data is updated, it is the goal of the Regional Planning Commission topursue municipal adoption of the revised Comprehensive Plan in early 2012.
In the interim, the Regional Planning Commission has begun an analysis of non-residential uses in the region. Much of thisanalysis will involve review of local zoning ordinances to catalogue the uses permitted in the region and the location of these usesin comparison to the revised policies of the draft comprehensive plan. The regional planning commission wants to identifyopportunities for strengthening zoning for nonresidential uses that the region wants to encourage and confirm that reasonablestandards are in place for uses that may have broader regional impacts.
Please contact Eric Jarrell at the Montgomery County Planning Commission (610-278-3745 or [email protected]) with anyquestions regarding the Upper Perkiomen Valley Regional Planning Commission or the Comprehensive Plan update.
Regional Comprehensive Plan Update Nearing Completion
Arain barrel connected to your downspout—also known as a rain bank—is a great way to keep stormwater out of thesystem and to cut down your water bill! Because you are collecting right off the roof, it has few contaminants and is
perfect for watering the garden.
Diverting water from your downspout into rainwater catchment systems has several advantages:
• Reduces the volume of water flowing to the sewer treatment facility;
• Lowers the percentage of roof top rainfall as a component of urban runoff;
• Provides a backup source of water during times of drought or between rain showers;
• Helps to keep our creeks and beaches clean;
• It’s naturally softened water - great for delicate houseplants, auto cleaning and window washing;
• Saves money by lowering your water bill;
• Reduces the need for additional tax dollars earmarked for sewer expansion;
• Chlorine-free water helps maintain a healthy biotic community in the soil;
• Educational tool for teaching residents about water conservation.
Residential irrigation can account for 40 percent of domestic water consumption in a given municipality. Rain barrels not only storewater, they help decrease demand during the sweltering summer months.
One-quarter inch of rainfall runoff from the average roof will completely fill the typical barrel. Collection of water from rooftoprunoff can provide an ample supply of this free "soft water" containing no chlorine, lime or calcium. Because it tends to have fewersediments and dissolved salts than municipal water, rain water is ideal for a multitude of applications, including biodynamic andorganic vegetable gardens, raised planter beds for botanicals, indoor tropical plants like ferns and orchids, automobile washing, andcleaning household windows.
Saving water in this manner will reduce you demand for treated tap water, and save money by lowering your monthly bill.Rainwater diversion will also help decrease the burden on water treatment facilities and municipal drainage systems during storms.The storage of rainwater is also recommended for general emergency preparedness, or for areas prone to disasters or drought. A goodformula to remember: 1 inch of rain on a 1,000 sq ft roof yields 623 gallons of water. Calculate the yield of your roof by multiplyingthe square footage of your roof by 623 and divide by 1000.
Rain Barrels Prevent Mosquitoes From Breeding
Most rain barrels come with a screw on, perforated top with a screen (mesh) under the lid to keep out mosquitoes, bugs, debris,pets and children. If the mosquito screen is intact and there are no leaks where mosquitoes can enter the barrel, your rain barrelshould be mosquito-free.
More tips:
Place rain barrels on a pervious surface so that overflow water soaks into the ground instead of pooling on paved surfaces.
Keep your rain barrel lid sealed.
Keep your rain barrel free of organic material.
During the rainy season (every 3-4 days) turn on the spigot or use your hand to splash off any water that may collect on top of the barrel.Mosquitoes need at least 4 days of standing water to develop as larva.
If you believe mosquitoes are breeding in your rain barrel, empty your rain barrel completely. This will kill all mosquito larvae thatmay be in your barrel.
3 12
Paving projects scheduled for this year include Miller and Fennel roads. Oil and Chip roadway maintenance projects areOld School Road, Hillegass Road, Peevy Road, Jacobs Sawmill Road, and Warner School Road.
The 2011 Bridge Maintenance Program will entail repair and maintenance activities on 19 Upper Hanover Townshipowned and maintained bridges. The work will include guiderail replacement, concrete repair, the placement of rip-rap alongabutments and piers, grouting and painting. Project work is expected to begin in July.
2011 Highway and Bridge Maintenance Program
By Lt. David C. Buckley
Pennsylvania State Police
As warm weather arrives, we see many more people enjoying the outdoors by bicycling onor near the highway. Unfortunately, some traffic accidents and bicyclist injuries happenbecause a bicyclist was neither riding with the proper safety equipment nor following the“rules of the road.”
Pennsylvania’s Vehicle Code requires every person operating a bicycle upon a highway toobey the same rules of the road as a vehicle driver must obey.
In addition to operating under the same traffic rules and obeying the same traffic-controlsigns and signals that drivers must obey, the following excerpts from Pennsylvania’s VehicleCode represent the most common violations seen regarding operation of bicycles:
• Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway shall not ride more than two abreast.
• A person shall not ride other than upon or astride a permanent and regular seat attachedto the bicycle. (No riding on the handlebars.)
• Every bicycle, when in use between sunset and sunrise, shall be equipped on the front with a lamp that emits a beam of whitelight intended to illuminate the bicycle operator's path and visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front, a redreflector facing to the rear that shall be visible at least 500 feet to the rear, and an amber reflector on each side.
• Every bicycle shall be equipped with a braking system that will stop the bicycle in 15 feet from an initial speed of 15 milesper hour on a dry, level and clean pavement.
• A person under 12 years of age shall not operate a bicycle or ride as a passenger on a bicycle unless the person is wearing abicycle helmet.
• No person operating a bicycle shall carry any package, bundle or article which prevents the driver from keeping at least onehand upon the handlebars.
• No person shall ride a bicycle on a freeway.
Help do your part in preventing crashes and injuries by following the general rules for vehicle operation, following theadditional rules for bicycles, and ensuring that you and your bicycle have the proper safety equipment.
The full list of rules for operating a bicycle on a highway can be found in Chapter 35 of Pennsylvania’s Vehicle Code athttp://www.dmv.state.pa.us/vehicle_code/index.shtml
Bicycle Rules
Every Drop Counts: Benefits of Using a Rain Barrel
LTL CONSULTANTS, LTD.E N G I N E E R S & C O D E O F F I C I A L S
ONE TOWN CENTRE DROLEY, PA
1-888-987-8886Proudly serving Upper Hanover Township as
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ZONING OFFICER
Thank You To The Businesses!This publication is made available through the
generous advertising sponsorship of thebusinesses listed throughout our newsletter. We
wish to encourage your patronage of theseestablishments; they play a substantial role in the
Wastewater Services & Systems DesignGeoscience ServicesGeotechnical ServicesGeographic Information SystemsConstruction Observation & AdministrationGeologic Services
Allentown, PA • (610) 366-8064 East Stroudsburg, PA • (570) 421-7670Trappe, PA • (610) 489-4949 Kennett Square, PA • (610) 444-9006New Britain, PA • (215) 345-4330 Langhorne, PA • (215) 369-3955
From the Upper Perkiomen Valley LibraryA Branch of the Montgomery County –Norristown Public Library
If you have provided an email address foryour account, MCLINC libraries will useemail to notify you when:
• Items you requested are now ready topick up.
• Your library card will need to be renewed.
• Your library materials are due soon.
• You have library materials checked outthat are now overdue.
Email is faster, requires less staff time, iseco-friendly, and saves libraries money -- animportant tool in helping your librarystretch scarce dollars. If you do not wish tobe notified by email, you will need to optout of email notification.
Please contact UPV Library at 215.679.2020to opt out.
For information about summer and fallprograms, visit upvlibrary.org
Did You Know?
The library offers a wide selection eBooksto anyone with a valid Library Card. For details, go tohttp://www.upvlibrary.org/eBooks.php
Job Hunting? Use the library!
People are utilizing the library not just forpleasure reading, but out of necessity for jobhunting, and resume writing.
Most businesses require people to apply fora job on-line. How do they do that if theydon't own a computer, or because of limitedfinances they had to give up their Internetconnection?
Answer: the library. Our nine publiccomputers are very heavily used most of thetime for job hunting
13 2
Message from the Chairman:
Board of SupervisorsRegular Meeting: Second Tuesday
of each month at 7:00 p.m.
Workshop Meeting: Monday prior to each Regular Meeting at 7 p.m.
Planning CommissionWorkshop Meeting: First Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.,
Third Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.
Regular Meeting: First Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m.
Industrial Development AuthoritySecond Monday of the last month
of each quarter at 7:30 p.m.
Zoning Hearing BoardThird Wednesday of each month,
as required, at 7 p.m.
Parks and Recreation CommitteeFourth Monday of each month at 7 p.m.
Historical CommitteeThird Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m.
Upper Hanover AuthorityFirst Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m.
Township Contact Information Office Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 1704 Pillsbury Road, PO Box 27, East Greenville, PA 18041
For Police, Fire and Medical Emergencies: Dial 911
Meeting Schedule
All meetings are open to the public and are held at: Upper Hanover Township Municipal Building: 1704 Pillsbury Road, East Greenville, PA
Board of Supervisors Richard K. Fain, ChairmanEugene F. Fried, Vice Chairman Shannan E. BielerBen Fiorito, Assistant TreasurerMary Gibbs Kershner, Assistant Secretary
StaffTownship Manager: Stanley W. Seitzinger, Jr. Road Foreman: Larry D. Buck
A Reminder....The Township Building will be closed on the following holiday:July 4, 2011 – July FourthSeptember 5, 2011 – Labor Day
Dear Residents:
According to the U.S. Census, our population has grown to 6,464, a 32.5 percent increasesince 2000. That growth has a practical implication – we are now required to institute aTownship-sponsored recycling program. See page 6 for details.
All those new residents means our Parks and Recreation program will continue to grow.Camelot Park, in particular, has become a hub of activity for community members of allages. As the weather warms, even more people will take advantage of this wonderfulresource.
By the time you read this, construction of the pavilion should be completed, adding yetanother amenity to an already popular setting.
I am also proud to report the Township is completely debt free, a statement not manymunicipalities can make. It is only through the prudent vision of the Board of Supervisorsand the hard work of our employees that the Township is in such good financial shape.
Thank you for your support and encouragement as we continue to strive to make Upper Hanover Township a greatplace to live and work.
Here’s wishing you a safe, fun and relaxing summer.
Richard K. FainChairmanUpper Hanover Township Board of Supervisors
Upper Hanover TownshipBoard of Supervisors
Chairman Richard K. Fain.
The West Nile Virus (WNV) season began April 1 and the Montgomery CountyHealth Department (MCHD) is recommending that residents take precautions to
clear away mosquito breeding areas around their homes. WNV, which surfaced in theU.S. more than ten years ago, is commonly transmitted back and forth between infectedbirds and mosquitoes. However, humans can become the unintended hosts of thedisease when they are bitten by an infected mosquito.
With the onset of warmer weather and peak WNV season approaching, MCHD isreminding residents that they can help prevent the spread of WNV by eliminatingstanding water from their property.
West Nile virus remains an unpredictable disease, and we won't be able to tell howsevere a problem it will be this year. By taking steps now, residents can help to reducemosquito populations.
MCHD also encourages residents to mosquito-proof their homes by replacing tornscreens in doors and windows; cleaning out gutters; and by emptying and turning overcontainers that could collect water, allowing mosquitoes to breed. Standing water is apotential breeding ground for mosquitoes. Anything that can hold water for four dayscan breed 1000’s of mosquitoes. Eliminating standing water has proven effective incontrolling WNV.
MCHD will soon begin routine larviciding of public properties throughout thesummer months. If WNV activity poses a risk to human health, adulticiding or sprayingmay be necessary in targeted areas.
Residents who would like to be notified of when spraying will occur should sign upfor the ReadyNotify service at https://montco.alertpa.org. Residents must register for“Health Alerts” to get notifications from the Health Department about WNV sprays andother emergent and non-emergent issues. Other information about WNV, includingproducts used can be found at the Health Department website,http://health.montcopa.org.
Summer is West Nile Virus Season
How to Reduce Your Exposure to Mosquitoes• Check and repair windows and screens to prevent mosquitoes fromentering your home.
• Eliminate any standing water that collects on your property.
• Survey your property and dispose of containers that can collect standingwater such as old tires, cans, bottles, buckets, toys.
• After it rains empty any plant containers, birdbaths, flowerpots, kiddie poolsand pool covers to keep water from collecting in these items.
• Make sure roof gutters drain properly and rooftops are free of standing water.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. Keepthem empty and covered if not in use; drain water that collects in pool covers.
• Drill several holes in the bottom of recycling buckets so water can drain fromthem. Trash containers should be covered so no rain can accumulate in them.
• Use an approved mosquito repellant when outdoors in areas wheremosquitoes are active. Apply insect repellent sparingly to exposed skin.Follow the label directions carefully. Do not apply to the face. Never allowchildren to apply repellents. Parents should avoid applying repellents to thehands of children
• Check with a physician before applying repellents to very young children(less then 3 years old).
• Avoid mosquito-breeding areas during peak periods of mosquito activity.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, making sure to cover feet and ankles.
• Discuss any concerns with your private physician.
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THP thanks the Upper Hanover Township
Board of Supervisors, along with the H&K
Group, for their support in restarting
construction at THP’s Northgate community,
located along Route 663. THP looks forward
to serving its new and existing homeowners,
and to completing a beautiful community of
which everyone can be proud.
The Board of Supervisors presented several Service Recognition Awards at their meeting of April 12, 2011. Fromleft to right: Township Supervisor Ben Fiorito; Planning Commission Member Jacqueline Fiorito (Five Years);Township Supervisor Eugene Fried; Board of Supervisors Chairman Richard Fain (Five Years); IndustrialDevelopment Authority Member Edgar Stauffer (Ten Years); Planning Commission Member William Kalb, Jr.(Ten Years); Township Supervisor Shannan Bieler (Five Years) and Township Supervisor Mary Kershner.
Results of the 2010 U.S. Census provided Township residents with an official population count that is easyto remember. The final 6,464 count is an increase in population from 2000 to 2010 of 1,579 residents,
representing a 32.3 percent increase over the 2000 population of 4,885.
Housing units in Upper Hanover Township increased from 1,764 in 2000 to 2,424 in 2010. This 37.4percent increase is the third-highest percent change among Montgomery County’s 62 municipalities. 2,163of the households are owner occupied.
The Race and Hispanic Origin census data for Upper Hanover Township reports 95.7 percent white, 1.8percent Hispanic, 1.5 percent black or African-American, 1.6 percent Asian and 1.2 percent other. (The totalpercentages do not add up to exactly 100 percent due to rounding.) The total Township population consistsof 3,229 males and 3,235 females. 78.2% of the population is 16 years of age and over.
According to the census, Montgomery County’s population grew by 6.8 percent from 2000 to a 2010population of 799,874. This was the third-largest gain of all of the 67 counties in the state. MontgomeryCounty remains the third largest county in Pennsylvania behind Philadelphia and Allegheny (Pittsburgh).
From 2000 to 2010, Montgomery County’s number of housing units increased to a total of 325,735.
Additional census data specific to Upper Hanover Township will be released over the next few months.Newly released data will be periodically listed on the Township website at www.upperhanovertownship.orgunder the heading of News and Updates.
Census Update: 2010 Township Population Reached 6,464
