RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES - FALL 2014 PAGE 1 RICHLAND Township Times FALL 2014 Inside Article Page Snow Removal Tips for Residents 2 Pictures from Creative Arts Camp 4 Tim’s Two Cents About the QCSD 5 Penna: Past Time for a Chapter 11 Bankruptcy 6 Why Not Plant a Tree? 9 Interaction Important to Achieve Results 12 Pictures from Mad Science Camp 13 Richland, QCSD & Pennsylvania 14 State Education Funding 18 Garden Plots Available in Spring 20 Richland Historical Society Update 21 Three More Farms Added to Open Space 21 Exciting Changes: RTPD 23 To Recycle or Not to Recycle 24 Leaf Collection Schedule 26 Dispose of Used CFL’s 28 Community Accountability Program Left to right: Bucks County Commissioner Charlie Martin, Bucks County Commissioner Diane EllisMarseglia, Bucks County District Attorney Chief of Prosecution Matt Weintraub, Quakertown Police Chief Scott McElree, Quakertown Police Officer Bob Lee, Richland Township Police Chief Rich Ficco, Richland Township Police Officer Matt Lawhead, and Bucks County Commissioner Rob Loughery. In September of 2011, District Attorney David Heckler approached Chief Rich Ficco about starting a pilot program in the Upper Bucks area for first time adult offenders. The brainchild of District Magistrate C. Robert Roth and Court of Common Pleas Judge Rea B. Boylan, this project began with meetings on how it would proceed. Richland and Quakertown Police were invited to be the pilot or test area for this program. By the end of 2012, CAP, as it is known, was up and running. The program allows low level, non-violent offenders a chance at redemption by going through a program administered by the community instead of going through the courts. This program has been a big success due to the support of the two police departments, the judges, the district attorney’s office and our community panel members. This program has been expanded to include Central Bucks and is on its way in Lower Bucks County. On Wednesday, October 1, 2014, the Bucks County Commissioners held their meeting at Benner Hall, hosted by the Borough Council of Richlandtown. On the agenda was a commendation for four police officers. Chief Rich Ficco and Officer Matt Lawhead of Richland Township Police and Chief Scott McElree and Officer Bob Lee of Quakertown Police were awarded the County Commendation from County Commissioners Loughrey, Martin and Ellis-Marseglia. All articles submitted by elected supervisors and contributing writers may or may not reflect the official policy of Richland Township. PAGE 2 FALL 2014 - RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES Township Personnel Supervisors: Craig Staats, Chairman Richard Orloff, Vice Chairman Tim Arnold Township Manager: Stephen Sechriest Assistant Manager/ Zoning Officer: Richard Brittingham Administrative Assistant: Laura Held Treasurer: Charles Botson Assistant Treasurer: April Hillaert Receptionist: Tracey Virnelson Code Enforcement Officer: Ray Constable Solicitor: B. Lincoln Treadwell, Jr. Road Department: Thomas Roeder, Public Works Director Leonard Johnson • Jeff Ohl Michael Schmell RTWA: Dianne McLane, Office Manager Tim Gluck, Operations Engineering Department: Mike Schwartz, Amy Kaminski Gilmore & Associates David Jones, Judy Stern Goldstein Boucher & James Police Department: Chief Richard J. Ficco, Sr. Rosemary Wheatley, Admin. Asst. Nancy Benfield, Receptionist Sergeant Michael Kisthardt Det. Sergeant Ray Aleman Matt Mergen • John Burke James Hohenwarter • Ryan Naugle Matthew Lawhead • Thomas Murphy Brian Hendrzak • Zachary Herb Ronald Rosenberg • Michael Colahan Patrick Kitchenman Auditors: Samuel Quier, Chairman Bill Spanier • Nathan Fox Snow Removal Tips for Residents from the Public Works Department While we are enjoying this beautiful time of year, we should remember that snow season is just around the corner. When the road crew removes snow from the street, we must push the snow to the outside of the roadway. The plow operators do their best to make sure nobody gets more than their “fair share” of snow, but the snow must go somewhere, and some of it goes in front of driveways. Here are some tips for residents to make it easier on everyone: • Wait until the trucks are finished plowing to shovel your driveway, if possible. • As you are standing in your driveway facing the street, shovel snow to the right of the driveway, otherwise the plow will push the pile into your driveway on the next pass. • Depositing snow in the street is a violation of local law. Why not place the snow on the yard behind the sidewalk? • Park off the street whenever possible. When plows have to negotiate around parked cars, it takes us longer, and snow will get packed tightly around your car making shoveling more difficult for you. • Observe and obey Snow Emergency Routes. Our police spend valuable time getting residents to move vehicles off Snow Emergency Routes. Whenever snow is deep enough to plow, move your vehicles to clear the snow routes. • Make sure your mailbox is sturdy and placed as far off the roadway as practical. If the mailbox is on the road right-of-way and is damaged by snow, the township is not responsible for damage. If the mailbox is actually hit by the plow we will take responsibility for repair. It is rare that a plow actually hits a mailbox. Most damage is done by the weight of the snow coming off the plow. • Move basketball nets far away from the street and curb. Nets hanging out past the curb are still in the way. Snow plow operators are doing a difficult job under adverse conditions. They are not trying to make life difficult for you, they are doing their best to make traveling safe for you and emergency vehicles. Richland Township Committees Agricultural Security Area Advisory Committee (ASAAC) Craig Staats, Chairman Dale Henninger • Robert Gerstenberg John Keller • Thomas Stoneback Robin Davidheiser Community/Police Liaison Board Jim Sulger, Chairman William Rosson • James Smith Andrew Maseloff • Barbara Werner Patricia Keller • Frank Hilt Wayne Rubic • Jonathan Taylor Steve Cardell • David Galione Leanna McGuigan Facilities Committee Richard Stoneback, Chairman Mike McGee • Mark Fournier Karen Mallo Patricia Keller • Steaven Klein Chris Fennell • Richard Petovic Ordinance Review Committee Richard Keller • James Stiteler Larry Jalowiec • George Schwartz Park & Recreation Board / Trails Committee Cynthia Rosson, Chairman Tom Marino • Greg Pambianco Barbara Keller • Michelle Loux Planning Commission Timothy Ritter, Chairman Chris Fennell • Scott Guidos Robert Bonomo • Mary Sulger Cathy Woods • Gwen Simek Preservation Board Kathleen Fedorocsko, Chairman Dale Henninger Douglas Godshall • Richard Sadler Joe Geib • Neil Erkert Water Authority Ken Mitchell, Chairman Chris Vanelli • Zane Stauffer Bruce Jones • William Rosson Tim Arnold, Executive Director Mark Bahnick, Engineer Stephen Shelly, Solicitor Zoning Hearing Board Thomas Steinfort Todd Koch • Emery Ashton Al McCrea Jr., Alternate Kok Keng Yong, Alternate Richard Brown, Solicitor RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES - FALL 2014 PAGE 3 From the Chair A Great Team – ALL of Richland can be Proud! by Craig Staats, Chairman, Richland Board of Supervisors From time to time we get notes, run into people at township events or shopping, see people walking away happy or relieved after doing business with the township, or petitioning for help with a problem at a Board of Supervisor’s meeting. We receive letters or emails thanking the police, or Tom Roeder’s road crew, more or less saying “nice work” on our customer service to you. Complaints are far fewer than ten years ago. That begs the question, “How did that come to be?” The answer is - The ENTIRE Richland governing team, elected officials, permanent staff and an extensive volunteer and ad hoc committee system. Looking back over the past nine years of my own time as a Supervisor, it stands to reason. Consider: • The facilities committee, under Rick Stoneback’s leadership, led to the $2.6 million state of the art Police Station. Stoneback, a professional engineer, saved us some tens of thousands in consulting fees. • Retired Supervisor Steve Tamburri authored the policy of negotiating with developers, as opposed to fighting them, which led to millions in public infrastructure like traffic lights, walking trails, fire company donations and much more. • Under the Park & Rec leadership of Carla DeMuro and Paul Hetrick, we now have Veterans Park and the preeminent girls softball complex in the region. • I was honored to be appointed by the Supervisors (before becoming one) to lead the Preservation Board that has since been carried on by Kathy Federoscko and resulted in over 1,400 acres of preserved land. • Former Supervisor Patricia Keller, under intense criticism at the time, led in pushing through the roundabout - now copied in dozens of communities across Pennsylvania. • Under Vic Stevens, Dick Keller, Doug Landes and others, we now have a comprehensive Ordinance Codification that would have cost over $40,000. • And our financial position is outstanding due, in part, to the skill of my colleague, Supervisor Rick Orloff, who is a Certified Public Accountant. • I can think of Emery Ashton of Walnut Bank Farm who developed our annual Community Day. • Supervisor Tim Arnold, who has developed the family Movie Nights under the stars. • Dianne McLane, who does this Newsletter, has won Richland five awards out of 1,500 contestants. (Our newsletter format is now widely copied). Thinking of our staff, when someone calls the township for assistance, the first person they speak to is Tracey Virnelson - always a sunny demeanor. If they ask for the manager, they get Steve Sechriest, who thoroughly and carefully researches EVERYTHING before moving to an answer or bringing it to the Board. Have a permitting or zoning issue? Speak with Rich Brittingham, who again moves to solve problems BEFORE “writing citations.” Public Works Director Tom Roeder initiated weekly fall cleanups and this year, for the first time, a spring cleanup – curbside at your home. The crew of Curt Hinkle, who just retired, and steadfast Leonard Johnson (who does more at 70 than many 50-year-olds) Jeffrey Ohl and Michael Schmell do an able job under Tom. And let’s not forget our police. Initiated under the leadership of Chief Woods, Chief Ficco has continued his good legacy. Our officers have had the highest “officer to call” ratio in the five county Philadelphia region, making them THE most productive police agency - a great group of guys with servant hearts. Continued on page 7 Carroll Engineering Corporation Water Facilities Engineering - Wastewater Engineering Municipal Engineering - Civil Engineering - Planning & Site Design - Traffic & Transportation Engineering -Structural Engineering - Environmental Engineering - Landscape Architecture - Surveying - Geographic Information Systems - Construction Management Warrington, PA 215.343.5700 King of Prussia, PA 610.489.5100 Malvern, PA 484.875.3075 www.carrollengineering.com Hillsborough, NJ 908.874.7500 Call for a tour of our facility Keystone STAR 4 site offering Preschool, Child Care & Early Intervention 215.536.7800 ~ 995 Doylestown Pike, Quakertown [email protected] ~ www.cdpchildren.org PAGE 4 FALL 2014 - RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES Pictures from Creative Arts Camp RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES - FALL 2014 PAGE 5 Tim’s Two Cents About the QCSD by Supervisor Tim Arnold How about all the changes that we have seen occurring at the Quakertown School District (QCSD): a new Superintendant, new curriculum, new bussing system, and new surface on the football field? I could go on. But yet there is still so much negativity being thrown around about the QCSD. OK folks, everyone back to their neutral corner, and let’s take a breath while I attempt to gather my thoughts and give you my two cents. First topic Let’s start with our newest Superintendent, Dr. Harner. Whether you like him or not, he is now the guy running the school district, and we can sit back and put a microscope on him and wait for him to make a mistake, or we can make statements such as “he was given this job because he knew someone,” or how about “we should have interviewed other applicants,” or “I just don’t like him because someone else does.” Sound familiar? Yeah, I know, I heard it too. But guess what? He’s the guy who’s now running the show. So go to the School Board meetings and listen to what he has to say and watch the direction that the School District is going. I have had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Harner several times, and have been impressed with what I Ask Us About Our Home Equity Line Of Credit Eagle Prime Line Visit our website, call or stop by for more information 215-257-5035 firstsavingsonline.com have heard him say and the direction he would like to see the District go. I’m a true believer that our actions speak louder than our words. We will see. OK…on to the next How about this new grading system? This topic has been hot and heavy for many years and the School Board has decided to eliminate the standard base grading. What are my thoughts on this? I think the form of grading system is important to my daughter’s education, but I also feel that the curriculum and how it’s taught is important. I am of the opinion that if we curently do not, maybe we should get the teachers involved in the conversation about the curriculum that is being taught to our children. Get a curriculum that the teacher can teach and the students can follow. Do you think that our teachers wake up every morning with the thought on their mind, “how can we mess up these kids’ futures?” No!! They care about our kids and they want to see them achieve in life. So let them teach. Almost done I had someone call me and tell me about the new bussing schedule, and by the tone of their voice I really thought the world was going to end The Smart Way To Borrow! •Consolidate High-Interest Debt •Make Home Improvements •Purchase A Vehicle •Almost Any Good Reason on the first day of school. With the many delays that happened as a result of the new schedule, some people may think it did. But guess what? It didn’t. Is it an inconvenience to some? Yes, it probably is, but if the saving to us taxpayers of $400,000.00 a year is correct, I think we can stick it out. I’m getting there, I promise How about the new surface on the football field? I think it looks great. The naysayers may say we spent too much on it or it shouldn’t have been done. Those are probably the people who didn’t have kids playing football, soccer, field hockey or the great Quakertown Community School District band on a muddy field that smelled like my shoes. That’s a bad analogy but you get the idea. In closing After reading this, I’m not expecting everyone to get together, hold hands and sing “Kumbaya,” but can we agree on one thing? What we really want is the best education for our children. Who doesn’t hope that their children have it just a little better than we did? I know I do. You see, my friends, as we sit back, argue and debate about all the issues and problems that occur in our district, let’s remember the big picture… our children. Erie Insurance VIRGINIA D. REISS VIRGINIA D. REISS, Owner Auto • Home • Business • Life 244 W. BROAD STREET QUAKERTOWN, PA 18951-1263 215-536-5600 • Fax: 215-536-5694 [email protected] ® PAGE 6 FALL 2014 - RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES Pennsylvania: Past Time for a Chapter 11 Bankruptcy by Richard W. (Rick) Orloff, CPA In 2001, Pennsylvania’s Teachers and Government Pension System (PSERS) was more than fully funded at 110% of its obligations. In 2014, it’s now underfunded by $50 billion. By way of contrast, (not counting agencies like the Turnpike Commission), the entire state budget is about $29.6 billion. In 2001, Governor Ridge and the Legislature created this debacle, Schweiker did nothing, Rendell made it worse, and Corbett effectively has followed suit. Look for an increase in the sales tax and a 4% (or more) state income tax. Local school districts are piling on as well. In QCSD, the entire 2014 tax increase went to PSERS; 10% of the entire QCSD budget is now dedicated to pensions. Sadly, few citizens are aware of the situation, even among PSER beneficiaries. With QCSD’s labor rates among the highest in Pennsylvania, Richland will get hit harder. My message to legislators: There’s not enough revenue from shale taxes to pay $50 billion, PLUS your other wish list items. Legislators think Shale Oil will pay for this debacle. At the heart of this is hubris and corruption; teachers and other public unions, in bed with legislators of BOTH political parties, cooked this broth. Fixes are beyond gimmicks. Significant tax increases are likely. It’s one thing to bear a general tax increase for a broad based public program; quite another to tax 12.4 million people to transfer their money to 300,000 people associated with powerfully connected public unions. Taxpayers have no market choice in the matter. Offsetting spending cuts are not doable; the $30 billion state budget is allocated a third each for the states’ education subsidies, public welfare and everything else including roads, law enforcement, parks and a number of other programs. Pensions (and Medicaid – another story) will overwhelm the state budget if left unabated. A solution? A Chapter 11 Bankruptcy - or relocate to a competently governed state. Chapter 11 permits reorganization under the bankruptcy laws of the United States. Bankrupt parties can reorganize affairs in order to meet obligations in an orderly manner. In the process, all existing contracts can be redone, making it possible to fix this debacle (including union and pension contracts). A governor does not need the legislature to declare bankruptcy - only the courts. Reorganization could include restoring ALL pension benefits to pre-2001 levels. Controlling wage growth in the over compensated public sector would further address the problem. Ending payouts BEFORE age 60; making that 62, the same as Social Security, would also help. To continue allowing teachers to pull 80% of pre-retirement income starting in their mid 50’s is unaffordable – and absurd. The rest? Speaking for myself, I’d be willing to pony up some tax money provided there are real reforms on the payout side. So would most of the people. Indeed, government bankruptcies are not unheard of. In the 1870’s and 1840’s, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Florida AND Pennsylvania filed for bankruptcy. Pennsylvania incurred debt through the building of canals to connect the Midwest to ports on the Atlantic Ocean. At least Pennsylvania in 1840 had public works and improved transport systems to show for its debt. Pennsylvania’s 2014 debt is “ALL IN” for an exclusive well-connected club: Pennsylvania’s state government and school employees, and its legislators. Credit rating agencies are not waiting. Pennsylvania’s credit worthiness was downgraded twice in recent years due to the PSERS debacle. Doing nothing is not an option. Rick Orloff is a practicing Certified Public Accountant. He holds an MBA in Finance from St. Joseph’s University as well as certifications in Forensics, Internal Auditing and Management Accounting. He has been a sitting Supervisor in Richland Township, Bucks County, since 1996 and sits on the PICPA Local Government Committee where he receives briefings on PSERS. DON’T FORGET TO VOTE! Election Day November 4, 2014 Polls Open 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM POLLING PLACES Richland 1: Richland Elementary School Fairview Avenue Richland 2: Municipal Building California Road Richland 3: Grace Bible Fellowship Church Old Bethlehem Pike Richland 4: First Church of the Brethren Trumbauersville Road RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES - FALL 2014 PAGE 7 Richland’s Four Voting Precincts If you are unsure of where to vote, here is a brief description of each voting precinct. (See the attached map.) Richland 1 If you live south of Raub Road and east of Route 309, you will cast your ballots at the Richland Elementary School just off Route 313. Richland 2 If you live in the northeast section of the township, north of Raub Road and east of the Railroad Tracks, you will cast your ballot at the Richland Township Municipal building located on California Road. Richland 3 If you live in the northwest section, west of the railroad tracks and north of Cemetary Road and Milford Square Pike, you will cast your ballot at Grace Bible Fellowship Church on Old Bethlehem Pike near Stonegate Road. Richland 4 If you live in the southwest portion of the township, south of Mill Road and west of Route 309, you will cast your ballot at First Church of the Brethren, 455 Trumbauersville Road. A Great Team Continued from Page 3 On the Planning Commission, I thank Mike Merkelt, who steadfastly served for 18 years, and Tim Ritter, who chaired the Commission for four of the past five years. The Planning Commission does their job so well it’s been years since the BOS rendered a decision contrary to their recommendations. But for space, I could have mentioned over a hundred names of your township governing community. But where do we go from here? We add services, control costs, make township volunteering fun – and an HONOR! We continue to encourage and challenge one another. To everyone who serves, thanks for all you do! Dear Friends, As many of you are aware, this year I announced my retirement. I have truly been honored and blessed to have been your state legislator for these past 34 years. Your confidence in my ability to serve you faithfully in Harrisburg has been both rewarding and encouraging. I am certain our paths will cross as I plan to remain a citizen of the Upper Bucks communities. Sincerely, Paul I. Clymer PA House of Representatives 145th Legislative District PAGE 8 FALL 2014 - RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES Vendors Community Day 2014 Richland Township’s 18th Annual Community Day was held on July 19, 2014. The Park and Recreation Board would like to thank the following for their support: Sponsors Al Marwa...............................................................Sleepy Hollow Farms QNB..................................................................... Musical Entertainment Brunner Insurance Inc............................ Tootsie the Clown & Friends Kwik Goal...................................................................... Children’s Rides First Savings Bank of Perkasie................................................... Animals Donations Quakertown Family Dental Center Primerica Financial Services G&S Fastening Systems, Inc. Richlandtown Lions Club Northeast Family Healthcare Best Cuts Last Chance Ranch Richland Fire & Rescue Yo Fresh Famous Footwear Allstate Trumbauersville Fire Company WAWA At Home Certified Senior Healthcare Hair Cuttery Jaydor Upper Tohickon Watershed Assoc. Kim’s Black Belt Academy LLC Grand View Hospital Maternity St Luke’s Healthcare Quakertown Richland Township Police Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Quakertown Fire Department Springfield Church of the Brethren Brunner Insurance Hansen for Senate Quakertown Christian School Bucks County SPCA Cold Stone Creamery Primerica Financial Services The Clothing Tree Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick First Savings Bank of Perkasie Richland Twp. Preservation Board Community Police Liaison Board Blue Ridge Environmental Sweeney’s Service Center RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES - FALL 2014 PAGE 9 Why Not Plant a Tree? by Stephen Sechriest Fall and spring are the best times of the year to plant trees. Trees are beautiful additions to the landscapes around our homes, and they provide invaluable benefits to our communities. They reduce heat by cooling and shading our homes and hard surfaces, such as macadam and concrete, which absorb the sunlight. They decrease the amount of energy required to cool our homes in the summer and save us money on the cost of electricity. Mature trees can actually cut summer cooling costs by 40%. Trees help clean the air of pollutants and help buffer our neighborhoods from noise. Trees will also improve stormwater management by reducing the amount of stormwater that goes into the storm drains. The roots of trees help to filter water back into the soil and recharge the water table. Studies have shown that trees increase property values. Planting a tree within 50 feet of a house can increase its sale price by 10 to 15%. TreeVitalize, a non-profit organization in southeastern Pennsylvania, reports that there have been studies that show the following benefits of trees: v Reduce annual heating and cooling costs v Improve air quality by absorbing hundreds of pounds of air pollutants that affect our health v Improve water quality and reduce community flooding by absorbing and intercepting rainfall in their canopies, thus reducing stormwater that often carries pollutants to waterways v Stimulate retail and commercial business districts by attracting shoppers and increasing sales v Increase property values by 10 to 15% v Reduce stress, fatigue, and aggression in humans v Reduce hospital patient recovery times when there are views of trees and greenery v Improve the concentration of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) v Reduce crime and increase social ties v Reduce exposure to harmful UV rays that are causing increases in skin cancer and cataracts For more information on the benefits of trees, recommendations on types of trees to plant, and planting instructions, check out the websites for “TreeVitalize” and “Trees Pay Us Back”. PAGE 10 FALL 2014 - RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES BCWSA Offers Maintenance Program BCWSA is offering a Water & Sewer Maintenance Program for Residential and Commercial properties. This program is designed to help customers offset the cost of repairing the water service line and the sewer lateral that run from the outside of your home/building to the curb which can typically costs up to $5000 for residential and up to $10,000 for a commercial property to replace. Under this program residential properties pay $5.00 a month per service line and commercial $10.00 a month per service line for coverage. This program is also available to Non-BCWSA customers in Bucks County & Montgomery County 24-7 Emergency coverage with live operators to take your call in the evening or Holidays Unlimited Service calls Coverage two year minimum Repairs are only performed by licensed BCWSA Professionals Sign up today! It’s easy just go to our website at www.bcwsa.net or call 215-343-2538 Ext 140. Bucks County Water & Sewer Authority strives to provide affordable services to our customers. Under this program you will receive professional and prompt service with a personal touch whenever the need arises. We look forward to serving you. others. RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES - FALL 2014 Richland Township Accepts Online Payments As a convenience to our residents, Richland Township accepts online payments by credit card (Mastercard, Discover, Visa) and by check. The following can be paid online through the link on our website at www.richlandtownship.org. General Municipal Office Building and Zoning Permits Pavilion Rentals Newsletter Ads Publications (ex: zoning book) Park and Recreation Fees Community Day Fees/Donations Camp Registrations Golf Outing Fees Community Garden Fees Police Department Parking Tickets Accident Report Fees Self-employed LST Police Department Donations Fire Code Enforcement Fees Fire Inspection Permits Developer Escrow Developer payments on account There is a convenience fee charged for each transaction. On credit card payments, the fee is 2.45% of the transaction amount with a minimum of $3.00. For payments by check online, the fee is $1.50 per transaction. This convenience fee goes to the processor and allows this service to be offered without cost to the Township. PAGE 11 Financial Tip: Plan Income and Deductible Expenses by Rick Orloff The Federal Tax system assesses taxes on brackets; as your income climbs, the next dollar is taxed at higher rates. Most folks in Richland are taxed in the 15%, 25% or 28% brackets. As you move through life, your taxable income can experience wide variations. Take advantage of those variations to reduce your tax bill. For example, if you expect a spouse to quit work (or start work), have a child, retire, or any event that will cause a large swing and move your taxable income into a different bracket, use that to your advantage. By advancing or deferring discretionary deductions, you can make that deduction when you are in the 15% bracket or in the 25% bracket. If you are in the 25% bracket one year, and you expect to be in the 15% bracket the next year, pay some of the next years’ deductions in the current year. You effectively get a 25% discount as opposed to 15%, and you save 10%. Consult your tax preparer for further details. Rick Orloff, one of Richland’s Supervisors, is also a practicing Certified Public Accountant. “A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have.” ~ Thomas Jefferson PAGE 12 FALL 2014 - RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES Interaction Important to Achieve Results by Congressman Michael Fitzpatrick I am proud to represent Richland Township and all the communities in the 8th Congressional District and appreciate this opportunity to contribute to your community newsletter. As a former county commissioner for more than a dozen years, I’m aware of the importance of interaction between local municipalities and federal, state and county governments. What we do on all levels of government impacts people like you, and your families. I am proud of the work we did on the county level and the programs that are ongoing; namely, the commitment to preserve open space and farmland throughout Bucks County, including Richland Township. In the Congress throughout this spring and summer, I have been working on bills directed at investment in America’s infrastructure and increasing access to efficient, modern transportation. Access to transportation, be it public transit, state highways or rural roads, means access to jobs. Transportation plays a critical role, not only in the movement of people, goods and services, but in helping to ensure the creation of family-sustaining jobs. I introduced the Partnership to Build America, H.R. 2084, with Congressman John Delaney, D-MD, which would finance $750 billion in infrastructure investments using repatriated corporate earnings with no appropriated funds. H.R. 2084 is notable for its bipartisan support in the House and Senate, reflecting the realization that we must focus on transportation realities and challenge the new normal of inaction. Your input and opinions on this and other matters are important to me and you are invited to contact my district office for assistance involving all federal matters and that includes veterans, military, tax forms, passports and senior issues (Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security). I look forward to hearing from you. Our constituent advocates are ready to help, Monday through Friday, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. The office is located at 1717 Langhorne-Newtown Road, Suite 400, Langhorne, PA 19047. Phone 215-579-8102 or visit us on the web at www.fitzpatrick.house.gov. Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick is serving his third term in the U.S. House of Representatives. He represents Pennsylvania’s 8th district which includes all of Bucks County as well as a portion of Montgomery County. He is vice chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. INNOVATIVE ENGINEERING Proud to serve as Richland Township Planning Consultant and Inspection Engineer Stroudsburg 570-629-0300 Doylestown 215-345-9400 An Employee Owned Company www.bjengineers.com RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES - FALL 2014 Pictures from Mad Science Camp PAGE 13 Park & Recreation News Purchase Ski Tickets Here The Township will again offer discount tickets for the following local ski resorts: • Bear Creek • Big Boulder • Blue Mountain • Camelback • Shawnee Mountain We have tickets for Adventure Aquarium, Baltimore Aquarium, Busch Gardens, Sesame Place, Sea World, Elmwood Zoo, and the Philadelphia Zoo until December 31, 2014. Hershey Park tickets are available for Hershey Park in the Dark until November 2, and Christmas Candylane until December 31, 2014. Remember, we always have discount movie tickets for Regal Cinema for $7.50. These make nice Christmas gifts! The township accepts MasterCard VISA, and Discover credit cards as well as cash. Personal checks will be accepted from township residents only. PAGE 14 FALL 2014 - RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES Richland, QCSD & Pennsylvania, From My Perch by Supervisor Rick Orloff Things are pretty stable in Richland, but that’s not good in the long term. “That which does not grow, whithers away.” – Author Unknown. Richland, indeed almost all of Bucks County, is experiencing a flat to declining population census. Tax receipts reflect this in that they are down 3% from last year (through August) and are less now than the same time in 2011. To the good, US Cold Storage is now open and has hired about 100 workers. Kudos to my Colleague Tim Arnold: after several years, movie night has really taken off. The last two flicks (The Lego Movie and Frozen) attracted well over 500. Free snacks, outdoor movies, beautiful summer weather; what’s not to like? And 24-7 Police Service is on time for deployment in the very near future. Open Space Preservation Efforts are almost completed, though securing grants is a never ending effort. Under the leadership of Rick Stoneback, PE, the Facilities & Public Infrastructure Committee looked at a new township building and community center. Due to the tight economy, the only thing the committee has recommended Yesterday.Today. Tomorrow. QNB was an engineering concept plan in the 2015 budget. So fiscally, things continue to remain tight – the sixth year of a tepid economy. That said, we have over $3 million in reserves, and our credit rating is still tops! There will be no tax increase for 2015. Regarding the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, please read my article on the state’s Pension Fund on page 8. Think debacle, catastrophe and incompetence. The nub of the issue? Roughly speaking, before 2001, teachers and state workers with 30 years could retire with 60% of their pre-retirement income. Under Governor Ridge, the benefits were enriched to 80% of pre-retirement income. And there were other enhancements. PSERS now deteriorates at a rate of half a BILLION a month. Area legislators I encounter (Democrats and Republicans) act as though it does not exist. The few that do say taxpayers will just have to bear the burden are the same ones who voted for the problem. Kudos to Senator Bob Mensch who acknowledges the problem and has real solutions. Mensch stands alone. I urge folks to get informed. And last is QCSD. SBG is gone and homework is back – among other things. The new Superintendent, Bill Harner, was finally appointed. Voting “for” were Directors Stepanoff, Anderson, Landes, Ripper and Shermer, all of whom represent parts of Richland. Voting against were Cattie of Richland; and Strunk, Smith and King of Milford. The adoption of Harner’s contract, a separate vote, was voted for by all except Smith. Dr. Harner’s first budget actually came in just under Act One limits – a QCSD first. Alarmingly, the ENTIRE 2014-15 tax increase was for the pensions. “About 10% of the entire budget now goes toward pensions,” says Director Mitch Anderson. Indeed, the boards of the past two decades prior to 2014 (and Legislature) have left us with a financial millstone that will not be easily overcome. These are not times for the faint of heart. You, the people, need to do your part as well. Don’t ask government to do what you should do for yourself. Take responsibility. We’ll do the best job we can at the township level. Hold elected officials accountable – and I’m NOT exempt. It’s a representative government; what you see in the news is what YOU have chosen. Yo u r C o m m u n i t y B a n k Call: 215-538-5600 Click: www.qnbbank.com Visit: Any of our 11 convenient offices in Colmar, Coopersburg, Dublin, Pennsburg, Perkasie, Quakertown, Souderton, Warminster & Wescosville “I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle.” ~Winston Churchill RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES - FALL 2014 PAGE 15 QCSD DIRECTOR VOTING RECORDS by Directors Dwight Anderson & Paul Stepanoff Below is a compilation of significant roll call votes of the QCSD Board of Directors since changing the Board of Directors at the December 5, 2013 Reorganization through September 24, 2014. Vote # 1 2a. 2b. 2c. 2d. 3. 4. 5a. 5b. 6. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Stepanoff For Against For Against For For For For For For Region 1 Ripper For Against For Against For For For For For For Anderson Absent Against For Against For For For For For For Strunk For For Against For Against For For For For Against Region 2 King For For Against For Against For For For For Against Smith For For Against For Against For For For For For Cattie For For Against For Against For For For For For Region 3 Shermer Abstained Against For Against For For For For For For Landes For Against For Against For For For For For For QESPA Agreement: Motion to adopt a new Labor Agreement for QCSD support personnel. Motion adopted 6-1. Reorganization Meeting of December 5, 2013. a. King nominated for President: Motion defeated 5-4 b. Stepanoff nominated for President: Motion adopted 5-4 c. King nominated for Vice President: Motion defeated 5-4 d. Landes nominated for Vice President: Motion adopted 5-4 Meeting of January 23, 2014: Motion adopting Tech School Budget. Motion adopted 9-0 Meeting of February 27, 2014: Motion to borrow $9.1 million for Tech School Renovation. Motion adopted 9-0 Meeting of May 8, 2014: a. Adopt preliminary budget for FY 2014-15 to enact a 2.1% tax increase, related to 1.4% spending increase. Motion adopted 9-0 b. Motion to appoint Nancianne Edwards as Assistant Superintendent: Motion adopted 9-0 Meeting of June 12, 2014: Motion to adopt final 2014-15 budget increasing spending 1.9%, with a commensurate tax increase. Motion adopted 7-2 with opponents asserting budget and tax increase was too low and that a larger increase was needed in the current year for pending future year issues such as pensions. Voting Records on Hiring Dr. William Harner as Superintendent Author’s Note: Superintendent selection is by far the most important vote a Director will make affecting taxes, programs and academic success or failure. It reflects on the judgment, management ability and core philosophy of elected Directors. Vote # 1. 2. 3. 4. 1. 2. 3. 4. Stepanoff For Against For For Region 1 Ripper For Against For For Anderson For Against For For Strunk Against For Absent For Region 2 King Against For Against For Smith Against For Against Against Cattie Against For Against For Region 3 Shermer For Against For For Landes For Absent For For Meeting of January 23, 2014: Motion to appoint Dr. Harner as Substitute Superintendent: Motion passed 5-4. Meeting of March 27, 2014: Motion to engage BCIU to do a search for a Superintendent. Intent was to replace Dr. Harner. Motion failed 4-4. Meeting of April 24, 2014: Motion to appoint Dr. Harner as permanent Superintendent effective 7/1/14: Motion adopted 5-3. Motion to execute Dr. Harner’s employment contract. Motion adopted 8-1. PAGE 16 FALL 2014 - RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES Richland Township Golf Outing Special Thanks... Golf Carts Dinner Boucher & James, Inc. Gilmore & Associates, Inc. First Savings Bank of Perkasie Bucks County Water & Sewer Authority Golf Course Golf Balls Kwik Goal Richland Township Water Authority Lunch Cocktail Hour Treadwell Law Offices PC Casey’s Place Hole Sponsors Hutchinson, Gillahan & Freeh PC Quakertown Famers Market Brown, Kerdock & Lynch P.C. Quakertown Family Dental Center QNB Select Properties Brown & Brown of the Lehigh Valley Lopez, Tedosio & Larkin Charles Shoemaker The Minnis Group DHL Machine International, Inc. LB Water Service, Inc. Concord Public Financial Advisors Asphalt Maintenance Solutions Penn Stainless Products, Inc. Carroll Engineering Corp. Door Prize Contributors McCoole’s Target Marketing Group Longwood Gardens River Country Arnolds Family Fun Center LV Paintball Arts Quest National Constitution Center Chaddsford Winery Sky Zone Lehigh Valley Zoo Sesame Place American on Wheels Roman Delight Fountainville TGI Friday YMCA Casa Tora Restaurant Grand Theater Pep Boys Allentown Art Museum Crayola Experience Copperhead Grille Iron Pigs Philadelphia Flyers Richland Township The Rose Group Hair Cuttery Pines Dinner Theater James Michener Art Museum Brick Tavern Inn Lost River Caverns Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens Quakertown Farmer’s Market Putt U Miniature Golf Adventure Aquarium Link Beverages Mercer Museum & Fonthill Castle Volunteers Nancy Buckner Laura Held Jim Sulger Rick Orloff RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES - FALL 2014 PAGE 17 Golf Outing Winners Other Prize Winners: FIRST PLACE Kevin Hoffman, Bill Frank, Phil Chant, Jules Dirienzo SECOND PLACE Thomas Hontz, Mark Weaver, Mitchell Eisen Longest Drive Women: Dianne McLane Longest Drive Men: Phil Chant Closest to Pin Men: Kevin Hoffman Closest to Pin Women: Dianne McLane PAGE 18 FALL 2014 - RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES State Education Funding by Senator Bob Mensch, 24th District Education funding is a responsibility taken seriously by the legislature, and I believe we need more clarity around this issue. The 2014-15 Pennsylvania state budget provides our public schools with more than $10.1 billion in state taxpayer assistance, representing the largest amount of state funding for our public schools in Pennsylvania history. The budget for the 2014-2015 school year includes $5,526,129,000 for the Basic Education Funding appropriation out of a total appropriation of almost $10.5 billion for PreK-12. As the PreK-12 chart (right) illustrates, this is more than we have ever funded. This $5 billion+ is more than 35% of the state’s total general fund expenditures. To compare that spending to other departments, medical assistance and long term living draws roughly 23%, welfare draws 16%, and the remaining 26% is divvied up between debt service, corrections and our other departments. Budget Overview Chart In 2009-10, after the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (otherwise known as the Federal stimulus package), much of the federal stimulus money received by PA was used to fund basic education. In 201011, PA received nearly $655 million in federal funds used to replace state basic education funding. An additional $388 million in federal stimulus funding was later added in 2011 to replace general funds spent on basic education state subsidies, pushing the federal support used for basic education above $1 billion in 2010-11. Ironically, some groups began to suggest that with the cessation of stimulus dollars that somehow education funding was cut by $1 billion. But a close look at the attached charts will show there was never a $1 billion cut to education. Education funding is a serious matter, and I hope the brief information provided helps to clarify the issue. Education funding should never be a political issue clouded by false data from special interests. The only way we can have a useful dialog is with useful, verified data such as the information presented here. PENNSYLVANIA STATE BONDED MESSENGER SERVICE NOTARY PUBLIC METAL TEMPORARY TAGS ISSUED FOR ANY TYPE VEHICLE OR TRAILER INSTANT TAG RENEWALS PHONE 215-538-1450 ROHER COMPLETE SERVICE FOR REGISTRATIONS LICENSES PERMITS BIRTH CERTIFICATES ON-LINE TRANSFER AUTO TAG SERVICE FAX 215-538-1427 MON-FRI 11-8 • SAT 10-2 1392 S. West End Blvd. • Rt. 309 • Quakertown, PA 18951 COWAN ASSOCIATES, INC. Engineers, Geologists, Surveyors, Landscape Architects, Materials Testing Lab Serving Business, Government and Industry Since 1958 120 Penn-Am Drive, PO Box 949 Quakertown, PA 18951 • 1-800-492-5649 RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES - FALL 2014 PAGE 19 Basic Education Funding Chart On The Humorous Side: A police recruit was asked, “What would you do if you had to arrest your mother?” He said, “Call for back up.” “There ought to be one day -- just one -- when there is open season on senators.” ~ Will Rogers “The problem with political jokes is they get elected.” ~ Henry Cate, VII PreK-12 State Education Funding Chart “When I was a boy I was told that anybody could become President; I’m beginning to believe it.” ~ Clarence Darrow “Suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of government. But I repeat myself.” ~ Mark Twain “I don’t make jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts.” ~ Will Rogers “I have come to the conclusion that politics is too serious a matter to be left to the politicians.” ~ Charles de Gaulle. “Politicians are the same all over. They promise to build a bridge even where there is no river.” ~ Nikita Khrushchev Michael B. Schmauder Supervisor/Owner 821 West Broad Street Quakertown, PA 18951 Member By Invitation Selected Independent Funeral Homes (215) 536-6550 Fax (215) 538-7485 www.crstrunk.com 215-538-1776 PAGE 20 FALL 2014 - RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES Garden Plots Available in Spring by Supervisor Tim Arnold If you want a garden but do not have the space, we have the answer for you. Several years ago, the Township started a community garden located on Station Road. There are currently 22 lots available. It’s so simple to get started - all you need to do is call the Township building at 215-536-4066 after March 1, 2015. Plots are rented on a first-come first-served basis. We will assign you a lot and stake it out for you, and then the rest of the fun of growing your own fruits and vegetables can begin. The cost for a 12’ x 20’ plot is $10.00. No shade producing plants over 4’ tall are permitted NO CORN IS PERMITTED! No metal stakes, fencing or plant supports are permitted, as it may damage the tilling equipment. All metal materials used will be removed by the Township. No permanent structures or fencing is permitted. Tools, supplies, and related gardening equipment left at a garden plot site are left at your own risk and must be left in a tidy manner and within your plot limits. Please clean up after yourself. Richland Township will not provide trash services. Plot Maintenance: Your Responsibility to Fellow Gardeners: There is no water at the site, so each gardener is responsible for making his/her own accommodations. All gardeners are to maintain their plots in a reasonable manner. Weeds and garden debris can serve as cover and food for undesirable insects, rodents, and other vermin. Lots that are not maintained will be considered abandoned. Gardening is permitted from dawn to dusk. No fertilizer or commercial pesticides are permitted. Please do not block garden paths with vehicles, equipment, or debris. Highly invasive plants are not allowed. At no time should you build a structure or plant anything that will shade or interfere with another plot. End of Year Responsibilities: Remove all non-organic materials including: fencing, stakes, and rain barrels. phoebe.org/richland | 267.371.4512 PHOEBE RICHLAND Short Term Rehab Our short term rehabilitation team provides one-on-one comprehensive rehab programming following an illness, surgery, or injury. We’ll get you home and back to the things you love. The Leader in Senior Care RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES - FALL 2014 PAGE 21 Richland Historical Society Update by Vic Stevens, President Over the years, many in the community have received newsletters from us, read articles in the newspaper about us, and stopped in to visit with us. Many times we made requests for building materials, volunteer labor, and, of course, money! Well, we want to bring the community up to date and thank you for what has been accomplished through your efforts and donations. What happened with the 1930’s old grain barn? It’s now the BARN MUSEUM! • Installed stairs to the second floor • Rebuilt the second floor into a library • Divided the first floor into a work room • Installed a lavatory and a kitchen • Replaced all the old windows • Constructed a two story, 20x30 foot addition to the back of the barn • Made the first floor a meeting room • Installed running water (using the well from the old school pump!) • Installed a heating system • Installed air conditioning • Installed a chair rider to the second floor • Covered the total exterior with steel siding What happened in the Shelly School House? • Installed handicapped sidewalks and ramp from the Barn Museum to the school • Replaced all the deteriorated brick and mortar on the exterior • Rebuilt and painted the original window shutters • Painted the exterior wood and windows Projects that still need attention: • Repair of the girls’ necessary house • Completion of landscaping • Some pieces for the kitchen As mentioned previously, our guide for this progress is stated in the Preamble to our Constitution: “to preserve and maintain the integrity of the Shelly School.” Three More Farms Added to Richland’s Open Space Inventory by Kathy Fedorocsko, Chairwoman, Preservation Board This summer, the Richland Township Land Preservation Board completed the preservation of three more farms, totaling 120 acres. All of the farms are found in the Upper Tohickon Conservation Landscape in the updated Natural Areas Inventory of Bucks County. Besides protecting irreplaceable farmland, each farm also has a branch of the Upper Tohickon Creek running through it. Protecting these portions of the creek helps protect our source of drinking water. The first farm preserved is located on Gross Road immediately adjacent to the 55 acres we protected this past spring through the County’s Natural Areas program. Almost 100 acres on either side of the Tohickon Creek will protect the riparian corridor found here. This farm produces mostly hay crops. The second farm is on Union Road. Preservation of this property completes our goal of preserving all the working farms on Apple and Union Roads, adding 20 acres to the 280 acre greenway we have been able to establish in this area of the Township. This equine operation is adjacent to two preserved farms and across the road from acreage recently donated to the Township. The last farm consists of two parcels totaling 61 acres on East Cherry Road. In addition to the acres of pasture and croplands preserved in perpetuity, there are mature woodlands and two branches of the Tohickon Creek being protected. It connects with 103 acres on Pumping Station Road, providing another valuable greenway from road to road for plants and animals and helps ensure the water quality here stays high. The Preservation Board continues to draw on funds provided by the Open Space bond passed in 2002. We have been able to substantially stretch your preservation tax dollars by using the different County land preservation programs. Once again, through the foresight of you, the voters, and the generosity of the landowners, Richland Township will be a far better place to live now and in the future. We have protected forever 30 farms and significant natural areas, a total of over 1,000 acres. For information about preserving your property, contact Rich Brittingham at 215-536-4066. PAGE 22 FALL 2014 - RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES Richland Township’s Memorial Garden at Veterans Park COMMEMORATIVE BRICK PAVER PROGRAM The Richland Township Park & Recreation Board is selling commemorative bricks to be placed in the walkway to the Veteran’s Memorial Garden. The 4”x8” gray paver can be imprinted with three lines of up to thirteen characters on each line (including spaces and punctuation). Bricks will be placed randomly. Corporate/group donations may be accommodated. The cost is $50.00 for the first two lines and an additional $10.00 for the third line, per brick. PERSONALIZED BRICK ORDER FORM Name_________________________________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________________________________ City ___________________________________________ State _______ Zip ______________________________ Phone _____________________________ Email _____________________________________________________ Fax _______________________________ My gift donation: $________________ (Make checks payable to: Richland Township Parks & Rec) PLEASE PRINT YOUR MESSAGE IN THE BOXES BELOW: FOR MULTIPLE BRICK ORDERS, PLEASE REQUEST EXTRA FORMS. THANK YOU! Mail form and payment to: Richland Township 1328 California Road, Suite A Quakertown, PA 18951 All proceeds will benefit Richland Township’s Memorial Garden at Veterans Park. For more information, call 215-536-4066. Richland Township reserves the right to approve, deny, or change all messages. RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES - FALL 2014 PAGE 23 Exciting Changes Coming to RTPD! by Richard J. Ficco, Chief of Police It has been an exciting year, as changes continue to occur. In February of this year, RTPD purchased personal worn body cameras. Why would our police department need to have officer worn cameras versus vehicle mounted cameras? The vehicle mounted video camera is a technology that has been around law enforcement for many years. I remember them being installed in police vehicles in the early 1990s, and I am sure it was around before that. The vehicle mounted camera has made great strides over the years. As technology advances for each of us, so does the offerings that become available to law enforcement. The biggest reason RTPD went with the officer worn video camera is for the flexibility of using such cameras for evidentiary purposes. Right now, vehicle mounted cameras will only pick up what is happening right in front of the police car. With the officer worn camera, we combine the vehicle mounted camera with the handheld, which will allow us to video crime scenes and events. The Pennsylvania Wiretap law will still guarantee rights to those that we serve, in that an officer cannot use the camera in your home or hotel room without your permission. However, if you come across an officer in the general public, your interaction may be captured on video. The process to deploy the cameras has been slower than anticipated, but we hope to have it fully operational in the very near future. Richland is only the third or fourth department in the state of PA to deploy this type of camera. RTPD has also been working on the process of Accreditation. This is a process of standardizing policies and meeting those standards on an annual basis. This process will help us evaluate and improve with the standards. There are currently over 300 agencies in the state of Pennsylvania that are registered with the PA Chiefs Association, which introduced Accreditation in 2001. Currently, there are 96 agencies that are accredited through the association. It is a complex task and takes some time to do, but accreditation sets professional standards that are attainable by your police department. We are nearing the point of approving the policy manual and beginning the process of showing how we will meet the standards. With this new policy manual, RTPD will be instituting a new policy that governs social media and how we can use it to help our citizens. You will most likely see a Facebook page and a Twitter page being put in place by the end of the year. Our hope is to use this to notify people of issues within their neighborhood or asking for the public’s help in certain situations. And more importantly, we are very excited for the beginning of 2015 and the ability to provide full time police coverage from RTPD to our citizens. I would like to thank the Township Supervisors and the multitude of citizens who have supported this venture. GRACE BIBLE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH 1811 Old Bethlehem Pike N. Quakertown, PA 18951 www.quakertownbfc.org 215-536-6096 Ronald L. Kohl, Pastor David Watkins, Pastor of Congregational Care Michael Roberts, Assist. Pastor Timothy Radcliff, Minister of Youth Email: [email protected] SUNDAY HOURS: SEPTEMBER - MAY 9:00 am 10:10 am 6:30 pm 6:30 pm Sunday School for all ages Worship Service Evening Worship (except 2nd & 4th Sundays) Small Group Fellowships (2nd & 4th Sundays) WEDNESDAYS: SEPTEMBER - MAY 6:30 pm 6:30 pm 7:00 pm Awana for children Teens for Christ (7th - 12th grade) Adult Bible Study & Prayer SPECIAL MINISTRIES Brogan Donovan, from Boy Scout Troop 1 in Sellersville, attended a Board of Supervisors meeting in order to complete his merit badge. u Grace music - Adult & Children’s Choirs, and Choral Ensembles (men and women) u Special Music u Men’s Small Group Bible Studies & Periodic Breakfast & Speakers u Tuesday Morning & Evening Ladies’ Bible Study (Sept. - May) u Vacation Bible Camp for Children in Summer u “Keenagers”: Senior Adults’ Monthly Luncheon PAGE 24 FALL 2014 - RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES To Recycle or Not to Recycle -That is the Question Have you ever held a plastic container and asked “should this go in the recycling or the trash”? This common question is simplified by single stream recycling. All the newspaper, chipboard, cardboard, metal cans and glass jars and bottles now go into one recycling bin or cart. All plastic materials with the number 1 through 7 in the recycling logo on the bottom can be recycled. Thanks to a national initiative by the Carton Council, cartons can now be added to the recycling stream. These cartons include both the aseptic cartons as well as the familiar gabletop, refrigerated cartons. However, there are some plastics that can’t be recycled - including clear rigid plastic food trays, Styrofoam, and the thin black pots and trays that contained flower or vegetable plants. Richland Township receives recycling performance grants based on the total annual tons of residential recycling.We encourage you to recycle everything you can, but remember to ‘keep trash out of the recycling and recycling out of the trash’. Thank you for doing a great job recycling. For more information on trash and recycling, visit our website. FREE ESTIMATES AFFORDABLE RATES TREAT YOURSELF THIS FALL UPPER BUCKS YMCA 401 Fairview Ave. Quakertown Water Treatment and Well Pump Ser vices Water Testing In-Home Drinking Water Systems Conditioners/Neutralizers www.blumwatersolutions.com 215-536-YMCA ubymca.org RESIDENTIAL Well Pumps Water Tanks Well Casing Repairs Well Pipe Replacements Ultraviolet Sterilizers Water Softeners Reverse Osmosis Service Existing Systems COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL 215-721-6160 TELFORD, PA Insurance tailored to you. HOME / AUTO / BUSINESS / LIFE 19 E. Union St., Richlandtown / 215.529.7600 / brunnerinsurance.com Phone: 215-536-3343 Fax: 215-536-2250 www.janauglefcs.com email: [email protected] Joseph M. Hafich President of Operations [email protected] Jeffery A. 401 O’Neill Drive / Quakertown, PA 18951-4227 Phone: 215.536.4973 Fax: 215.536.6676 www.emergencysystems-inc.com Funeral and Cremation Service ... where Memories are Shared 135 W. PUMPING STATION RD. QUAKERTOWN, PA 18951 JEFFREY A. NAUGLE FUNERAL DIRECTOR/OWNER RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES - FALL 2014 PAGE 25 Richland Township Volunteer Information Application Name_____________________________________________________ Date _____________________ Address______________________________________________________________________________ City____________________________________________ State _________ Zip __________________ Preferred Phone # ___________________________ E-mail____________________________________ Occupation ______________________________ Employer____________________________________ To volunteer on a Board, Committee, or Commission: c Check here if you are willing to serve wherever needed OR Indicate your interest below by numbering the committee/event in order of preference: _____ Park & Recreation Board (& Trails Committee) – meets fourth Wed. of the month at 7:00 pm _____ Community Day _____ Movie Night _____ Preservation Board - meets second Wed. of the month at 7:00 pm _____ Community/Police Liaison Board - meets fourth Tues. of the month at 7:00 pm at the police bldg. _____ Planning Commission - meets third Tues. of the month at 7:00 pm _____ Water Authority – meets second Thurs. of the month at 7:00 pm Please list your skills and experiences relevant to the board or commission you are applying for: ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ Please explain why you would like to serve as an appointed volunteer on a Township board or commission and describe your vision for Richland Township’s future: ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ Please attach a resume and/or letter of interest. Thank you for volunteering your valuable time and talents! PAGE 26 FALL 2014 - RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES Leaf Collection Schedule October 6 - December 5 Autumn is here and that means it is time to clean up those leaves. Richland Township began its leaf collection program because of the need to keep stormwater inlets clear, and to help our residents properly dispose of leaves. The leaves we collect are taken to facilities that recycle them into compost. If you have a composting lawn mower, you may want to consider using it to leave the composting leaves in place to benefit your lawn instead of piling them up at the road for collection. Although we will try to meet the following schedule, our collections may be affected by poor weather or other factors. If we get behind in our schedule, we will collect leaves as close to your collection date as possible. Leaf collection in developments with roads dedicated to the township Residents who live in developments with roads dedicated to the township may place leaves for collection beginning October 20, 2014, through December 5, 2014. The leaf collection vehicle will travel through the dedicated road developments weekly. If leaves are placed out late in the week, they may be collected the following week. Leaves must be on the road surface, against the curb. Leaves on the sidewalk or in yards will not be collected. Developments in this group are: The Elms Walnut Bank Farms (Walnut Bank Farm Road, Farm House Lane, Red Barn Lane and School House Lane) Richland Mead Hunters Crossing (including Timberbrook Drive and Hallmark Place) Sweetbriar Brayton Gardens I Brayton Gardens II Tollgate Landing Richland Court Regency Manor Spring Meadows Academy Place Richland Station (including Turntable Circle) Heather Valley/Richland Farms Deer Run Estates Morgan Creek Leaf collection in developments with non-dedicated roads Leaves will be collected two times in developments with roads that are privately maintained and not part of the township road system: November 3 to 7, 2014, and again the week of November 17 to 21, 2014. Most of these developments have parking lots or courts that cannot be accessed with our equipment because of space constraints and numerous parked cars. Place the leaves on the street, against the curb, on the main access roads. Leaves on sidewalks, yards and inaccesible areas will not be collected. Developments in this group, and the streets where leaves may be placed: Stonegate Village (place leaves on Stonegate Road) Beaver Run (place leaves on Beaver Run Drive, Terrace Drive and Windsor Court) Richland Greene Quakers Green (place leaves on Quakers Way) Walnut Bank Farms Condominium Section (place leaves on Walnut Bank Farm Road) Renaissance at Morgan Creek (place leaves on Memory Lane, Creekside Lane, and Turtle Creek Lane) Arbours at Morgan Creek Leaf collection on rural roads Because of the large amount of frontage along rural roads, we must limit collections on those roads to a one time collection during the week specified for your road. Leaves placed for collection after the specified week may not be collected. Pile leaves on the shoulder as close to the roadway as possible. Our machine cannot reach farther than the shoulder so leaves beyond that point will not be collected. Please use the following schedule for a one time collection during your specified week. Week of October 6 to 10, 2014: Route 309 Route 663 E. Cherry Road Route 313 Paletown Road Rocky Ridge Road Thatcher Road Union Road Apple Road Richlandtown Pike Route 212 Younken Road Pullen Station Road Trumbauersville Road Tollgate Road Mill Road N. Old Bethlehem Pike W. Zion Hill Road Week of October 20 to 24, 2014: N. Mine Road S. Mine Road Hickon Road Keystone Road Gross Road W. Cherry Road California Road Dickert Road Camp Rockhill Road Continued on next page RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES - FALL 2014 Leaf Collection Schedule Continued from Page 26 Scholls School Road Yankee Road W. Rich Hill Road Whaland Road E. Rich Hill Road Muskrat Road Smoketown Road S. Old Bethlehem Pike Station Road Stoneback Road Tohickon Road Shelly Road Nice Road E. Zion Hill Road Week of November 10 to 14, 2014: E. Rockhill Road Raub Road Erie Road Axehandle Road Meadow Road Beck Road E. Pumping Station Road W. Pumping Station Road Heller Road Reservoir Road Milford Square Pike Portzer Road Franklin Lane Morris Road Fairview Avenue Hellertown Street Perkasie Avenue Station Avenue Cemetery Road Ambler Street Woodland Avenue Penrose Street Walnut Street Important information 1). Do not place any other materials such as sticks, grass, or yard waste with your leaves. These items clog the vacuum hose and will not be collected. 2). Do not park vehicles on leaf piles. We cannot collect leaves that are under vehicles. Hot mufflers and exhaust pipes may ignite the leaves and cause vehicle damage or loss. PAGE 27 Burning Prohibited in Richland Township All open burning is prohibited in Richland Township. In September 2010, the Richland Township Board of Supervisors amended the Fire Prevention Ordinance to prohibit open burning in the Township. Although the burning of waste had previously been prohibited, there were previously two short time periods in the spring and fall where the Township allowed residents to burn tree branches and brush, if the weather permitted. This exception has been eliminated and all burning is prohibited. This prohibition to open burning does not apply to charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices, or for recreational fires for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes. However, these allowable fires must be extinguished if the Police Department or Code Official finds that they are creating a 3). A leaf drop-off area is available for all residents. You may drop them off in the leaf bin behind the salt storage shed at the Township Building at 1328 California Road. 4). WE NO LONGER ACCEPT LEAVES IN PLASTIC BAGS AT THE DROP OFF BIN. Dump bags out on to the pile and take the plastic bags away. Leaves in paper bags are accepted. If you have any questions concerning these matters, please contact the Township’s Public Works Director at 215-536-4066. hazardous or objectionable situation. Burning is also allowed for training of firefighting personnel when done under the supervision of the Fire Chief, provided that atmospheric conditions would not create offensive or objectionable smoke or odor on other premises. Tree branches of not more than two inches in diameter or more than four feet in length and brush may be dropped off anytime during the year by the mulch pile located behind the Township’s Municipal Building located at 1328 California Road. The branches should be bundled with string or rope. Do not use wire. Also, the Township designates one week in May for the collection of any yard waste. During that week, the yard waste will be collected from the curb or roadside by the Township’s Public Works Department. Tree stumps will not be accepted. Holiday Closings Richland Township offices will be closed on the following dates: 2014 Tues., Nov. 4 - Election Day Thurs., Nov. 27, & Fri., Nov. 28 Thanksgiving Wed., Dec. 24, & Thurs., Dec. 25 Christmas 2015 Thurs., Jan. 1 - New Year’s Day Mon., Feb. 16 - Presidents’ Day Fri., April 3 - Good Friday PAGE 28 FALL 2014 - RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES How Can I Dispose of Used CFLs? by Stephen Sechriest With extensive marketing of compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL’s) has come the question of how to dispose of the energy savers. Although more expensive than regular light bulbs, CFL’s are being promoted because of their longer life expectancy and their energy saving qualities. In the long run, CFL’s will save us money by lasting longer and using less electricity. It has been estimated that if every home in America replaced just one regular incandescent light bulb with a CFL, in just one year it would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes. This would prevent the release of greenhouse gases equal to the output of about 800,000 cars. Unfortunately, there is a downside to the use of CFL’s. The compact fluorescent light bulbs contain small amounts of mercury. The average CFL contains about 4 milligrams of mercury. This amount would only be about as large as the tip of a ballpoint pen. By comparison, the older style thermometers that used mercury contained about 500 milligrams of mercury, which would be equal to about 125 CFL’s. In order to prevent additional mercury from escaping Expect the Exceptional Delivering More in Design & Lifestyle Choices Every WB Home is Built: • with Superior "Standard Amenities" • with the highest level of "Quality Workmanship" • with nearly 30 years of Building Experience 215-699-0800 wbhomesinc.com into the environment, it is recommended that used bulbs (yes, they do eventually wear out) be recycled rather than thrown in the trash. Richland Township’s administrative office has received several calls from residents asking how they can dispose of their CFL’s that no longer work. The general recommendation is that used CFL’s be recycled. Lowe’s and Home Depot stores collect used CFL’s for recycling and it is expected that more will do it in the future. The web site www.earth911.com identifies local businesses that collect CFL’s for recycling. After going to the web site, use the recycling location finder by typing in CFL and your zip code for a list of current collection sites. If you must dispose of your used CFL’s in the trash, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that you seal the bulb in two plastic bags before adding it to your trash to be taken to a landfill. CFL’s and other products containing mercury should never be sent to an incinerator. Should the glass of the CFL be broken, the EPA Continued on next page RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES - FALL 2014 CFL Disposal Continued from Page 28 recommends that the following steps be followed: 1. Before Clean-up: Air Out the Room • Have people and pets leave the room, and don’t let anyone walk through the breakage area on their way out. • Open a window and leave the room for 15 minutes or more. • Shut off the central forced-air heating/air conditioning system, if you have one. 2. Clean-Up Steps for Hard Surfaces • Carefully scoop up glass fragments and powder using stiff paper or cardboard and place them in a glass jar with a metal lid or in a sealed plastic bag. • Use sticky tape, such as duct tape, to pick up any remaining small glass pieces and powder. • Wipe the area clean with damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes. Place towels in the glass jar or plastic bag. • Do not use a vacuum or broom to clean up the broken bulb on hard surfaces. 3. Clean-up Steps for Carpeting or Rugs • Carefully pick up glass fragments and place them in a glass jar with a metal lid or in a sealed plastic bag. • Use sticky tape, such as duct tape, to pick up any remaining small glass fragments and powder. • If vacuuming is needed after all visible materials are removed, vacuum the area where the bulb was broken. • Remove the vacuum bag (or empty and wipe the canister), and put the bag or vacuum debris in a sealed plastic bag. 4. Clean-up Steps for Clothing, Bedding, etc. • If clothing or bedding materials come in direct contact with broken glass or mercury-containing powder from inside the bulb that may stick to the fabric, the clothing or bedding should be thrown away. Do not wash such clothing or bedding because mercury fragments in the clothing may contaminate the machine and/or pollute sewage. “The powers delegated by the proposed Constitution ... are few and defined. Those which are to remain in the State governments are numerous and indefinite.” ~ James Madison PAGE 29 • You can, however, wash clothing or other materials that have been exposed to the mercury vapor from a broken CFL, such as the clothing your are wearing when you cleaned up the broken CFL, as long as that clothing has not come into direct contact with the materials from the broken bulb. • If shoes come into direct contact with broken glass or mercury-containing powder from the bulb, wipe them off with damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes. Place the towels or wipes in a glass jar or plastic bag for disposal. 5. Disposal of Clean-up Materials • Immediately place all clean-up materials outdoors in a trash container or protected area for the next normal trash pickup. • Wash your hands after disposing of the jars or plastic bags containing clean-up materials. 6. Future Cleaning of Carpeting or Rugs: Air Out the Room During and After Vacuuming • The next several times you vacuum, shut off the central forced-air heating/air conditioning system and open a window before vacuuming. • Keep the central heating/air conditioning system shut off and the window open for at least 15 minutes after vacuuming is completed. PAGE 30 FALL 2014 - RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES From the Zoning Office by Rich Brittingham Permits are required for: 1. Change of Use of Occupancy 2. Construction of a new building 3. Structural alterations or repairs 4. Signage 5. Adding new structures, additions or dwelling units 6. Sheds, fences, swimming pools, concrete patios, paver patios, parking lots and driveways 7. Plumbing fixtures, installed or replaced 8. Well drilling 9. Moving or relocating a building 10. Demolition, razing (Ordinance #191) 11. Earth disturbance over 1,000 sq.ft. (Ordinance #210) All applications for Building and Zoning Permits should include the following information: 1. Plot plan including lot dimensions, building setbacks, proposed construction location, existing structures and easements 2. Description of the proposed construction 3. Estimated cost of construction 4. Type of occupancy (present and proposed use) 5. Name, address, and telephone number of owner, contractor and authorized agent Developments Under Construction 1. Renaissance at Morgan Creek 141 Single family (Age Qualified 55+) 101 acres located on the south side of Station Road 2. Arbours at Morgan Creek 134 Townhomes/multiplex units (Age Qualified 55+) 89.2 acres located on the north side of W. Paletown Road 3. Reserve at Hidden Ponds 24 Single family 10.9 acres located on the north side of Station Road Developments Under Consideration 1. Front Gate Community 13 Mid-rise buildings, 402 units (Age Qualified 55+) 46.26 acres located along Station Road behind Q-mart 2. Reserve at Woodside Creek 75 Single family 101.7 acres located on the south side of Paletown Road & Rocky Ridge Road 3. Steeple Run 39 Single family 21.1 acres located on the north side of Paletown Road 4. Tollgate Crossing 30 Single family 65.7 acres located on the south side of Tollgate Road 5. Select Properties - Twin Lakes 107 Single family 54.3 acres located on the east side of Old Bethlehem Pike 1. 1. 2. Commercial/Industrial Projects under Consideration Pavillion at Richland 14.06 acres located at the SE corner of N. West End Blvd. & West Pumping Station Road Proposed multiple commercial use Commercial/Industrial Projects under Construction US Cold Storage 40.415 acres located at the corner of Heller Road and E. Pumping Station Road Proposed G3 warehouse use Northfield Business Campus (Lot #5) 5.6 acres located on the north side of E. Pumping Station Road Flex Building Use Permits Available Online: Permit applications are available on our website at www.richlandtownship.org. These include: Zoning and Building Permit; Shed, Deck and Pool Permit (also for fences & patios); and Sign Permit. Also available are the Subdivision & Land Development Application, 2014 Fee Schedule, Escrow Agreement; the Zoning Board Application, and the Conditional Use Application. Click on BLDG & ZONING. RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES - FALL 2014 PAGE 31 FALL HEAT SAVINGS ! (639-4328) WE WON’T BE UNDERSOLD Guaranteed! www.qualityair.com $89.00 HEAT TUNE UP With this coupon. May be combined with Duct Sanitizing coupon. Not valid with any other offers, weekends or holidays. Valid on heat pump or gas heating systems only. Please present coupon at time of service. $500 Off $59.00 DUCT SANITIZING When performed with a Tune-Up With this coupon. May be combined with Tune up coupon. Not valid with any other offers, weekends or holidays. Please present coupon at time of service. $25 Off Full HVAC Install or Replacement Any Repair or Service Call With this coupon. Not valid with any other offers, weekends or holidays. Please present coupon at time of service. With this coupon. Not valid with any other offers, weekends or holidays. Please present coupon at time of service . PAGE 32 FALL 2014 - RICHLAND TOWNSHIP TIMES Richland Township 1328 California Road, Suite A Quakertown, PA 18951 RICHLAND TOWNSHIP MUNICIPAL OFFICES 1328 California Road, Suite A, Quakertown, PA 18951 Phone 215-536-4066 • Fax 215-538-3020 • www.richlandtownship.org POLICE DEPARTMENT 229 California Road Quakertown, PA 18951 215-536-9500 WATER AUTHORITY 1328 California Road, Suite D Quakertown, PA 18951 215-536-4733 • Fax 215-536-0205 EARNED INCOME TAX Keystone Collections Group 546 Wendel Road Irwin, PA 15642 888-519-3898 www.keystonecollects.com REAL ESTATE TAX COLLECTOR Walter Johnson P.O. Box 940 Richlandtown, PA 18955 (Office located at 520 Station Road) 215-536-6603 richlandtownshiptaxcollector.webs.com The Township building is open for business Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. All minutes, financial reports, ordinances, resolutions, contracts, agreements, sub-division plans, etc., for the Township are available for public inspection. Copies are charged at $.25 per page. MEETING SCHEDULES All meetings are open to the public. The following meetings are held at 7:00 p.m. in the Township Building: Board of Supervisors Planning Commission Water Authority Park and Recreation Board Trails Committee Preservation Board Zoning Hearing Board Second Monday of the month Third Tuesday of the month Second Thursday of the month Fourth Wednesday of the month Fourth Wednesday of the month Second Wednesday of the month As advertised when required Community/Police Liaison Board Fourth Tuesday of the month 7:00 p.m. at the Police Building
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