February, March & April Meetings:
Some thoughts on the previous meetings:
“Snow Angel” Program:
It has come to our attention that some residents are unable to clear their own snow. In the past, neighborhood children would clear the snow for a negotiated price, or perhaps a neighbor would clear the snow. Now days, many neighborhoods do not have enough entrepreneurial children (read between the lines kids, you can make money on snow days if you are willing to walk with a shovel). The township contacted local churches and the volunteer fire company, and the most immediate need was met. The township would like to have a list of people willing to serve their neighbors by clearing off sidewalks and driveways for those who are not able to do so. Please call the township office if you are willing to serve the community in this way.
Public Participation at Meetings:
Did you know that PA law requires the supervisors to get public comment at the start of the meeting OR before each vote? In Maidencreek, it is our custom to take general public comment before the meeting, and ask for public comment before each vote. I believe this practice has improved the quality of our government. Take the funding of fireworks, for example. The supervisors were discussing alternative funding methods, since the old method just took the money out of the general fund (about $1.75 per household). You have to ask yourself, are fireworks worth taking $1.75 from a retired couple on a fixed income? The fireworks are not even viewed by everyone. The supervisors were considering alternatives when Gloria Kemmerer (from the audience) suggested asking local businesses if they would contribute and in return we could thank them by acknowledging them in the newsletter. The supervisors adopted this suggestion, and that is why you have seen local businesses in the newsletter. The fireworks have been partially funded this way, but it is philosophically preferable to just taking monies out of the general fund.
I can readily think of another example where a citizen at a meeting affected policy. A man living on the Leesport side of the lake is concerned about the spreading of sewage sludge on farmland. This is regulated by DEP, but we learned that DEP has very few people enforcing these regulations. Because of this man's knowledge of the issue and the concerns that he raised, the supervisors are considering an ordinance that would mirror the regulations that DEP puts on sludge. This would give the township the ability to police it as well as the DEP. This ordinance will be the subject of a public hearing before the June 8th regular meeting. It is possible the township will adopt this ordinance. I believe this would not be occurring if this resident had not brought it to our attention and offered constructive advice at the meeting.
My point is, you can serve your community by being at the meetings and occasionally offering constructive advice. You may not have the time to volunteer for one of the commissions, but you can still be helpful and improve the quality of your township's government by attending meetings.
You can view copies of the meeting minutes here:
http://maidencreek.net/Supervisors/SupMinutes.html
I still have copies of the Fredrick Bastiat book “The Law” available to Maidencreek residents. Email me if you want one.
Paid for by Roy Timpe