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Heidelberg Township is considering implementing an ordinance defining nuisances such as dumping junk, free-roaming animals on streets or private property not belonging to the animal’s owner, and extended periods of noise at night, all of which would be enforceable by the township.
Solicitor Amy Leonard presented the first draft of the ordinance to supervisors Tuesday.
Supervisors expressed agreement with most of the ordinance’s contents, but supervisor Ted Cromleigh asked Leonard to add language specifically prohibiting free-roaming chickens, which he said is one of Heidelberg’s most frequently received complaints.
The ordinance, which is not yet available for public review as it is still a first draft, will become available for review when it is advertised.
Leonard listed nuisances defined by the drafted ordinance as including the storing of junk and vehicles, the dumping of junk or green waste (including in waterways), 10 minutes or more of disruptive sounds such as dogs barking, animal waste not properly disposed of by the owner, and dilapidated buildings.
She also noted that the the ordinance includes some nuisances that are already encompassed by township code, such as the overflow of sewage into streets.
The ordinance allows noise that is less disruptive between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m., with quiet time at night (with exceptions including permitted business operations and church bells). The hours could change as the drafting process continues.
A drawback of the ordinance is that it will be difficult for the township to enforce, Leonard said, but a resident in attendance said the ordinance would be beneficial to neighbors of nuisance properties attempting to resolve issues privately.
The township also cannot guarantee the recovery of costs associated with enforcement, Leonard said.
The board also discussed the ongoing process of acquiring a triangle of land from PennDOT by the trailhead. As of now, the township is looking to get the parcel appraised by an entity recognized by PennDOT before it can be purchased.
Supervisors unanimously approved the application for a DCED grant totalling $234,937 to purchase improvements for the trailhead and trail (as well as the purchase of the triangle), with total costs anticipated at $276,396.
Tuesday’s meeting was attended by six local Boy Scouts from Troop 417 hoping to earn their Citizenship in the Community badge.
Committee chair Jamie Wolgemuth encouraged the board to demonstrate respectful debate and disagreements to the young men, a request he said supervisors fulfilled as the group exited the meeting.
“One of the requirements (for the Citizenship badge) is that they come to a public meeting and they observe decisions being made where there are potentially two sides to an issue,” Wolgemuth explained.
In other news, the board:
- Unanimously agreed to send an update to the stormwater management ordinance to county planning for review, with adoption expected to occur in June.
- Unanimously agreed to purchase a trailer from Lebanon Valley Trailer for $14,957.
- Unanimously agreed to purchase a skid loader grapple attachment for $5,298.
- Agreed to grant time extensions to three land development plans.
- Unanimously agreed to purchase $5,282 in requested products for the fire police, but recommended they come to the township during budget development in future years.
- Unanimously agreed to allow the fire police to assist with a car show.
- Unanimously agreed to install fencing and a gate at the water facility.
- Unanimously agreed to replace five fire hydrants in the township, with two paid for by insurance companies. The township will expend around $13,000 for three hydrants.
- Heard that the township’s code enforcement officer has resigned. The township is looking to fill the position.
- Unanimously approved minutes and bills for payment.
The Heidelberg Township Board of Supervisors meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the municipal building, 111 Mill Road.
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