(3/2021) We have had our fair share of snow this winter, and the road crew of Liberty Township has been working hard to stay on top of removing snow and ice to keep the roads in safe travel condition. Remember to keep your driveway culvert pipes cleaned out to prevent water from flowing across the roadways and freezing. Please check on your neighbors this time of year, especially the elderly who may need assistance with snow removal.

February is Radon test month; we kindly remind residents to test your radon alarms and change the batteries in your smoke detectors. Additionally, the Fire Department has expressed concern that they are having difficulties identifying house locations in our township due to house numbers not being visible. The Township has an ordinance that requires all residents to have visible and identifiable address numbers displayed. It is very important for the safety and welfare of residents that all households comply with the Township Ordinance of displaying visible house numbers. We highly recommend reflective numbers be displayed. Reflective numbers can be purchased at most hardware stores.

At the February meeting, the Board of Supervisors discussed the possibility of negotiating a contract with the Adams Regional Emergency Management Services for a price per household to provide all township residents with EMS services. This would be paid for by the Township through an EMS tax. This is still in negotiations and would require adoption of an ordinance before going in to effect. Details on this issue would be sent to the Liberty Township residents requesting feedback before finalization. Input from our residents would be appreciated.

Also, in February, the Board of Supervisors voted to move forward to advertise a new ordinance, and two ordinance amendments for adoption at the March 2 meeting. A new Tree Ordinance is proposed allowing the Township to request landowners to remove diseased or dangerous trees on their property along the roadways. Section 2907 of the Pennsylvania Second-Class Township code allows for removal of diseased or dangerous trees by ordinance.

The township would notify the landowner asking them to address the issues. Several letters have already been sent out to property owners with dead trees along the roadways, requesting their removal for the safety and welfare of all drivers on our township roadways. The second ordinance was an amendment to the Driveway Ordinance to add a pipe size requirement of a minimum of 15 inches round and 25 inches long for driveways. The minimum pipe size allows water to flow without clogging the pipes. Additionally, a four-foot skirting butting the road back off up to the driveway constructed of concrete or black top will be required. Minor amendments are also proposed for the Junkyard Ordinance.

Hamiltonban Township has graciously offered to help us mow back our brush along our roads. They will begin sometime in March with their boom mower. Please be mindful while driving when you see the boom mower on our roadways.

There have been incidents of dumping trash and furniture along our roadways recently. If you see anyone dumping trash, please report it to the Township immediately.

The PA State Highway Department is planning on doing roadwork on Tract Road from the intersection of Boyle Road to Crum Road starting in April, which may run into May for two weeks. They are proposing to shut down traffic in that section to replace pipes along the roadways. Detour signs will be posted closer to the work start date.

The Board of Supervisors issued certificates of appreciation to township residents who ended their terms on the Township Planning Commission and Zoning Hearing Board. The Township would like to thank Vince Gee, Geoff Grant, Dr. Lee Flinner, and Tom Keilholtz for volunteering their time and service to these important roles.

Primary Election is May 18, please mark your calendars. Several township candidates will be on the primary ballot. We encourage everyone to participate in the voting process.

Our Township meetings are held the first Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. We encourage everyone to come out to our Township meetings or to join us via YouTube. We also provide a call-in number for those who would like to participate by phone.