Township tightens trash routine

DINGMAN — The township supervisors Tuesday made some changes in the way they deal with the accumulation, collection, and disposal of solid waste, and the penalties for violations. Their amended ordinance will deal with what you can put in township recycling containers and the penalties for dumping your garbage by the township recycling containers. It will also define what is meant by putting the wrong items in the containers or just putting your waste on top of the containers. Township residents need to do things properly and abide by this new ordinance, explained Township Solicitor John Klemeyer. It will also cover the storing or accumulation of any solid waste that is obnoxious or offensive by reason of dust or odor for longer than seven days on any property within the municipality. The penalty for violation and conviction of this summary offense will be a fine of not more than $1,000 and in default of payment imprisonment of not more than 60 days. A township clean-up day is scheduled for Saturday, May 10, from 8:30 a.m. at the 118 Fisher Lane facility. A new fee schedule is available at the township office. Sewage Enforcement Officer Chris Wood wants to have the town host a household hazardous waste clean-up day so that old computers, pesticides, old paint cans, batteries as well as other hazardous items can be disposed of properly In other business, Blue Ridge Communications Tuesday received a 90-day extension on its application to renew its franchise with Dingman Township. “The township is not concerned with money as much as it is concerned with the level of service Blue Ridge provides to the township,” said Township Supervisors Chair Tom Mincer. This will also give the supervisors time to look at the current franchise agreement more closely. Rock Hill Estates, a 200 home subdivision located on state Route 739, has asked for a waiver that was proposed in the pre-planning stage of the subdivision. “They informally wanted us to freeze any ordinance changes and they want this to now be a formal request. This is in regard to the shape of the cul-de-sacs being tear shaped rather than the conventional circular shape,” said Township Solicitor John Klemeyer. He said they also want an extension of time to present a new sewage planning module. Township Secretary Karen Kleist reported that $250,000 is budgeted for repaving of township roads this year and that Roadmaster Jim Snyder had expected a 10-percent cost increase this year. The township receives bids at the office which will be opened and reviewed by Snyder on April 25. Contract awards will take place on May 6.