UHT Recycling Program Set to Start April 1, 2013

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1 Fall/Winter 2012 Montgomery County, Pennsylvania Published by the Board of Supervisors r Founded 1741 Newsletter UHT Recycling Program Set to Start April 1, 2013 When does the Recycling Ordinance take effect? The Upper Hanover Township Recycling Ordinance will be adopted in March of 2013, with a planned start-up date for the mandatory recycling program of April 1, Why is this mandatory recycling ordinance getting adopted now? Pennsylvania Act 101, The Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling and Waste Reduction Act of 1988, requires mandatory recycling for all Pennsylvania municipalities that meet certain population criteria. While the requirements in total population and population density were not met in Upper Hanover Township for decades, the 2010 U.S. Census finally pushed the Township numbers over the required thresholds and the Township is now mandated by state law to adopt a recycling ordinance and implement a recycling program. What are my responsibilities under the new Recycling Ordinance? All persons residing within the Township of Upper Hanover, whether in a single-family or multi-family dwellings, townhomes or apartments shall separate from other municipal waste generated at their dwellings all designated recyclable materials. The materials shall be stored until collection thereof by their municipal waste collector. What are the Ordinance-designated materials that residents have to recycle? Aluminum, glass, plastic and yard/leaf waste. Can I recycle additional materials other than the materials designated by the Ordinance? Sure. You are free to recycle whatever additional materials you choose that your selected recycling hauler is willing to accept. Why should I recycle? Recycling is the environmentally responsible thing to do. With limited landfill space available, the recycling and reuse of materials such as aluminum or plastic will greatly extend the life of existing landfills required for the disposal of materials that cannot be recycled. Recycling can also save you money by reducing the total bags of municipal waste that your hauler must remove. Is the Township going to hire one municipal waste hauler to collect recycling materials? No. Residents have complete freedom of choice to select the private hauler they want to use as long as the hauler is on the Township list of haulers that have registered to conduct recycling in Upper Hanover Township. Most residents will be able to continue services with their current hauler. Township Recycling Program FAQs When will this list of registered haulers be available and where can I view the list? The Township list of registered recycling haulers will be available in January of The list can be viewed on the Township website ( under the recycling heading or at the Township Municipal Building. Copies of the list can also be forwarded by fax or upon request. Or just call the Township office at , extension 0 to verify if your current hauler is on the list. If your current hauler is not on the list of registered haulers, you can contact your hauler and ask that they complete the registration requirement If my current hauler is registered with the Township to collect recycling, is there anything else I have to do to comply with this new recycling ordinance? No. You are already in full compliance with the recycling ordinance and there is nothing more that you need to do but recycle on the days and times specified by your designated hauler, including recycling of designated materials and yard/leaf waste. Do I need to obtain recycling containers or leaf bags from the Township? No. Your selected recycling hauler is required to provide recycling containers for your use. The Township will not sell or provide recycling containers and will not sell or provide leaf or yard waste bags. What about recycling requirements for multi-family residential units? The requirements are the same as for a single family residence. Multi-family residential properties of four or more units must provide suitable containers for the collection and sorting of recyclable materials. Do commercial, municipal and institutional properties need to comply? Yes. Persons in these categories must separate high grade office paper, aluminum, corrugated paper, leaf waste and other material that the Township deems necessary for commercial, municipal and institutional establishments and community activities. The Township must exempt such persons from compliance if they have otherwise provided for the recycling of such materials. In that event, the person must provide the Township with an annual written report detailing the number of tons of such materials recycled. Who owns these recyclable materials once they are placed curbside? Designated recyclable materials, from the time of the Continued on page 2 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Township Recycling Programs FAQs Township Contact Information...2 Yard/Waste Drop-Off Program Guidelines...3 Message from the Chairman..3 Tax Rate Unchanged for the Eighth Straight Year...4 How You Can Help When It Snows...4 From PSP Skippack...4 Speed Limit Studies Completed...4 Completed 2012 Oil & Chip Surface Treatment...4 Upper Perkiomen Valley Library...5 UHT Fun Facts...5 New Planner on Board...5 A Brief History of Upper Hanover Township...6 Wildflower Meadow...Center Spread The Concrete Highway from UHT to Pottstown...9 Farmland Preservation Remains High Priority...9 Calling 911 from a Cell Phone...10 Milling & Paving...10 Rte 29 Bridge Replacement Projects Coming in UHT Industrial Development Authority...11 Explore Montgomery County on the New Interactive Data Portal...11 Camelot Park Restrooms...12 Service Awards...13 Congratulations Runners...13 Ambulance Membership: An Investment in Your Safety...13 Fire Companies Seek Volunteers

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3 2 Township Recycling Program FAQs...Continued from the cover placement of the same at curbside or other designated collection area, shall be and become the property of the respective recycling hauler. Are there limitations on the hours of collection? Trash/recycling collection vehicles shall not operate on roadways between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am the following day on a weekday or between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m. the following day on a weekend or legal holiday. Are yard waste and leaf waste a part of the recycling requirements? Yes. All persons residing within the Township of Upper Hanover shall, at all times, separate from other municipal waste generated at their dwellings all leaf waste which shall be collected unless these persons have otherwise provided for the composting of such leaf waste. Leaf waste is defined as leaves, garden residues, shrubbery and tree trimmings and similar material, but does not include grass clippings. Tree trimming includes twigs and branches no larger than four (4) inches in diameter or as specified by the respective haulers for curbside pickup. The recycling hauler you designate will be required to collect leaf waste curbside at your property two times per year with to be scheduled in the spring and the second pickup to be scheduled in the fall. The exact dates will be determined by your designated hauler. The Township has contracted with a local company to provide a leaf waste drop off location effective April 1, 2013 that will be open 12 months per year on the first Saturday of each month from 8 a.m. until noon. Residents may recycle yard/leaf waste at this location without a fee. Use of the drop off location is limited to Township residents only. Yard/leaf waste from non-residents, landscapers or other, private haulers or businesses will not be accepted for recycling at the drop off location. Residents should bring along a form of identification containing their home address when visiting the drop off location. The current selected yard/leaf waste drop off location is the John Miller and Son, Inc. recycling facility located at 2542 Geryville Pike, Pennsburg, PA Please see the associated, additional information on Yard/Leaf Waste Drop-Off Program Guidelines located elsewhere in this Newsletter. Can I continue to burn leaves, twigs and branches after the adoption of this Ordinance? No. The burning of leaf waste and yard waste, and/or any item, substance or material designated as a Recyclable Material under the Code of the Township of Upper Hanover, Chapter 409, Solid Waste, as amended, is hereby prohibited. Is there a designated Township Recycling Coordinator? Township Manager Stan Seitzinger, Jr. is the designated Township Recycling Coordinator and can be reached at either , extension 4 or sseitzinger@comcast.net. Are there enforcement provisions for the Recycling Ordinance? Any person, partnership or corporation who or which has violated or permitted the violation of the provisions of the Recycling Ordinance shall, upon being found liable therefor in a civil enforcement proceeding commenced by the Township before the local Magisterial District Justice, pay a judgment of not less than $25 nor more than $600 plus all court costs, including reasonable attorney fees incurred by the Township as a result thereof. Where can I review a complete copy of the Recycling Ordinance? The draft Ordinance proposed for adoption in March 2013 can be reviewed at the Township Municipal Building Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. or online at Following adoption, the Ordinance will be available online as part of the Township Code of Ordinances also on the website. Are there any public meetings scheduled to discuss this Ordinance? Yes. The Board of Supervisors, pursuant to public notice published in the Town and Country newspaper, will consider the formal adoption of the Recycling Ordinance at the public meeting of Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at 7 p.m. at the Upper Hanover Township Municipal Building, 1704 Pillsbury Road, East Greenville, PA. Township Contact Information Office Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m Pillsbury Road, PO Box 27, East Greenville, PA Phone: r Fax: r Township Manager sseitzinger@comcast.net Road Foreman larrybuckuht@comcast.net For Police, Fire and Medical Emergencies: Dial 911 Board of Supervisors Richard K. Fain, Chairman Eugene F. Fried, Vice Chairman Dorothy J. Diehl, Assistant Secretary Ben R. Fiorito, Assistant Treasurer Steven R. Rothenberger Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting: Second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. Workshop Meeting: Monday prior to each Regular Meeting at 7 p.m. Planning Commission Workshop Meeting: First Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., Third Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. Staff Township Manager: Stanley W. Seitzinger, Jr. Road Foreman: Larry D. Buck Meeting Schedule Regular Meeting: First Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. Industrial Development Authority Second Monday of the last month of each quarter at 7:30 p.m. Zoning Hearing Board Third Wednesday of each month, as required, at 7 p.m. A Reminder... The Township Building will be closed on the following holidays: December 24, 2012 Christmas Eve December 25, 2012 Christmas Day January 1, 2013 New Years Day Parks and Recreation Committee Fourth Monday of each month at 7 p.m. Historical Committee Third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. Upper Hanover Authority First Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. All meetings are open to the public and are held at: Upper Hanover Township Municipal Building: 1704 Pillsbury Road, East Greenville, PA

4 3 Yard/Leaf Waste Drop-Off Program Guidelines Free of charge for Upper Hanover Township residents only. Program starts Saturday, April 6, Drop-off location will be open the first Saturday of each month from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon. Yard waste from non-residents, landscapers or other private commercial haulers or businesses will not be accepted. Location: John Miller and Son, Inc Geryville Pike Pennsburg, PA Phone: Directions: Heading North on Route 663 turn right at Geryville Pike. Continue 2.5 miles on Geryville Pike past the intersection with James Road and past the entrance to The Loft at Sweetwater Country Club. Cross the small bridge and the John Miller and Son, Inc. facility is located approximately 50 yards further on the right hand side. Access to the site is limited to vehicles no larger than a pick-up truck with an eight (8 ) foot long bed or an eight (8 ) foot long trailer pulled by a car or suv. Upper Hanover Township residents may drop off yard/leaf waste that includes leaves, garden residues, shrubbery and tree trimmings. Tree trimmings include twigs and branches no larger than four (4) inches in diameter. No grass clippings will be accepted. Leaves must be contained in biodegradable bags provided by the resident. The Township will not sell or provide leaf/yard waste bags. Tree trunks greater than four (4) inches in diameter and all tree stumps will not be accepted. Message from the Chairman: Twigs and branches should be placed in biodegradable bags and or tied with biodegradable twine in packages no greater than six (6) feet in length. No duct tape or binding other than biodegradable twine is allowed. Mud and dirt should be cleared from all twigs and branches. Materials prohibited from being dropped off at the site are sod, soil, stones, demolition materials, stumps, logs (greater than four inches in diameter), trash or treated lumber. PLEASE BRING ALONG A FORM OF IDENTIFICATION WITH YOUR HOME ADDRESS WHEN VISITING THE DROP-OFF LOCATION. OR DISPLAY THE ORIGINAL OF THIS PROGRAM GUIDELINES TO IDENTIfY YOURSELF AS A TOWNSHIP RESIDENT. Dear Residents: There is plenty of good news to share with you as we begin to turn the page on 2012 and look forward to a prosperous For the eighth year in a row, the Board of Supervisors has managed to hold the line on property taxes. This is a major accomplishment considering the economic conditions we are faced with. It is a tribute to the hard work and creativity of our staff and elected officials that Upper Hanover Township continues to enjoy such a solid financial condition. While holding the line on taxes, we are continuing to maintain our roadways, improve our parks and continue with Township initiatives to improve public safety, to add to farmland preservation and to work closely with the region, the county and the state in maintaining and upgrading the local infrastructure. Please take a close look at the cover story on the state-mandated, upcoming recycling program. We also hope you enjoy the informative articles provided by the PA State Police, the UPV Library, the Township Historical Committee and the Industrial Development Authority. As you read this issue of our newsletter, please take some time to reflect upon why Upper Hanover Township is such a great place to live, work and raise a family. By striving together in a spirit of cooperation and caring, we can keep things moving forward in this wonderful place we call home. The Board of Supervisors wishes you a joyous and happy holiday season! Richard K. Fain, Chairman, Upper Hanover Township Board of Supervisors John Miller and Son, Inc. Upper Hanover Township Board of Supervisors Chairman Richard K. Fain. Thank You To The Businesses! This publication is made available through the generous advertising sponsorship of the businesses listed throughout our newsletter. We wish to encourage your patronage of these establishments; they play a substantial role in the economic vitality of our community.

5 4 Tax Rate Unchanged for Eighth Straight Year The Upper Hanover Township Board of Supervisors is pleased to announce that the 2013 Township budget will be adopted with taxes remaining at the same level for the eighth consecutive year. The 1.45 total real estate millage rate in effect in 2013 will consist of.8 mills for general purposes,.2 mills for highway improvements,.2 mills for open space,.2 mills for fire protection, and.05 mills for ambulance service. All other taxes, including the earned income tax, will remain at their current levels. How You Can Help When It Snows The Upper Hanover Township Property Maintenance Code specifies that where sidewalks exist between a property line and the road cartway, the property owner responsible is required to have at least a two-foot wide path cleared of snow and ice within 24 hours after precipitation has stopped falling. When more than 12 inches of snow has fallen, the property owner responsible for the sidewalk has 48 hours to clear the path. Please remove your vehicles from all public streets during snow or ice emergencies. The snowplows can operate more efficiently and safely if the roads are cleared of vehicles. From PSP Skippack The fall and winter holidays are a time when we gather with friends and family. It is also a time when Pennsylvania s Roadways become more frequently traveled. The Pennsylvania State Police, Skippack Station, would like to remind motorists to make safety their highest priority. Always use a safety belt and put your children in the appropriate child safety seats while traveling in a vehicle. Remember to obey posted speed limits, and pay attention to reduced speeds through construction zones. A speed limit sign shows the maximum safe speed under the most favorable of weather conditions. As the winter months quickly come upon us, so inevitably will inclement weather. Reduce your speed in order to adjust to slick roadway conditions. Be alert for other drivers who may be impatient, careless, or who make sudden movements with their vehicles without warning. To be aware of your surroundings, check all your mirrors at least every 5 to 7 seconds. Make sure that your own driving is controlled, as it is Please do not direct snow from your property onto the public streets when shoveling or clearing your property. The accumulation of snow and ice on an already cleared road surface presents a hazard for the traveling public. Inspect and maintain your mailbox post prior to the winter season and verify that the location is suitable to minimize possible damage by heavy, plowed snow. Be sure to clear any ice or snow from your vehicles roof and windows prior to driving in order to comply with state Vehicle Code requirements. Play it safe and try to stay at home during winter snow emergencies, if possible. the best way to avoid crashes. With more vehicular traffic, and often congested roadways during the holidays, be mindful of not only other drivers, but also of your own driving habits. Maintaining one s patience is the best practice to arrive at a destination safely. Take patience with you on your holiday trips; have the patience to take time for caution by getting an early start, the patience to keep a safe interval as you drive, and the patience to stay in the proper travel lane. Before starting out on your trip, check your vehicle s tires and fluid levels to avoid any unnecessary breakdowns with your loved ones on board. Have fun and enjoy yourself at office parties and while visiting with family and friends, but remember to never drink and drive. Please be a friend to others and not allow them to do the same. The Pennsylvania State Police, Skippack Station, wishes all a happy and safe winter Holiday Season. Speed Limit Studies Completed The Board of Supervisors completed the second phase of the ongoing review of speed limits on roadways in Upper Hanover Township with all required engineering studies completed by LTL Consultants, the Township Engineer. The purpose of the studies is to increase safety for our residents and the traveling public. This round of studies resulted in the following speed limit postings: Bowers Mill Road 35 mph Grabers Road 30 mph Heffner Road 25 mph Hendricks Road 30 mph Kings Road 30 mph Parestis Road 30 mph Red Hill Road 35 mph Walt Road 25 mph Walters Road 35 mph Ward Road 30 mph Completed 2012 Oil and Chip Surface Treatments Adams Road Fox Hollow Lane Grabers Road Hendricks Road Kings Road Kingsward Road Peevy Road Soffa Road Ward Road Ziegler Road

6 5 Upper Perkiomen Valley Library The Upper Perkiomen Valley Library in Red Hill is a branch of the Montgomery County Norristown Public Library and serves Upper Hanover Township. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The UPV Library thanks the many Upper Hanover Township residents who supported the library this past year. Contributions to our annual appeal and our summer reading program especially have helped us maintain services for the community in these lean times. We are currently accepting registrations for Babygarten and computer classes. Call or visit our website (upvlibrary.org) for details. Have you heard about the library s new Rainbow Discovery Room? Thanks to generous donations from Univest and Target Miss Wendy has created an interactive math and science space where families can collaborate on creative activities designed to spark curiosity and foster exploration. The permanent collection includes materials such as animal skulls and furs, a snap circuit set, sensory tables, 3-D laser peg lights, magnets, Unifex cubes and more. Each season will bring rotating exhibits. This winter we are exploring physical science through force & motion experiments. Hours for the room are Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. until 8 p.m. and Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. As we get more volunteers we will expand the hours. Looking for a unique gift? Consider the Upper Perkiomen Valley Library s Adopt-A-Book program. For $25 you can request a new book be purchased in honor of your family member or friend. Consider a nature book for the fisherman on your list or a cookbook for your favorite chef. Children s books are always a generous way to thank a teacher. A bookplate with the recipient s name will be placed in the book before it goes in the public collection. Adopt-A-Book is also a gift to the library that can benefit the community for years to come. UHT Fun Fact 32 percent ( 2,068 residents) of Upper Hanover Township residents hold library cards at the Upper Perkiomen Valley Library. The number of UHT residents with library cards continues to increase each year. LIBRARY CARD New Planner on Board Stefan Laessig is a new member of the Upper Hanover Township Planning Commission. From left to right, Mr. Laessig, Vice-Chairman Jackie Fiorito, Chairman Herbert Carter, Rich Fain and Bill Kalb.

7 6 A Brief History of Upper Hanover Township Native American peoples, probably Lenape of the Delaware tribe, made use of the abundant resources found in the Upper Hanover Township area along with much of what we know of now as southeastern Pennsylvania. These Native Americans were some of the first to make contact with European explorers and both benefited and sacrificed from these very early seventeenth century interactions. Ultimately, the land became under control of the William Penn family who, through an aggressive settlement campaign, eventually moved the Native populations further westward. Meanwhile religious, social and economic tensions in the Germanic city-states of Europe, particularly religious intolerance and the unrest resulting from the Thirty Years War ( ), drove many German speaking peoples away from their homes. Large numbers fled to Philadelphia, induced by the promise of religious tolerance and a vision of economic opportunity. From there, some made their way to what is now Upper Hanover Township. Among the many German language religious groups settling this township were Lutherans, Reformed, Catholic, Mennonites and Schwenkfelders. Before 1741, Upper Hanover was part of Hanover Township along with Douglass, Pottsgrove, and New Hanover Townships and the Borough of Pottstown. Upper Hanover became a separate township from Hanover Township 1741 and, at that time, its boundaries also included the three villages of Palm, Kleinville, and Hillegassville, in addition to the settlements which now constitute the Boroughs of Pennsburg, Red Hill and East Greenville. The township s rich soil attracted excellent German farmers who settled in the area. Industrial activity was second only to agriculture in importance during this early period. The primary industry was building construction. Utilizing granite boulders, provided from the Hosensack Hills, facilitated this. Waterpower was also available from the Perkiomen Creek and propelled water wheels for five gristmills and four sawmills. In 1851, the Goshenhoppen and Green Lane Turnpike (today known as Route 29 or Gravel Pike) was completed. The Geryville and Sumneytown Turnpike, finished in 1865, also crossed the eastern portion of the township. The Perkiomen Railroad, aided by the Reading Railroad, constructed and opened a rail line from Collegeville to Upper Hanover Township in The line was extended to Emmaus in By 1878 mail service, via the railroad, reached the train stations in Upper Hanover Township. Livestock arrived on the rail cars for the large, public auctions in the Township. Lumber, coal, and raw materials to supply the local factories arrived by train. Finished goods, milk, and vegetables were shipped to the city in the same way. With the railroad, travelers were able to enjoy a much easier commute to the popular township recreation destinations. The railroad also brought the ice industry to the township. The close proximity to the exceptional waters of the Perkiomen Creek and access to the railroad made ice making a major industry between 1890 and the early 1920 s. The largest icehouse built in Upper Hanover Township was the structure erected in Palm by the Hancock Ice Company. Built in 1897, it was 311 feet long, 90 feet wide and 42 feet high! The coming of electric freezers made the ice industry obsolete and the flood of 1935 wiped out almost all of the ice dams on the Perkiomen Creek that had once supported the ice industry. During World War II many of the valley s workers traveled to industrial centers (i.e. Pottstown, Allentown, Lansdale, etc.) outside the valley to find employment in the war effort. In 1950 a fierce controversy gripped the valley. The Philadelphia Suburban Water Company wanted to impound three billion gallons of the Perkiomen Creek s water to supply municipalities at the eastern end of Montgomery County. Valley residents felt their water rights were being confiscated. The citizens of the valley organized, took the issue to court, and lost. Construction on the dam started in The reservoir and its surrounding parklands are now an important landmark and recreation area for the valley. In 1948, Upper Hanover Township had a total of nine schoolhouses. Though it had been discussed on numerous occasions, the formation of the Upper Perkiomen School District was still several years away. Schools in East Greenville and Pennsburg were growing, but student enrollment in Upper Hanover was waning. Five of the schoolhouses, one dating back to 1855, were sold in The Upper Perkiomen Valley School District was formed in Red Hill, Pennsburg, East Greenville, Green Lane, Marlborough, Upper Hanover, and Hereford Township in Berks County merged to better serve school needs in the valley. A multimillion-dollar high school was constructed, spanning part of Red Hill and Upper Hanover Township. Over the next few decades major growth and changes occurred in Upper Hanover Township. Industries such as Knoll, Inc., Brown Printing and Blommer Chocolates located their business in the Township. Housing development flourished in the early years of the 21st century and boosted the population to 6,464 residents in the 2010 U.S. Census. A major shopping center, The Shoppes at Upper Hanover, opened for business in Despite the recent growth, Upper Hanover Township has maintained its rural character through active coordination with the Montgomery County Open Space Program and the Farmland Preservation Program. (Source: Upper Hanover Township Historical Committee) The Only Onsite Crematory Carl F. Slonaker, Jr., F.D., Supervisor 222 Washington St. East Greenville, PA Pre-Need Payment Plans In The Upper Perkiomen Valley

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10 9 The Concrete Highway from Upper Hanover Township to Pottstown Alittle over 83 years ago, the final batch of concrete was poured and Layfield Road, linking the communities of the northwest corner of Montgomery County with those of the southwest, was complete. Before 1925, the Upper Hanover Township stretch from Pennsburg to Perkiomen Heights was a good road with a sound base and a macadam top. There was no concrete road across the reservoir, and no straight shot from Montgomery Avenue to Kutztown Road like we have today. But, it was a scenic ride over Mensch s Dam Road, past the remains of the old Hillegass Mill and across the Perkiomen Creek. The only bad spot was a dangerous S curve between the mill and Croll s Tavern at the top of the Perkiomen Heights hill. Ceremonial arch erected at Perkiomen Heights, next to Croll s Hotel, welcoming the travelers on the newly completed stretch of Layfield Road through Upper Hanover and New Hanover Townships However, the trip from The Heights to Pottstown took one over rough and unimproved roads. The ruts and rocks made traveling over it a painstaking adventure for the passengers and the car. The project to improve the corridor linking the two western sections of the County was three years in the making. When the road was opened in 1929, the folks from Pottstown decided to travel by automobile caravan to Pennsburg. Their route Farmland Preservation Remains High Priority The Upper Hanover Township Board of Supervisors is continuing its ongoing commitment to farmland preservation through participation in the preservation of two properties. The acre Gordon Moser farm, located on Kutztown Road, is set to be finalized in late 2012 with the assistance of a $30,000 contribution from the Township. The acre Estate of Henry and Ethel Stock farm, located on Wonzeigler Road, is planned for formal preservation in 2013 with $36,750 in assistance from the Township. Upper Hanover Township has a long record of participating in efforts to maintain open space, said Board of Supervisors Chairman Richard K. Fain. While past efforts largely concentrated on acquiring ownership of open space properties in the name of the Township, recent efforts over the past few years have concentrated on participating in farmland preservation in cooperation with the State and the County. Through these cooperative efforts, the farmland is permanently preserved through the sale of an agricultural conservation easement. The state and county provide the largest share of the funding, with the Township typically providing approximately 7.5 percent of the overall costs. The Township s contributions are derived from the.2 mills of real estate tax that have been set aside for open space preservation in the Township s annual budget since covered all of the improved sections from Pottstown, through Gilbertsville, Swamp (New Hanover), Layfield (New Hanover) and Perkiomen Heights (Upper Hanover Township). On Thursday afternoon, September 5, 1929, the Pottstown-ians left their borough at noon for the 11-mile drive. They were greeted with a warm welcome everywhere they went. In fact, they picked up participants all along the parade route! Four large, festive arches were constructed for the motorists to drive under on their journey. One such temporary monument was erected at Perkiomen Heights in Upper Hanover Township. Along with Pottstown officials, businessmen, and community representatives was the Pottstown Band. In Gilbertsville they picked up a large delegation including the Boyertown Band! Another large group joined in at Layfield, and another at Hoffmansville in New Hanover Township. By the time the parade hit Perkiomen Heights it was five miles long with nearly 600 automobiles. Local officials joined in the parade and the entire mass returned to Swamp to join speakers from the Pa. Dept. of Transportation for a dedication of the new, concrete highway. The importance of preserving open space should not be underestimated, said Chairman Fain. Farmland preservation helps to preserve the rural identity and character of the Upper Perkiomen Valley. When opportunities arise to preserve farmland, especially at a reduced cost with the cooperation of the State and County, the Board of Supervisors considers it an obligation to act proactively for the benefit of all our present day citizens and for our future generations.

11 10 Calling From a Cell Phone The Montgomery County Department of Public Safety asks that anyone who calls from a cellular phone in communities near the county border immediately state: I m calling from Montgomery County when the call-taker answers the phone. If the nearest cell tower to where the call is placed is across the border in a neighboring county, the call will be routed to the center in Philadelphia, Bucks, Berks, Chester or Delaware county, depending on where the tower is located. The neighboring centers will transfer the call to Montgomery County, but the time it takes to figure out the actual location, transfer the call, and then supply the information about the incident again could make a difference in saving someone s life. By stating I m calling from Montgomery County at the outset, it will greatly reduce any delay in getting victimes the help they need. Using a landline to call will result in the call automatically being routed to the proper call center Milling and Paving Milling proceeds on Schoolhouse Road prior to paving. Reid Paving Contractors provided the low bid for the required milling equipment on Schoolhouse Road. Paving proceeds on Montgomery Avenue. Other paved roads included Oak Road, Church Road and Schoolhouse Road. Yarnall Paving provided the low bid for the 2012 paving contract.

12 11 Route 29 Bridge Replacement Projects Coming in 2013 The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will replace two bridges on Route 29 (Gravel Pike) in These bridges are the Hosensack Creek Bridge and the Bridge over the tributary to the Perkiomen Creek. Both bridges were built in 1937 and must be replaced due to a growing list of structural deficiencies. Both bridges will be advertised as a single project with replacement work scheduled to occur at the same time. The project will be bid in early 2013 with an expected start of construction in mid-june Structure and paving work will conclude in late Fall of 2013 with final wearing course pavement to be completed in the spring of Phase 1 of the Hosensack Creek bridge replacement will entail a single lane of alternating traffic controlled by temporary traffic signals. Phase 2 will consist of two way traffic with a single lane in each direction. Zeigler Road will be detoured for both phases. Both phases of the Perkiomen Creek bridge replacement will consist of a single lane of alternating traffic controlled by temporary signals. Upper Hanover Township Industrial Development Authority PO Box 27, 1704 Pillsbury Road, East Greenville, PA Members: Edgar Stauffer, Chairman; Brian Nester, Vice-Chairman; Richard Specht, Treasurer; George Bonekemper, Secretary; Robert Piccone, Member; Gregory Ghen, Solicitor. Meeting date: Second Monday of March, June, September and December - 7:00 p.m. - Upper Hanover Township Meeting Room. Mission Statement: Encourage industrial development and additional employment in the Upper Perkiomen Valley and surrounding areas by making loans available at a lower interest rate, with $10 million available on an annual basis. In the past decade, UHIDA has supported $21,854,000 in total funding. History: The authority s Certificate of Incorporation was chartered on August 11, 1969 under the leadership of Stanford Pat Hunn. In November 2002, the authority s charter was extended for an additional 50 years. The authority approved dozens of projects in Southeastern Pennsylvania in its early years. Between 1983 and 2006 more than 100 termination agreements were approved, including projects as large as the King of Prussia Holiday Inn. Previous authority chairmen included Vic Miklosovic, Earl Ehrhart, and Byron Doc Comly, while Herbert Carter Jr. served as secretary for many years. Past local clients: Gordon H. Baver, Inc., Blommer Chocolate Co., Brode and Brooks, Brown Printing, Cherrydale, Entrance Systems, Inc., H.D. Mechanical Contractors, Knoll International, Laminations, Inc., Pennsburg Woodcraft, Plummer Precision Optics, Upper Perkiomen Medical Associates, and Dr. John Urbanek. Current projects: CORA Services, Inc. (Philadelphia), Cradle of Liberty Council, Inc. (Marlborough Township), Crossroads Presbyterian Church of Limerick, St. Lukes Hospital (Upper Hanover Township); Spring Valley Church of God (Reading), Upper Perkiomen Valley Ambulance Association (Upper Hanover Township), and Wyndcroft School (Pottstown). Churches must agree to use facilities for education and recreation, not for religious purposes. Other initiatives: Support continuing viability of the East Penn Railroad line from Pennsburg to Emmaus, supporting the Freedom Valley YMCA building project. Revenue: Interest income, loan fee applications, termination agreements. Expenses: Annual financial statements, legal advertising, bookkeeping. Additional information: The authority s main priority is to facilitate industrial development in the Upper Perkiomen Valley and surrounding communities. Interested parties should contact any UHIDA board member or solicitor Greg Ghen ( or Explore Montgomery County on the New Interactive Data Portal Finding out more about Montgomery County in only a few minutes is easy as one, two, three on the new Montco Planning Data Portal. This comprehensive, online resource provides the latest critical economic, housing, population, and nonresidential data. County residents, students, elected officials, businesses, marketing and real estate officials, nonprofits, and governmental staff will all find unique and informative data to enhance their decision-making process in three simple steps: Choose from the 33 different tables of available information. Determine how to view the information with options that involve viewing data for one or several municipalities or the entire county. Many tables allow the data to be compared to the nation, state, and other regional counties. Submit a request that instantly displays the information. The information on the tables can be sorted easily by any data field. Tables can be printed or exported as Excel spreadsheets so they can be further manipulated or imported into other documents. Nearly all of the tables contain links to additional analysis from MCPC, including extra charts and map. The Montco Planning Data Portal enables users to easily get exactly what they need in one location with just three simple clicks! For more information, contact Montgomery County Planning Commission at

13 12 Camelot Park Restrooms Apublic restroom has been added to the amenities at Camelot Park. Modern Precast Concrete manufactured and installed the prefabricated, concrete facility in September. The pad site was prepared for required sewer, water and electric service. Workers install sewer and water lines.. The restroom structure arrives at Camelot Park. A crane lifts the 60-ton structure. The steady hands of the operators guide the structure onto the pad site. The finished product in place.

14 13 Service Awards Joe Adam Earns 15-Year Service Award From left to right, Township Supervisors Steve Rothenberger and Dottie Diehl, Equipment Operator Joe Adam, Township Supervisors Gene Fried and Ben Fiorito Larry Buck Earns 25-Year Service Award From left to right, Township Supervisors Steve Rothenberger and Dottie Diehl, Road Foreman Larry Buck, Township Supervisors Rich Fain and Gene Fried. Congratulations, Runners The Perk-Up Half Marathon that benefited the Delaware Valley Chapter of the National Hemophilia Foundation was a rousing success with nearly 600 participants. Thank you to all the runners and volunteers. See you next year, Sunday, August 25, 2013! Ambulance Memberships: An Investment in Your Safety The Upper Hanover Township Board of Supervisors encourages all residents to purchase annual memberships in the Upper Perkiomen Ambulance Association. Your individual or family membership will help cover expenses in the event that you need emergency medical services or transportation to the hospital. A membership protects you from incurring expenses that your insurance doesn t pay. For example, if your insurance coverage sets a minimum or maximum for ambulance/paramedic services, your membership in the Ambulance Association would cover services not paid by your insurance company. If your insurance company does not cover ambulance/paramedic services, then your membership would cover those expenses (within guidelines). For more information, visit UPAA at Fire Companies Seek Volunteers Four volunteer fire companies - the East Greenville Fire Company, the Pennsburg Fire Company, the Red Hill Fire Company, and the Eastern Berks Fire Company - protect people and property in Upper Hanover Township. If the Township had to foot the bill for providing paid fire protection services, taxes would increase astronomically. As it is, the.2-mill tax for providing equipment to the fire companies represents just a fraction of what the departments need to operate. This is where you come in. While the departments need trained firefighters, they also need volunteers in other areas as well. You can help in a variety of ways that do not include fighting fires. For more information, call the individual stations to see how you can help: East Greenville ( ); Pennsburg ( ); Red Hill ( ); and Eastern Berks ( ).

15 STEPHEN REDDING Arborist FULLY INSURED REASONABLE RATES Reller Road Green Lane, PA Tree Service, Landscaping, Plant Health Care Quality work and integrity in our business dealings are the hallmarks of Happy Tree. O Professional arborist services for all large trees including pruning, shaping, deadwood removal, cabling, bracing, cavity work, storm damage repair, hazard evaluation, and tree removal. O Complete landscaping services from design through installation and maintenance. Design services from our own in-house Registered Landscape Architect. We grow our own trees and shrubs to ensure top quality, hardy installations. O Cutting-edge plant health care treatments, including nutritional support, feeding, pest control, and treatment of disease. SATISFACTION THAT GROWS! Paying High Credit Card Rates? Need to Consolidate Your Debts? Want ONE payment per month? APPLY FOR A HOME EQUITY LOAN at Perkiomenville Quarry Perkiomenville Asphalt Crusher Road Perkiomenville, PA Serving Upper Montgomery County s Aggregate & Asphalt needs since 1902 Fixed Rate Loans up to 20 years or Home Equity Lines of Credit Applicants must meet Bally Savings Bank credit criteria. Loans to owner-occupied single family residential properties, with an 80% maximum loan-to-value for all debt. Property insurance and flood insurance (when applicable) is required. Other loan products and terms available. Minimum loan amount is $10,000. Subject to application fee and closing costs when applicable. Member FDIC. LTL CONSULTANTS, LTD. E N G I N E E R S & C O D E O F F I C I A L S ONE TOWN CENTRE DR OLEY, PA Proudly serving Upper Hanover Township as TOWNSHIP ENGINEER BUILDING INSPECTOR ZONING OFFICER

16 Upper Hanover Township P.O. Box 27 East Greenville, PA PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Boyertown, PA PERMIT #10015 OR CURRENT RESIDENT Gift Certificates Available At First Bite Pizza Pasta Steaks Hoagies Salads FOUR LOCATIONS FREE WIFI *Rt. 29, Green Lane Free ATM 337 Main St., Pennsburg *218 S. Main St., Sellersville Now Open Rt. 73 & 113, Skippack * Pick Up Window FEATURING SPECIALTY PIZZAS: Vegetarian Deluxe Bacon Hawaiian Chicken BBQ Taco Stuffed Deluxe Stuffed Pizza (Steak or Chicken w/cheese) Edward A. Skypala Attorney at Law Law Offices of EDWARD A. SKYPALA 224 King Street Pottstown, PA TEL. (610) TEL. (610) FAX (610) This Community Newsletter is produced for Upper Hanover Township by Hometown Press All rights reserved To Place An Ad Call Denise At Hometown Press DeniseOfHTP@yahoo.com Content provided by Shadywood Communications