After two months of discussion at planning commission meetings, Carroll Valley Borough may be near a resolution to what has become known as the “trailer ordinance.”
“I hope to prepare an ordinance draft for the next meeting,” borough manager Dave Hazlett told the Carroll Valley council.
At issue is how many non-motored vehicles may be parked on private property. The January meeting heard nine residents speak on the subject, two seeking a limit on the number of stored vehicles and the others questioning why any limits were necessary.
At the March planning commission meeting, it was agreed that three would be the appropriate number. “It’s hard to determine what that acceptable limit would be within the community. We’re trying to find the middle ground where we can please the most people,” Hazlett said.
“We want to address those yards and homes that have an excess of what we consider reasonable and then create environmental or aesthetic issues,” borough council member John Schubring said.
Other business
A new 12-megapixel camera system and fencing have been approved to help secure the municipal services facility on Ranch Trail Road. The facility is used to house gas pumps and is also the location of the Carroll Valley impound lot. Hazlett told the council that people dump many trash items within the existing facility fence. The new fencing and camera will help to deter that practice. The borough approved the $8,870 camera system purchase. Bids for the fencing will be advertised and awarded at the April 11 borough council meeting.
A resolution was approved for a cooperative tax collection agreement between Fairfield Area School District (FASD) and Carroll Valley Borough. The borough’s tax collector, Phyllis Doyle-Smith, will collect taxes for FASD. Hamiltonban’s tax collector resigned at the end of February, and the position remains vacant. The Adams County Treasurer’s office is currently collecting Hamiltonban Township taxes.
A second resolution was approved for a mental health liaison to work with the borough police when responding to calls involving residents with mental health issues. Borough police chief Cliff Weikert said the new partnership had “no drawbacks” and would greatly help the department.
Mayor Ron Harris advised residents who don’t wish to have hunters on their properties to take advantage of the purple paint law. A change, during 2020, in Title 18, the state Crimes Code, gives landowners the option of using purple paint rather than signs to post on their properties and alert others that lands are private and trespassing isn’t permitted.
A radar bill is once again being heard at the state legislature, and Mayor Ron Harris said he wants people to understand that such a bill is not a revenue generator for the borough. “It’s really for the safety of the people,” he said. If passed, the law, which currently allows state police to use radar devices to apprehend speeders, would extend that option to local police departments. Pennsylvania is the only state in the union prohibiting local municipalities from using radar to monitor speeding.
Assistant borough manager Gayle Marthers thanked the 228 residents who attended the annual father-daughter dance in February. She also extended her appreciation to the council members and many others who volunteered their time and talents.
The annual Easter Egg hunt will take place on April 8 at 11 a.m. Volunteers are needed to fill the more than 5,000 plastic eggs, and donations are appreciated.
April 22 is medication take-back day in Carroll Valley. Hosted by the borough and neighboring police departments, in cooperation with the US Drug Enforcement Agency and Collaborating for Youth, residents can dispose of expired, unused, or unwanted prescription drugs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Chief Weikert also wanted to remind borough residents that drop-offs can also be made at any time at the medical disposal unit located at the police department, whenever the office is open.
Judith Cameron Seniura is a freelance reporter. She began her journalism career in the early ‘70s and has written for newspapers, magazines, and other media in Ontario, Canada, Alaska, Michigan, Nebraska, San Antonio, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.
Great to see this open to the public.