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From the Desk of Liberty Township
 Supervisor Walter Barlow

(5/2022) At our last meeting, we voted to update our ordinance to address subdivision issues that the township has encountered over the last few years. We proposed a revision requiring new deeds be presented as part of the subdivision approval process. This is to ensure accurate recording of property changes and that the subdivision is properly reflected in the new deeds and at the tax office. It was also brought to our attention that the recently adopted solar panel ordinance contained language that prohibited mounting solar panels on the roof of homes. The Supervisors voted in favor of removing that restriction. The original ordinance was to prevent any negative impact from solar farms within the township. The fee schedule was updated for 2022 to reflect increased costs from vendors.

A resident spoke during public comments at the April meeting expressing concerns about fire protection on the private roads in the Rist Trail area of our Residential Zoning District. This is an ongoing concern for the township, the fire department, the police department, and all emergency services. The resident indicated that all Rist Trail residents have agreed to allow the township to come in and address the issues. He suggested putting in a water tower and fire hydrants to service that area. With no current source of funding available for this project, we are hesitant to use funds from all taxpayers for a project that would benefit only a small portion of our residents. Safety of our residents is a serious concern, and we need to explore feasible solutions that will address the needs of all township residents. We are more than willing to consider this and other options as the Board of Supervisor with the understanding that needs of the entire township will be met.

In response to one of our residents expressing concerns over the dangers that some roadways may pose to drivers, we have an upcoming meeting with a PennDOT Engineer to review curves and sight visibility on our township roads. We intend to obtain a professional assessment to identify any areas that need corrective measures. At the request of another township resident, an application to PennDOT was submitted to install additional signs on PA Route 16 to address truck traffic issues on Orchard Road. McGlaughlin Road has been marked and PA One Call has been contacted in preparation for ditching along McGlaughlin road. Bids have been advertised for work on McGlaughlin Road, Sanders Road, Bullfrog Road and The Old Waynesboro Road Bridge and are due on May 10 at noon.

We addressed recent illegal dumping along Bullfrog Road which was resolved in a quick manner by our Police Department. I would like to thank several residents who reported the illegal dumping to the township. We thank our Police Officers for doing a great job every day. Please acknowledge the officers for the job that they do and for protecting, Liberty, Freedom, and Highland Townships. We continue to hear great remarks from everyone about our Police Department. We commend them for doing a great job and representing Liberty Township in a professional manner. Additionally, we had someone last week going around the township pulling out STOP signs and throwing them into the woods. Signs were replaced on Bullfrog, Water Street, Topper Road, and Orchard Road. This is an additional cost to the township in labor, and replacement of the damaged signs. These are costs to all our taxpayers. If you see such criminal activity occurring, please notify the township Police Department or Roadmaster.

Parks Garbage was awarded the solid waste management contract for the next three years in the township. As part of the contract, there will be an e-cycle event on May 14 for Parks Garbage Customers in our area. Details are available on our website.

We invite you to come to our Board of Supervisors meeting on first Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m.. The meetings are open to the public with no restrictions. We appreciate input from our residents. We look forward to serving you in the best manner we can.

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