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July 10, 2009

Pulaski officials field complaints

The Pulaski Township supervisors were asked this week to enforce existing ordinances to keep the peace in the community.

They agreed to do so and authorized zoning officer Mourice Waltz to review the township’s comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance to see that all is up to date. The supervisors agreed to pay Waltz up to $600 for the review, and noted that upgrading the ordinance could cost $10,000, already budgeted for the project.

Questions of noise violations were raised by Geri McConnell of Route 208. Doug Sokoloski of Pine Glen Road complained that high grass laws are not being enforced.

McConnell asked how long residents must endure the constant sound of ATVs revving up and racing on neighboring property all afternoon and the sound of fireworks through the night.

“They sound like howitzers at 1 and 2 a.m.,” she said.

The supervisors asked that a little leeway be given on the fireworks because of the July 4 holiday, but advised her to call the police if the noise continues more than a week past the holiday or at unreasonable times.

Another resident spoke of alleged zoning problems with East Coast Paving Co. on Evergreen Road. He said the firm had obtained no permits, but apparently is operating an industry in an area zoned for residential use.

Chairman Sam Varano said if violations are reported, property owners are sent a courtesy letter notifying them of the violation and giving them 10 days to respond to say how they plan to correct the problem.

Varano held up a stack of papers saying, “Eighty percent of the letters we send are returned and nothing is done.”

The next step, he said, is to involve the solicitor to send a letter informing them they are in violation and the penalties for failing to comply.

The violation letter also requires that action be taken within a set period, and fines and/or court costs may be involved.

Varano added that a violation letter has been sent to East Coast Paving, which has not responded.

“Next week we will contact (solicitor) Richard Harper to start legal proceedings.”

Tim Keller and Tom McCosby of Pennsylvania Construction Inspection asked the supervisors to consider hiring them as building inspectors. The two said they have plans to open a local office at Harbor-Edinburg Road by Aug. 1.

The supervisors are looking for a resident willing to serve as a delegate for the board monitoring countywide earned income tax collections.

They noted all 27 municipalities and eight school districts in the county have been directed to appoint a delegate by Aug. 28. The position is unpaid. Board members will set budget, write by-laws and meet monthly.

Anyone interested in serving is asked to send a letter to the supervisors at the municipal building.

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