At the November 9 Upper Frederick Board of Supervisors meeting, township resident  William Karaffa expressed concern about alleged comments made by Tim Hendricks, of Hendricks Group Developers, regarding the submission of paperwork to the township. He also implied that behind-the-scenes deals were made and that a violation of wiretap laws may have occurred.

            At the township's previous planning commission meeting, Hendricks had been asked about the delay in his paperwork for the Blantyre housing development plan.

            According to Karaffa, Hendricks responded, "I was asked to take development plans off the plate through the election."

            Karaffa, who served two terms as a PA constable, was curious as to why Hendricks was asked to table his plans and who had asked him to do so.

            Township Manager Tracey Tackett said, "His comment is relating to a conversation I had with him about his intention of wheeling and dealing with the supervisors, and I said to him 'You might want to hold off and see how the election goes because the supervisors might change, and if you try to make a deal with this set of supervisors, the new set of supervisors are not beholden to that.'"

           "So, there's deals being made?" asked Karaffa.

            "No," stated Tackett. "I'm telling him if he wants to come and ask this board, that even if they agree to something if there's a change at the election time..." 

            Karaffa interrupted saying, "He can't ask them anything. You gotta go through the planning commission. The planning commission will give recommendations to the board."

            "I understand that," retorted Tackett.

            Karaffa asked board chair Sean Frisco how he was able to play a recording of a telephone conversation between township residents William Landman (who won a seat on the Upper Frederick board of supervisors in Tuesday's election) and Steve Lampman, discussing the development of a parcel of land along Big Road.

            "Do you remember that?" asked Karaffa.

            "No," replied Frisco.

            "What does come into question is how did you get a recording that violates wiretap laws?" asked Karaffa.

            Frisco responded, "I don't [get a recording that violates wiretap laws]."

            The existence of the recording and the when and where it was played were not verified at the meeting.

            Karaffa asked Frisco if he was a licensed realtor, and Frisco confirmed that he received his license 18 months ago.

            Karaffa stated, "It would be very beneficial for you, profitable, to be in good graces with someone like Mr. Hendricks. Maybe do him favors, insider information, advice, after all he is developing land, or trying to, that somebody's gotta sell. Convenient. Do you really believe that you can sit on this board and continue to be a supervisor and be unbiased going forward, or do you think maybe it's time you resigned?"

            Frisco responded, "Thanks for coming, Bill," ending the discussion.

            The board approved resolutions 2023 R-10 and 2023 R-11, establishing a yearly sewer rate of $912 payable at the rate of $76/month and a yearly water rate of $192 payable at the rate of $16/month plus a charge of $8.25/1,000 gallons of water used in the Perkiomen Crossing Development.

            The board voted unanimously to keep the township's per capita tax, earned income tax, and local services tax/occupational privilege tax at the current rates of $10 per year, 0.5%, and $52 per year respectively. There are no plans to increase property taxes.

            Plymouth Ambulance had 20 calls in the month of October, 11 of which were at Frederick Living.

            Assistant Chief Jeff Steigelmann reported that the Upper Frederick Fire Company had 17 calls for the month of October.

            Steigelmann stated, "Moving forward, we're going to try to have more transparency for everybody here each month. Instead of just saying '17 calls', our new reports are going to reflect what those calls were.

           "We're trying to generate a new report so any of the community can come to us, or to the township, and you'll know exactly what's going on at the new firehouse."

            Steigelmann assured township residents that although Chief Patrick Corcoran had recently resigned, he and Deputy Chief Doug Kenna are fulfilling all necessary duties. Nominations for a new chief will be made this month and a new chief will be elected in December.

            Fire Police Lieutenant Jared Landis announced that fire company treasurer Mike Frederick was named a "Hometown Hero" for his work within the community.

            "Between the scouts, the fire company, park and rec, and everything he's done for the community over the years, I'd like to say thank you," stated Landis.

            On Saturday, December 2, the fire company will host a Pancake Breakfast with Santa Claus from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Saint Luke's Lutheran Church, 3138 Big Road, Zieglerville. On December 16, the Fire Company will team up with Plymouth Ambulance for a "Toy Run". There will be boxes for donations located throughout the township.