The Upper Frederick Board of Supervisors kicked off the year with a packed agenda for their first regular meeting on Jan. 10. The members approved a new fee schedule and implemented a flat fee permitting system that is more predictable. Currently, the township's fee schedule is based on contract amount.

            Additional changes to the fee schedule include an increase of $0.02/sq. ft. for the township's cost/sq. ft. for permits, currently $0.40 for residential and $0.60 for non-residential; adding a grading permit fee for disturbing 5,000 sq. ft. or greater when there is no impervious surface involved; adding a credit card fee of three percent plus $0.50; and adding a $1.50 charge for the use of e-checks.

            The current permitting fees being collected are insufficient to cover the costs associated with inspections being performed by LTL Consultants, the township's primary vendor.

            Another resolution now allows the new supervisors to conduct financial transactions on behalf of the township.  Two signatures shall now be required on financial transactions, such as  open accounts and signed checks.

            Vice Chair Lisa Fischer and Fire Company President, Fire Police Captain, and Emergency Management Coordinator Jared Landis, were designated as the township's representatives on the Central Perkiomen Valley Regional Planning Commission (CPVRPC).

            The resignation of David Hartline from the board of auditors was accepted. The township now has 30 days to appoint someone to the board who is a registered elector and has resided in the township continuously for at least one year before their appointment. This position will be on the ballot in November 2024.

            Township resident Brian Geverd was appointed to the agricultural board, replacing Ron DiFrancesco. Geverd is retired after being in business for 45 years. He bought his property in the township in 2012 and has been farming it since 2017. His primary crop is hot peppers and his hot sauces have won two national awards.

            Township residents had expressed concerns about the noise generated by trucks using brake retarders on Big Road as they approached the intersections of Perkiomenville and Neiffer roads. Township manager Tracy Tackett was authorized to move forward with preparing the ordinance updates and purchasing signage to prohibit the use of brake retarders on Big Road approaching these intersections. PennDOT conducted a study and determined that a prohibition is warranted. Enforcement of the prohibition would fall to the Pennsylvania State Police.

            A brake retarder is a supplementary braking system that works alongside a truck's primary brakes to slow the vehicle down.  Their use is frequently prohibited in residential areas due to the excessive noise they generate.

            The board authorized Tackett to move forward with request for proposals for demolition work for the schoolhouse renovations and for township Solicitor Ken Picardi, subject to edits enumerated by him.

            The township is currently updating its website and is considering options to have board of supervisors meetings posted online, live-streamed, and/or include a Zoom link in the agenda to promote transparency and encourage residents' participation in township meetings.

            The township paid bills totaling $99,862.56. Major expenditures include the second of three installments of $26,000 towards the purchase and preservation of the 458-acre Girl Scout property and $11,000 for new software.

            The Upper Frederick Fire Co. responded to 17 calls in December, including three building fires, two chimney fires and three accidents. The fire company spent 90 man-hours on fire calls and a total of 499 man-hours for all fire company-related activities. In 2023 the fire company handled 191 calls and spent 396 man-hours on fire calls. They are in the process of updating their website.

            Plymouth Ambulance responded to 30 calls in Upper Frederick, 13 of which were at Frederick Living.