At its March 4 meeting, the Douglass Township Board of Supervisors discussed the appointment of a new manager for the township. Peter Hiryak is the current township manager and after many years of dedicated service to the community, he is retiring. His last day will be April 19.

            The township staff received 12 applications for the position. Out of those applicants, four prospective candidates were suitable. However, after further examination, two of those applicants stood out. Those two applicants are Andrew Duncan, assistant township manager and Supervisor Joshua Stouch.

            Stouch and Duncan play vital roles in the community and currently fill valuable positions. Township staff requested another round of short interviews with follow-up questions.

            "The decision is very important…we want to make the right decision moving forward," Hiryak said.

            An official announcement of the new hire will be made at the supervisors meeting scheduled for March 18. Hiryak said he would assist in the transition of the new hire.

            Under the engineers report, Khal Hassan from Pennoni Associates, Inc., gave an update on the status of speed control devices for high-volume traffic areas. Douglass has received many complaints about traffic violations and speeding issues. Many of these are at Route 73, Bartman Avenue and Ruby Circle. However, there are problems in other areas. The township has attempted to alleviate the chronic issues to no avail.

            The township is exploring temporary and permanent signage. Permanent instruments require permits from PennDOT. A program is available through Pennsylvania and the agency to assist municipalities with traffic-related issues. The Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP), provides technical information and technologies to deal with roadway maintenance and safety methods to meet the growing traffic demands on municipalities.

            This service is offered free of charge. However, anything that is required, such as equipment, is the responsibility of the township. The supervisors authorized the township engineers to proceed with the application process for a full official traffic study. The township will keep residents informed of the progress.

            In other news, the township announced an EMS Town Hall meeting. The project team of Page, Wolfberg & Wirth – as well as Washko & Associates – invites the community to provide ideas and insight on how to improve emergency medical services in Montgomery County.

            The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on March 7. The meeting will be held at the Public Training Campus in Conshohocken. In addition, community members can also attend online via Zoom. Residents are strongly encouraged to attend and provide ideas and possible solutions.

            Douglass Township supervisors and staff welcomed Life Scout Micah Kern to provide a presentation of his Eagle Scout project. Micah is a member of Troop 36 of Gilbertsville. He built a lovely outdoor library for Douglass Park. When asked why he chose this project, Micah replied, "It felt like it would help."

            Micah explained that he thought it would be beneficial to provide free books. Residents can visit the park and take or leave books sharing the love of reading. The township supervisors and staff expressed appreciation for his contribution to the community.

            "We thank you for what you did," Hiryak said.