On Monday August 26th, the Quakertown Borough Council met in a work session to discuss items of business that will be on the agenda at the regular voting meeting the first week of September.

            At the start of the meeting two new officers were sworn into the Quakertown Police Department. Police Chief Scott C. McElree and Lieutenant Donald G. Bender took part in the swearing-in as Judge Lisa Gaier led the ceremony.

            Officer Conner Lafferty and Officer Casey Smith are currently on their probationary periods of service.

            In addition to the swearing-in ceremony, the council discussed civil service changes regarding the examination for potential police officers. The proposed changes would include all prospective police officers having a high school diploma or GED, associate degree or 30 credits toward a bachelor's. Military experience would be considered in lieu of college-level degrees and coursework.

            The borough is considering using IOS Testing as a law enforcement exam procedure. The police department will proctor testing, however, IOS will grade exams. A 70% must be achieved on a police exam. McElree explained that the exam is more challenging, therefore a 70% grade is equivalent to an 85% mark.

            The board will also be voting on a new ordinance regarding smoke shops at their meeting in September. At the work session, zoning restrictions for smoke shops that include smoking paraphernalia were discussed. The ordinance would include basic guidelines and non-conforming uses. 

            The board is proposing to outline the location of smoke shops and the paraphernalia they sell. Guidelines would be based on state laws defining paraphernalia.

            "We are looking for your direction," said McElree.

            The council directed the manager and solicitor to work on drafting the ordinances. Council expects the items to be on the agenda for the regular meeting the first week of October.

            Under the public works committee, council discussed a proposed large truck ordinance that restricts access to West Broad Street, Main Street, Park Avenue, East Broad Street, Hellertown Avenue, Tohickon Avenue, and Ambler Street.

            Council Member Dave Wilsey stated that he drove large trucks and buses for many years. He also explained that he would like to see signage and enforcement. In addition, enforcement should be imposed on truckers to buy the proper GPS equipment.

            Truckers are supposed to have specialized GPS that navigates truck routes and avoids roadways that could be unsafe for large commercial vehicles to drive through.