The Oct. 22 Douglass Township Board of Supervisors meeting started with a presentation from the Montgomery County prothonotary's office as Noah Marlier informed the board about a program to support survivors of domestic violence.

            "[Domestic violence] happens throughout the county. It doesn't discriminate," he said.

            The county launched an initiative to provide support to survivors, the first of its kind in PA.

            There are two aspects of the program. The first is a Hope Card, a laminated card that displays pertinent information and resources and provides a quick reference for emergency responders and police in case of an emergency or if a protective order is being violated.

            The second is the ability for survivors to start the process online. The paperwork is tedious and includes a 15-page packet that must be completed for a protection order to be initiated.

             "I think this is a great program," Chairman Joshua Stouch said following the concise presentation.

            Township Manager Andrew Duncan stated that the next supervisors meeting will be held on Monday, Nov. 4, and the budget review meeting will be held immediately after. It will occur at the firehouse because the township building is reserved for voting the following day.

            The township building will be used for District 3 voting from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Township business will not be conducted that day. In addition, the township building will be closed on Nov. 11 in observance of Veterans Day.

            The board approved a professional service agreement with Kraft Municipal Group for a third-party residential building inspector and plan review at $84 per hour. The members also voted to advertise for the assistant manager position.

            The supervisors held an executive session before the meeting to discuss personnel and litigation matters. No decisions were made.