At its September 2 meeting the Lower Frederick Board of Supervisors approved a motion authorizing township Manager Jason Wager to send a letter to State Representative Donna Scheuren and State Senator Tracy Pennycuick opposing Pennsylvania House Bill 502. The bill's stated goal is "energy resilience" needed to meet surging electric demands from residents, businesses, and data centers and the bill establishes a Reliable Energy Siting and Electric Transition Board.

            If enacted, this bill would significantly limit or eliminate the authority of local governments to regulate land use and zoning within their communities and would strip local governments of the authority granted by the Pennsylvania Municipal Planning Code, transferring decision-making authority to an appointed body in Harrisburg.

            This transfer of authority would disenfranchise residents from their rights to be heard with respect to what is built in their communities, with potentially dangerous consequences. The bill's vague language is also a serious concern.

            The board authorized the closing of the Lock Tight Storage Land Development project, waiving the 18-month maintenance period and releasing the remainder of the escrow in the amount of $11,802. The Lock Tight Land Development project was an expansion of the existing storage facility located at 309 Big Road, Zieglerville.

            Because there were no dedicated public improvements related to this project, the board waived the 18-month maintenance period requirement.

            The board discussed the Five Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting resolution proposed by the Environmental Activity Council (EAC). The principles of the EAC resolution ask if the lighting is useful, targeted, low-level, controlled, and of a warm color. Those principles are promoted by Dark Sky International, a United States–based nonprofit organization whose mission is "to preserve and protect the nighttime environment and our heritage of dark skies through quality outdoor lighting".

            The township currently has an ordinance regarding nuisance lighting, but supervisors expressed concern regarding the enforcement of this proposed resolution, which requests the participation of residents.

            EAC Chair Gary Bonner explained that the resolution was not intended to be binding, but to educate the public, raise awareness, and provide guidance for residents to follow regarding responsible outdoor lighting.

            The board discussed a memorandum of understanding agreement with the county regarding County Bridge 101 located on Old Gravel Pike in Zieglersville, requesting that the bridge be opened to pedestrian traffic.

            The agreement stipulates that the township is to provide emergency and non-emergency services at the bridge, remove litter and debris and defend the county against all claims. The board will seek confirmation that the county will replace a guard rail currently blocking pedestrian traffic with bollards.

            The board approved a motion to accept an addendum extending the police collective bargaining agreement for three years.

            The board approved a motion authorizing township Solicitor Peter Nelson, Esq., to oppose a zoning hearing board application for 16 Woodside Avenue requesting a variance to allow conversion of an existing structure into a three-unit apartment building. The structure is located in a flood plain and has been vacant for years.

            Nelson expressed concern that the property owner is not asking for the variances required to build in a flood plain and that failure to follow proper procedure could negatively impact the ability of residents to purchase flood insurance in the township.

            The board accepted the resignation of Warren Jacobs from the open space committee and Phil Smith from the open space committee, the comprehensive planning committee, the planning commission, and the Lower Frederick historic resource survey committee.

            The board announced that longtime resident and volunteer Phil Smith had passed away after a battle with cancer. Said Hexter, "Phil made numerous contributions to the township through serving on the planning commission for over 20 years, and on the open space committee since its inception. He was involved in every open space initiative since his work began in Lower Frederick. Phil's commitment to open space never flagged. We thank him for his years of service and hope his vision will continue."

            In August, the Lower Frederick Police Department handled 336 calls for service, conducted 118 traffic stops, issued 78 traffic citations, and conducted 24 traffic enforcement details. The department participated in National Night Out hosted by Peace In Zion United Church of Christ on Big Road and was on duty during the Philadelphia Folk Festival. No incidents were reported.

            All officers completed their weapons training mandated by the Municipal Police Officers' Education and Training Commission. Officer Ashley Narke completed Crisis Intervention Specialist Program training, which provides non-criminal interventions for those experiencing mental health episodes.

            The police department has partnered with the Perkiomen Valley School District (PVSD) to implement the Bus Patrol Program. Approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, the program is designed to reduce dangerous motorist behavior around school buses and make travel to and from school safer for all student riders.

            PVSD district buses are equipped with photo enforcement technology that automatically detects vehicles that illegally pass stopped school buses when red lights are flashing and stop arms are extended.  These violations are captured on video and reviewed by local law enforcement before any citation is issued.

            The department has begun preparations for Trunk or Treat on October 19 from 12 to 3. More information is available on the township Facebook page.

            Wager reported that the Lower Frederick Fire Company responded to 27 service calls in August, 11 of which were in Lower Frederick.

            In July, Plymouth Ambulance responded to 16 service calls in Lower Frederick. It responded to 71 service calls in its primary coverage area and 31 service calls outside its primary coverage area.

            In August, Plymouth Ambulance responded to 25 service calls in Lower Frederick for a year-to-date total of 170. It responded to 79 service calls in its primary coverage area for a year-to-date total of 632 and responded to 18 service calls outside its primary coverage area for a year-to-date total of 199.