At its July 8 meeting, the Upper Frederick Board of Supervisors approved the township's Data Center Ordinance for advertising. The ordinance establishes rules and regulations governing the operation of data centers.

            Township Manager Aaron Walizer and supervisors Bill Landman and Bill Karaffa have completed Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors (PSATS) educational courses focused on data centers. Walizer also attended training through the International City Managers Association (ICMA).

            The board accepted the low bid of $20,074.00 from Sacks & Sons to demolish the house currently located adjacent to the township building. Three bids were received. Two pickleball courts and one basketball court will be installed at that location.

            The board approved the amended Environmental Adjustment Factors Ordinance for advertising. Amendments will better protect the rural character and natural resources of the township. The ordinance modernizes the calculation of future development potential. Rather than rely solely on gross acreage, it requires that residential density be based on a net development acreage after accounting for environmentally sensitive features such as wetlands and floodplains.

            The board approved the amended Landscaping Ordinance for advertising. Amendments create automatic adoption of the state invasive species list, strengthen tree replacement requirements, and lower the threshold for when a permit is required for clear-cutting.

            The board approved revisions to the sewer plan resolution for the Blantyre Project. The development includes the construction of a new sewer plant to replace the facility currently serving Ivy Ridge. The township will operate the new plant and, therefore, must be listed as one of the applicants to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

            Walizer reported that a pressure control system issue occurred at the Perkiomen Crossing water plant on July 7. The problem was diagnosed and repaired within 90 minutes. Water quality was not affected, but residents were advised to run their water for several minutes to clear sediment. System diagnostics found no need for additional repairs.

            Community Day is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 26. Activities include a rock wall, virtual reality Home Run Derby, and the Second Annual Bake-off. Grownups can enjoy adult beverages while listening to The Mighty Manatees perform. The township is seeking vendors to sell their food and wares.

            The final Yoga in the Park event will be held on Saturday, July 25, at 3205 Big Road, Zieglerville. The cost is $15 and practitioners of all levels are welcome. See the township's Facebook page to sign up.

            The Parks and Recreation Board will continue to host a monthly walking meet-up group.

            The State Police responded to 33 calls for service in June. Walizer said about five were 911 hang-up calls and reminded residents that police must respond to any 911 call that disconnects and will go to the caller's address to investigate. Anyone who calls 911 by mistake should stay on the line and tell the dispatcher the call was accidental.

            The Upper Frederick Fire Company responded to 12 calls in June, four of which were in the township, bringing the year-to-date total to 83. Members logged 5.5 service hours in June, bringing the year-to-date totals to 42.

            Plymouth Ambulance responded to 40 calls for service in the township in June, 23 of which were at Frederick Living. Many of the calls were heat-related.

            In June, township Fire Marshal and Emergency Management Coordinator Nate DiDonato received one alarm registration and reviewed one fire pump test report at Frederick Living.

            He informed the board that the Montgomery County Department of Emergency Management has launched a new, online damage assessment application. Training is ongoing.

            A dry hydrant is out of service in the Ivy Ridge development. Repairs are ongoing.

            DiDonato is working with a vendor to get an emergency entry key box installed at the township building. He thanked Walizer and the public works department for their assistance in monitoring multiple severe storm and heat events.

            DiDonato reported on the July 8 vehicle accident that occurred at the intersection of Big Road and Perkiomenville Road. As a result of the accident, several road closures were in effect for most of the day. DiDonato stated that the accident highlighted the teamwork and collaboration between numerous entities, including several EMS units, police departments, Xfinity, Windstream, and PennDOT, and thanked those involved for their support.