Do Roadside Leaves Need Rule Change? Upper Township Committee Considers

PETERSBURG – A need for change in regulations regarding residents piling leaves on roads awaiting township leaf pickup was discussed by Upper Township Committee Nov. 9.
Committeeman John Coggins pointed out there is a danger to traffic with large piles of leaves obstructing the road.
Deputy Mayor Edward Barr, who also is responsible for Public Works, agreed that the governing body should consider changing regulations to eliminate the hazard and look into making changes. 
Barr said that the leaf pick up schedule will start as planned Nov. 15 and continue until Dec. 31. It is noted that leaves must be placed to the shoulder of the road in long rows, not large piles, for collection.
Well Attended
Committeeman Hobart Young reported that despite windy, cold conditions the Special Events Committee estimated that around 1,500 attended the Fall Festival Oct. 18 at Amanda’s Field.
The Events Committee is contemplating a Christmas in the Park event to be held at Amanda’s Field in December. Young also informed committee that the new Little League, Babe Ruth and T ball fields are ready for use in the spring.
Lost Dogs Overwhelmed
Shore Animal Control officials reported they were overwhelmed with lost dogs picked up countywide during the coastal storm in October. Many did not have proper identification.
Animal control officials suggest that dog owners take a number of actions to be a responsible pet guardian so if a dog gets separated from its owner they can be returned promptly.
They add that the number one protection for pets is to have a clearly legible and up-to-date phone number on either a collar or tab. This is the quickest and safest way to have a pet returned. 
In addition animal control officers carry current municipal license records for the municipalities they serve.
If for any reason a collar is lost, they can determine the owner by pick-up location and animal description. Licensing of a dog is for the owner’s benefit. Putting a rabies tag and license tag on the collar is an additional benefit to help locate owners.
Microchipping a pet would be beneficial if the dog is taken to a facility that has the capability to scan the chip. Animal control suggests if anyone has a pet, license and tag the dog.
Other Business
In other business the committee approved a number of resolutions and ordinances.
Unanimously, committee authorized disposal of property with no market value, authorized the purchase of an equipment trailer from the 2013 Capital Improvement Bond Ordinance in the amount of $19,405 and approved the appointment of Loren Pashley as a part-time employee in the Municipal Court.
To contact Camille Sailer, email csailer@cmcherald.com.