Indian Valley TODAY - Spring 2023

Welcome to Indian Valley Today

Mission Statement

The Indian Valley Chamber of Commerce engages business, community and civic leaders to promote growth and create opportunity in our region.

Welcome to the Spring 2023 issue of Indian Valley Today. When we began this magazine in the spring of 2021, our aim was to create a vehicle for our local small businesses to gain visibility and to provide useful information for all residents in our region. We hope we are succeeding on those fronts, that you find the municipal information of value and that you have learned about local businesses that might now be among your favorite places.

As the Indian Valley Chamber of Commerce, we represent the businesses and nonprofit organizations of our region with a mission to “engage business, community and civic leaders to promote growth and create opportunity in our region.”

We are committed to preparing future leaders who can effectively manage the growing diversity in our local communities and workplaces. One way we work toward this is through our leadership program, LEAD Indian Valley. Designed for business and nonprofit executives or emerging leaders, the LEAD curriculum has a specific emphasis on developing self-awareness and identifying the skills needed to successfully lead teams. Please visit our website to learn more about it.

The Chamber of Commerce fills many roles in the community including helping to connect you with the services you need and professionals you can trust. You’ll find them within the pages of this issue and on our website: IndianValleyChamber.com.

We also invite you to save the date for our 2023 events.

Wednesday, April 5, 2023

State of the Indian Valley Membership Breakfast

Monday, May 22, 2023

Swing for Hope Benefit Golf Outing

Thursday, September 21, 2023

Annual Clay Shoot

Tuesday, October 24, 2023

Tastings of the Indian Valley

Scan here for a full listing of events for both members and non-members.

Steven Hunsberger, CFP®, ChFC Executive Director

MEET YOUR MAYORS

As we start 2023, I thought it would be a good idea to present an article regarding our 2022 inaugural mayors of Telford and Souderton.

At the end of 2022, Mayor’s Jerry Guretse and Dan Yocum saw the conclusion of their first year in office. As someone who knows both gentleman for several years, I am not surprised how well they have performed. Both are long-term residents of their respective boroughs, are very dedicated, approachable, remarkably intelligent and both have engaging smiles.

In their first year, they have shaped a mind-set of cooperation between our communities. While both boroughs have always worked well together, I believe they extended the cooperation to a higher level.

During the 2022 season of the Telford Nite Market, we celebrated our new mayors by hosting a Meet Your Mayors night on June 29th. Mayors Jerry and Dan fostered cooperation by hosting a single table greeting their constituents. Feedback from the public was nothing short of positive and enthusiastic.

Under their leadership, we saw Souderton Borough Council members attend the Telford Borough Council meeting on September 6th, followed by several Telford Borough Council members attending the Souderton Borough Council meeting on September 12th.

Most recently, both Mayors collaborated with other borough officials, to bring a single EMS operation, VMSC Montgomery County Station 345, to the Telford and Souderton communities, providing our residents the opportunity to engage with a single vendor with improved critical service for our constituents.

But really, who are our mayors?

Continued on page 8

Mayor Jerry Guretse

Mayor Jerry Guretse is a Telford resident for 48 years. Raised in Lansdale PA, he graduated from North Penn High School and graduated from Temple University with a Bachelor’s degree in accounting.

Mayor Jerry proudly served six years with the Pennsylvania Army National Guard with an honorable discharge at the rank of Sergeant.

He continued to serve his community in the volunteer fire service starting in Lansdale and continuing to the present time, at the Telford Fire Company. On December 14, 2022, he was reelected as President of the Telford Fire Company for his 10th year. Last year marked his 52nd year of active service and he also serves as an engineer. Prior to that he was Telford Fire Company’s Treasurer for 30 years.

Semi-retired, the mayor currently works as CFO/Controller for New Light Enterprises Inc. which is a transportation and logistics company. He has a daughter Kristen and son Scott, who are both married and has four grandchildren, Hannah, Cole, Eli, and Aiden.

What is one thing as Mayor, you would like to see change in your borough?

I would like to see more residents at council meetings, to become aware of the issues Council faces and expressing their opinions to Council members. I would also like to see better communications between the administration and residents who come into the office for advice and guidance on matters regarding home improvements and other such matters.

What is your personal goal as Mayor for your first term as Mayor?

To get out to events and meet the residents and engage in meaningful conversations with them about their concerns and expectations from the municipality.

Mayor Dan Yocum

Mayor Dan has deep roots in his community. He is a proud life-long resident of Souderton; an eighth generation Soudertonian and the great-great-great grandson of Henry O. Souder, the founder of Souderton.

What does Dan do outside his role as Mayor? Here are a few of his roles that outlines his passion for his community; an active Past President of the Souderton-Telford Rotary Club, active member of the Perseverance Volunteer Fire Company, Chair of the Souderton Industrial Development Authority, and founding member of the SoudertonTelford Historical Society.

His mayor also works in Souderton at Univest Bank as a Small Business Lender. Mayor Dan was first elected to Souderton Borough Council in 2014 and in 2022 had the privilege of becoming Mayor.

In his not-so-free time, he is married with two dogs, has renovated a few beleaguered properties in town, and is in the process of restoring their dream home on Souderton’s Broad Street.

As Mayor Dan so eloquently quotes; “Souderton is a community with a strong vision for our future while maintaining a reverence for our past. Good things are happening in our town and I am honored and excited to be a part of it!”

As you can tell, both mayors epitomize dedication, strong ties to their communities and a strong passion for volunteerism. You will find both mayors eager to help their constituents, work hard (many times outside the box) and greet you with their engaging smiles, passion, and humor. You can easily find both at most, if not all, local community events.

Thank you, Mayor’s Jerry, and Dan, for your inspiration! Keep up the good work.

John A Taylor Telford Borough Council Chair of the Development and Culture Committee

Corey P. Landes

684 Forman Road Souderton, PA 18964 corey@landesds.com LandesDS.com

Mailing address: P.O. Box 148, Telford, PA 18969

267-446-3568

TELFORD HAPPENINGS, INC. - 2023

Telford Happenings, Inc. is entering its third year. Taking over Telford Borough’s community events from the former, Souderton Telford Main Streets, we have provided the Telford community with non-stop annual events for twenty-one years.

Last year was our most successful. 2022’s Telford Nite Market celebrated the 20th anniversary of having a market at the Telford Marketplace, continuing the tradition of the former Indian Valley Farmers Market. We continued hosting the Oktoberfest and the Telford Tree Lighting. We also saw the first Telford Spring event, our First Annual Telford Happenings Easter Egg hunt and our first Holiday Market in November. We also increased the members of our Board of Directors, and specifically included two vendors from our Telford Nite Market. We believe it is critically important to the success of our Nite Market to have the vendor’s voice in the planning and oversight of the market.

None of our events would be possible without the outstanding hard work, dedication, and contributions of THI’s, Board of Directors, Telford Public Works staff and our volunteer base. Also, a big thank you for Telford Borough Councils’ support of our organization and events.

Wait until you see what we have planned for 2023.

2023 Telford Happening’s, Inc. Events

Easter Egg Hunt: April 1st at Centennial Park on April 9 from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Telford Night Market: every Wednesday night; 5:30 – 8:00; 5/31/23 – 8/30/23

Telford Marketplace – Main St & Penn Ave

Oktoberfest

10/21/2023 – 10am – 4pm

Telford Marketplace – Main St & Penn Ave

Holiday Market

11/18/2023 – 11am – 3 pm

Telford Marketplace – Main St & Penn Ave

Tree Lighting

12/8/2023 – 6pm – 8pm

Telford Marketplace – Main St & Penn Ave

Please check out and “like” our Telford Nite Market on Facebook for regular updates of our events.

If you are interested in being a vendor for our Telford Nite Market; if you would like to donate to our organization or be a sponsor for our event(s), check out our website for the link or specific form: telfordhappenings.com for more information.

Telford Happenings, Inc. (TH) is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation dedicated to promoting the common interests of its community through special events, and other initiatives that promote Telford’s historic and architectural character and contribute to the betterment of the community.

John A Taylor

Telford

Borough Council, Chair – Development & Culture Committee

Telford Happenings,

Inc., Board of Directors - Advisory Board

Where to Go to Continue the Information Flow

Your community is preventing storm water pollution through a storm water management program. This program addresses storm water pollution from construction, new development, illegal dumping to the storm sewer system, and pollution prevention and good housekeeping practices in municipal operations. It will also continue to educate the community and get everyone involved in making sure the only thing that storm water contributes to our water is….water! Contact your community’s storm water management program coordinator or the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection for more information about storm water management.

What is Storm Water?

Storm water is water from precipitation that flows across the ground and pavement when it rains or when snow and ice melt. The water seeps into the ground or drains into what we call storm sewers. These are the drains you see at street corners or at low points on the sides of streets. Collectively, the draining water is called storm water runoff.

Why is Storm Water

“Good

Rain Gone Wrong?”

Storm water becomes a problem when it picks up debris, chemicals, dirt, and other pollutants as it flows or when it causes flooding and erosion of stream banks. Storm water travels through a system of pipes and roadside ditches that make up storm sewer systems. It eventually flows directly to a lake, river, stream, wetland or coastal water. All of the pollutants storm water carries along the way empty into our waters, too, because storm water does not get treated!

Pet wastes left on the ground get carried away by storm water, contributing harmful bacteria, parasites and viruses to our water.

Vehicles drip fluids (oil, grease, gasoline, antifreeze, brake fluids, etc.) onto paved areas where storm water runoff carries them through our storm drains and into our water.

Chemicals used to grow and maintain beautiful lawns and gardens, if not used properly, can run off into the storm drains when it rains or when we water our lawns and gardens.

Waste from chemicals and materials used in construction can wash into the storm sewer system when it rains. Soil that erodes from construction sites causes environmental degradation, including harming fish and shellfish populations that are important for recreation and our economy.

COMING SOON: A NEW SOUDERTON REVITALIZATION PLAN

On December 12, 2022, the Revitalization Plan Steering Committee along with Montgomery County Planning Commission staff members held a public event to share information about the Revitalization Planning process and to solicit input on draft recommendations for the plan. This event culminated a years’ worth of work by the steering committee to re-develop and update the revitalization plan for Souderton.

The steering committee consists of a group of Souderton business owners, members of borough council, and Montgomery County planning commission members.

Early in 2022 you may have received an email or text from the borough inviting you to participate in a survey on Souderton. The survey was available to the public to solicit input until the end of May 2022. The responses to the survey were very inspiring as the survey collected over 1300 responses. The committee used this feedback to update and create the areas of focus for the new revitalization plan.

The event on December 12 was held at The Broad Theatre in Souderton from 6pm-8pm. The event was held as an open house and consisted of nine booths with posters that reviewed an area of focus within the plan.

The first stop was a Welcome Table that asked guests to sign in and provided each person with 10 sticker dots to use as they reviewed each poster. The attendees were asked to use these dots to indicate which are the top priorities that should be focused. Attendees were also given the opportunity to use sticky notes to add comments on any of the items presented.

The rest of the booths consisted of a presentation of the following goals and priorities by the steering committee members:

Goal 1: Continue to establish Souderton as a regional center for arts, culture, and entertainment

Goal 3: Encourage property, downtown infrastructure, and improved building facades

Goal 5: Create safe and convenient travel for all modes of transportation

Goal 6: Promote sustainability

Goal 8: Celebrate diversity and create a welcoming community for people of all ages and backgrounds. Improve accessibility for individuals of all abilities.

Poster 7: Revitalization Priorities - shared some of the survey results and invited additional input from participants.

Poster 8: Events- asked participants about their favorite existing events and what events they might like to see added.

Poster 9: Improvements- offered a map where participants were able to make comments on sticky notes about improvements needed in particular locations.

The result of the public event is that the feedback provided will be incorporated in the plan. The updated revitalization will also provide a market study update including a SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) and Retail Gap Analysis.

The plan will also identify goals for future revitalization. Each goal will include recommendations and implementation strategies.

Results may indicate recommendations for physical streetscape enhancements, organizational and leadership strategies, sustainability, parking, tourism and marketing, ordinance updates, and funding.

Steering Committee Mission Statement:

We strongly believe that the continued revitalization of Souderton Borough, building on the progress over the last two decades, will enhance the quality of life for all residents, employees and visitors of the borough. We promote the special, small-town character of Souderton Borough and foster the growth of the businesses and residential neighborhoods to enrich our community.

The goal is that the final document would be adopted by both Souderton Borough Council and the Souderton Connects Board of Directors.

Be on the look up for the finalized plan coming soon in 2023!!!

Steering Committee Vision Statement:

We envision Souderton residents and business flourishing in a sustainable community where we live, work, and gather together; where our economy is healthy, and the borough is attractive to residents businesses and visitors alike; where people of all ages and background enjoy the preserved history diversity and culture of our vibrant borough. We seek to honor the past while embracing the future by enhancing the diversity of businesses and service provided in the brough while maintain Souderton’s quaint, small-town character.

SOUDERTON BOROUGH PREPARING FOR 2023 POOL SEASON

By: Courtnee Wampole

Another pool season is upon us. It’s hard to believe that in only a few short months, the Souderton Community Pool will open its gates for the 2023 season. The pool has been a summer staple in Souderton Borough since 2011, when a $3 million dollar renovation was completed. While the pool is a wonderful asset to the borough and its neighboring municipalities, it is not without its own set of challenges. In an effort to improve the pool experience for members and guests alike, the Parks and Recreation committee conducted a survey at the end of the 2022 season.

“We were able to collect a lot of great data and feedback about what people like and don’t like about the pool,” said Ed Huber, Souderton Borough councilor, who leads the Parks and Recreation committee along with fellow Councilors Matt DiNenna and Courtnee Wampole. “We had an idea of where our pain points were when the 2022 season ended, but this gives us the concrete feedback we need to make sure these issues are addressed heading into 2023.”

The survey received nearly 300 responses. The results clearly show that most of the complaints were related to pool management and the snack stand. While the borough is ultimately responsible for creating a stellar pool experience for its members and guests, both the pool management and the snack stand are run by third parties.

Unlike previous years, the pool managers and lifeguards are not directly employed by the borough. The pool did not open in 2020 due to concerns related to staffing, as well as Covid-related restrictions. In 2021, in an attempt to ease staffing concerns in a post-Covid world, the borough contracted with Bennington Pool Services to provide management and lifeguards for the pool. The contract was renewed in 2022 and, most recently, for the 2023 season.

Borough Manager Mike Coll explained, “We saw neighboring pools closing their doors because they couldn’t adequately staff their facilities and at the end of the day, we decided it was more important for the pool to be open even if it wasn’t with our own people. We would love to eventually get back to a place where the managers and guards are our own, but we just aren’t there yet.”

In an effort to address the issues and concerns regarding pool management, the Parks and Recreation committee met with Bennington Pool Services multiple times over the past several months. “We feel Bennington has heard us loud and clear and I am hopeful that we are going to see some real improvements in the way the pool is managed this summer,” said Councilor Matt DiNenna. “Once the managers are selected and the guards are hired, we plan to meet with Bennington and its team at least once more so everyone is on the same page about what the borough expects for the 2023 season.”

Some of the discussed changes include posting QR codes around the pool so that members and guests can provide feedback and issues in real time. The committee will also have a direct line of communication to Bennington Pool Service’s senior management team so that all parties are on the same page and problems are addressed in a timely manner. The committee will also make sure up-to-date pool hours and information is posted on the borough’s soon-to-launch Facebook page.

The snack stand was also a source of complaints from pool-goers. Like the pool management, the snack stand space is leased to an outside vendor who operates independently from the borough. In an effort to improve the quality of the snack stand experience, the borough did not renew its lease with the previous vendor for the upcoming season. The committee is finalizing plans for a new vendor to operate the snack stand in 2023 with the intention that the quality and level of service is improved from previous years.

But the feedback wasn’t all negative! In general, people were happy with the members-only policy on Sundays and from 12 p.m. to 1p.m. during the rest of the week, a policy that the committee plans to bring back in 2023. For the most part, pool-goers were satisfied with the cleanliness and upkeep of the pool facility, and, despite the pool’s shortcomings, an overwhelming majority of respondents plan to purchase a membership for the upcoming season.

“The pool is not a money-making venture for the borough, but an added service for our community,” said Huber. “We try to keep our rates affordable for our members and guests, as well as comparable to neighboring pools, while being mindful of our budget. We cannot please everyone, but we will continue to push for improvements so that everyone has a great pool experience.”

SOUDERTON CONNECTS IN 2023

Souderton Connects has worked to brand, market, and beautify the borough of Souderton through strategic attention to business and retail development, community special events, and other initiatives. The organization represents the over 140 businesses, including eateries, art galleries, theaters, retail stores, and community parks, that make Souderton the perfect place to live, work, and play.

Souderton Connects brings the community together hosting family-friendly, food-centric, and holiday-themed gatherings. This year, Souderton Connects will host 10 in-person events, beginning with So You Think You Can Cook on March 8. The beloved networking and community event allows guests to sample dishes from 20+ chefs and vote on their favorite. 3rd Fridays in Souderton kick off on May 19 and run through October. Each month, the block-party style event will feature live music, family-friendly activities, and unique vendors and food trucks. Other events include the Souderton Art Jam (September 30), the annual Souderton Tree Lighting (December 1) and Souderton Holiday Parade (December 2). Information, photos, and videos highlighting 2022 events can be found at www.soudertonconnects.com/calendar.

In collaboration with Souderton Borough, the most recent beautification project, the traffic control box at the corner of Main & Broad was painted by Philadelphia mural artist, Emily White. She was inspired by native Pennsylvania flowers and Souderton’s history with trains and trolleys. Souderton Connects is seeking artists for our inaugural Art Banner Program and to create a small mural on the facade of the Main Street Vet. Souderton Connects is working to create and grow a recurring, sustainable public arts program and you can find out more at www.soudertonconnects.com/public-art.

In 2022, Souderton Connects celebrated new and long-time businesses with ribbon-cuttings and milestone anniversaries. Businesses celebrated include Raw Replenish, Art On The Hill Gallery, Exhibit B Gallery, Jesse’s Barbecue & Local Market, The Broad Street Grind, and Dazle Hair Salon. The New Business Welcome Kit, the Souderton Gift Card, and the Welcome Wagon are just a few of the economic development initiatives planned for this year. For businesses looking to open or grow in Souderton, an interactive map with spaces for rent/ sale is available at www.soudertonconnects.com/open-a-business.

For more information, visit soudertonconnects.com. Follow us on @soudertonconnects on lnstagram and Facebook for updates.

RAIN BARRELS

Help Conserve Water and Save Money!

WHAT EXACTLY IS A RAIN BARREL?

A rain barrel is a system that collects and stores rain water from your roof that would otherwise be lost to runoff and diverted to storm drains, streams, and eventually the Delaware River watershed. It is constructed using a reused 55 gallon food grade barrel, a bottom drain, a spigot, an overflow a screen to keep debris and insects out, and a downspout diverter to carry the water into the rain barrel.

A rain barrel is a relatively simple and inexpensive way to capture and store rain water for use at later times. It conveniently sits under residential gutter downspouts from you home, garage, and/or shed.

BENEFITS OF USING A RAIN BARREL

Lawn and garden watering can take up a large percentage or total percentage of total household water use during the summer months. A rain barrel collects water and stores it for when you need it most, during periods of drought! A rain barrel provides an ample supply of FREE water for flowers, gardens, lawns, and even car washing!

A rain barrel can conserve water ad save YOU money during peak summer months. Conserving water helps protect the environment, saves energy (decreased demand for treated tap water and well water) and decreased the impact of runoff to streams and the Delaware River. Therefore by installing a rain barrel YOU can help protect the water quality, aquatic species, drinking water quality, and recreation in the Delaware River watershed.

A formula to remember: 1 inch of rain on a 1,000 sq. ft. roof yields 623 gallons of water. Calculate the yield of your roof by multiplying the square footage of your roof by 623 and divide by 1,000.

FALL FEST – IT REALLY WAS FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

The 3rd Annual Franconia Township Fall Festival was a hit again in 2022! With our biggest turnout ever, we estimated that we had over 8,000 people join in the fun! It turned out to be a beautiful weekend, which allowed us to incorporate some new events and attractions while also bringing back some of the much-anticipated activities from previous years. The pumpkin patch, hay maze and hayrides are always a fan favorite for the kids, which makes it a staple of the Fall Fest every year. We loved seeing all the families making new memories together. The helicopter rides were a new addition to the Fall Fest and offered not only a great ride but also a once in a lifetime view of our magnificent township from the sky. We hope to be able to bring them back in the coming years. Throughout the weekend, we had over 70 vendors and each one had something special to offer! Home decor, candles, soaps, lotions, toys, floral arrangements and so much more! It was amazing how many exceptionally talented people are right here in our own backyard, creating fantastic products for everyone to enjoy. The food was incredible and there was so much to choose from. The food vendors really knocked it out of the park with their delicious culinary delights! The Mike Greer Band, The Mighty Manatees, and the Ashley Godshall Trio all drew in quite the crowd during their sets. Adam, with AC DJs, was on hand to announce activities and provide a musical backdrop while the bands took a well-deserved break. As always, Adam knows how to keep a crowd entertained.

Saturday at Fall Fest was Emergency Services Day, which featured Police, Fire, and Emergency Medical Services from all over the region and state. Many people took the opportunity to interact with emergency personnel, check out their tools and equipment, and watch the live demonstrations they put on. Saturday concluded with the most spectacular fireworks display. We have never seen anything like it, and we hope you were able to enjoy the fireworks display. On Sunday, we hosted our first ever JeepOWeen! We were so excited to have over 30 participants. The Jeep decorating contest was a hit, and we enjoyed seeing so much creativity. Congratulations to our JeepO-Ween winners!

Fall Fest 2022 was another great weekend of family, fun and food. We hope you had as much fun as we did! This is yet another incredible display of why Franconia Township is one of the best places to live!

2023 TOWNSHIP BUDGET

Another Year of No Tax Increases

Franconia Township’s 2023 Budget will be another year without a real estate tax increase.  Each month, Franconia Township’s Board of Supervisors, Township Manager, and department heads review the financial reports created by our independent CPA firm to assess the financial condition of the township. Despite the difficult economy, the township financial position remains strong.  For those interested, and for complete transparency, the township posts an independent audit on the township website

In July, the township begins compiling information from multiple sources to begin the 2023 budget process.  We use a modified zero-based budgeting strategy, where everything needs to be justified, including staffing, capital needs and the day-to-day expenditures.  Monthly financial reports, multi-year budgets, expenditure and revenue histories are studied.  Department heads compile lists of needs and wants for the upcoming year which are then reviewed and discussed with the other department heads, township manager and financial coordinator.

Jon Hammer, Township Manager Franconia Township

Currently, revenue predictions are a bit trickier.  With the bulk of our revenue coming from earned income taxes and real estate taxes, a good portion of revenue comes from variable revenues such as building and other type of permits that fluctuate with the national economy.

Franconia Township embraces a forward-thinking mindset when looking at the budget and makes financial projections for five years.  A 5-Year Capital Projection Budget is created and revised for large expenditures such as road maintenance, equipment repairs and replacement, computer upgrades and infrastructure improvements.  This year, much needed renovations were completed at the township building. A new lobby, meeting room, restrooms, flooring, ceiling, lighting and a new audio/visual system were added.

In October there was a full review of the budget draft where additional tweaks were made to the budget as we received premium costs for our various insurance policies, and other such items for the following year. The Board of Supervisors then publicly reviewed the budget, and the budget was advertised in the local newspaper.  The proposed budget draft was also available at the township office for review by residents.  Lastly, the 2023 Budget was adopted by the Supervisors in December.

Should you have any questions on the township budget process, please reach out to the Township Manager, Jon Hammer, at admin@franconia-township.org or 2157231137.  The township audit is also posted on the website for review.

FRANCONIA TOWNSHIP POLICE INFORMATION

Police Department Reaccreditation

On July 28, 2022, the township was notified that the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission unanimously voted to re-accredit the Franconia Township Police Department. The re-accreditation process occurs every three years and examines all functions of the department during that time. In May, three trained assessors from various counties within Pennsylvania performed an on-site review of our personnel, equipment, policies, procedures, and facilities. The assessors found that our police department complies with all 133 standards. James Adams, Accreditation Program Coordinator for the Pennsylvania Police Chief’s Association wrote, “Your work in this program demonstrates the type of leadership we strive for in law enforcement in Pennsylvania. You have the right to be very proud of your agency. Only a small percentage of law enforcement agencies in Pennsylvania are able to say that they have completed this rigorous program.”

Chief Michael Martin credits this success to the professionalism of all the officers who continually strive for excellence while holding firm to the department’s mission and values. Chief Martin said, “Without the commitment and dedication of each and every one of our officers, we would not be able to achieve such recognition. Most importantly, their compassion for others and sincere desire to always do the right thing is what has allowed us to earn the community’s trust. Also, adopting the industry’s best policies and practices and sticking to them is what allowed us to earn the assessors’ respect. We will continue to work hard, evolve, and always strive to improve our service.” The chief gives special recognition to Administrative Sergeant Steven Cronin and Accreditation Consultant, Michael Croom for spearheading the effort of tracking necessary proofs of compliance for all applicable standards.

The Franconia Township Police Department was first accredited in May of 2010.

Welcome, Officer Wilson!

On October 4, 2022, we welcomed a new officer to our police department. Here in Franconia Township Police Department, we are committed to law enforcement professionalism through integrity, respect, and service. To maintain the quality of service that Franconia Township residents have come to expect from our department, any officer hired here must first go through a stringent process to ensure they can and will live up to the values we strive to uphold. Officer Wilson has exceeded our expectations in this process and has proven himself to be not only a genuinely good person, but also a great police officer.

Before starting in Franconia Township, Officer Scott Wilson had been employed as a full-time police officer with the City of Philadelphia Police Department since May of 2015. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Scott is a graduate of Franklin Towne Charter School. Scott attended Rosemont College and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice in 2021. While serving in the Philadelphia Police Department, Scott worked in the 25th district and was on several special units within the department. Scott is also a certified Emergency Medical Technician and is a member of the Harleysville Volunteer Fire Company.

Please join us in welcoming Officer Wilson to Franconia Township and say hello to him if you see him around town. He is an excellent addition to our department and to the community we serve.

Chief Michael L. Martin

Pam Paraskewik Retires After 14 Years Of Service

The Police Department bid a fond farewell and Happy Retirement to our Administrative Assistant, Pam Paraskewik on July 29th. Pam had been greeting visitors and handling requests for information at the police department since May of 2008. Pam always went out of her way to help residents, co-workers, and businesspersons. With a smile on her face and a kind word, Pam made sure that the office ran smoothly.

Congratulations and Happy Retirement, Pam!

Franconia Township and Police Association Sign Three-Year Contract Extension

On Monday, September 19, 2022, Franconia Township and the Franconia Township Police Association signed an extension to their current collective bargaining agreement through December 31, 2026. With the current agreement currently in place through December 31, 2023, both sides felt this was a good time to extend the agreement for an additional three years.

“We have an outstanding relationship with our Police Department and are very proud of the work they do for our community,” says Board of Supervisors Chairman Grey Godshall. “We have a very professional police staff, they are well trained and do a great job.”

Franconia Township Police Association President Tim Boyle agrees “Our officers enjoy working in Franconia and serving the businesses and residents. It’s a special place and we’re proud to serve, Boyles said. This contract extension solidifies our relationship and ensures we will continue to have an outstanding force for years to come.”

Franconia Township has been ranked by several publications as being one the safest communities in all of Pennsylvania.

“This doesn’t happen by accident” says Township Manager Jon Hammer. “Our Police Department has forged close relationships with our residents. We have thousands of residents keeping an eye on our community and willing to call when something doesn’t seem right in their neighborhood.”

Aside from traditional policing duties, the Franconia Police Department and Police Benevolent Association run numerous community functions throughout the year, including Fall Fest in early October, Shop with a Cop, and Movie Nights in Franconia Community Park.

FRANCONIA UNVEILS NEW ACCESSIBLE PLAYGROUND

With new play equipment, a new rubberized surface, and the first playground in the township that will allow children of all abilities to play together on equipment accessible to all, Franconia Township has unveiled a new playground at the Franconia Community Park on Allentown Road.

The playground encompasses over 5,000 square feet and has ten new pieces of equipment which includes shade structures for those hot days, and easy on/off equipment for those with mobility issues. The rubberized play surface will allow wheelchairs, and those with a difficult time walking on wood chips to access the new play equipment. The township incorporated a “farm theme” to the playground, paying homage to the township’s rich farming heritage. Among the feature pieces are a new brightly colored tractor and corn stalk climbers to go along with new swings and a merry-go-round.

“It’s a project the entire community can be proud of,” says Township Manager Jon Hammer. “Building this playground speaks to the type of caring and generous community we have in Franconia. It’s more than a playground, it’s a community gathering space for our residents.”

The playground opened in October.

LAND DEVELOPMENT UPDATE

Approved or Under Construction

• The Pizza Box – 402 Morwood Road

• Peter Becker Community – 30 Cottages at Pondview

• Amplifier Research – Building addition, 160 Schoolhouse Road

• Alderfer Glass – 134 Telford Pike, Warehouse and office expansion with associated parking

• Bayard Estates – WB Homes, Indian Creek Road, 22 Single Family Homes and 23.6 acres designated for Open Space

• Belton Manor Estates – 8 Single Family Homes, Godshall Road

• Allebach Tract – 10 Single Family Homes, Cowpath Road and Forrest Road

• Reserves at Franconia, Pulte Homes – 42 Single Family Homes & 42 Townhouses Beck Road and Cowpath Road

• Souderton Borough Public Works Building – 160 Cherry Lane

• NCC Automated Systems – 255 Schoolhouse Road 29,000 square foot warehouse addition as Phase I

• Hopewell Christian Fellowship – Detached Pole Building for Youth Center

Currently Before the Board of Supervisors

• Souderton Mennonite Homes – Land Development, W Reliance and Colonial Avenue

Rezone Projects

• Rezone of parcels along W Reliance Road – From R-130 to Institutional

• Neighborhood Overlay District – To permit mixed residential development. Applied to property along Beck Road and Cowpath Road.

• Professional Office Overlay District – To allow professional office use through the Conditional Use process. Applied to parcels along Township Line Road and County Line Road

TIPS FOR RECYCLING SMOKE DETECTORS

Smoke detectors are a life-saving device that should be in everyone’s home. Smoke detectors have an expiration date—10 years for smoke detectors and 5 to7 years for combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. So how do you dispose of an expired smoke detector?

The answer to this question depends on the type of smoke detector. There are two types of smoke detectors: ionizing and photoelectric.

Ionizing smoke detectors use a tiny amount of a radioactive isotope and electrically charged plates to detect smoke. When smoke enters the detector, it stops the flow of ions between the two electrically charged plates, causing the alarm to sound. Ionizing smoke detectors are best at detecting flaming fires.

Photoelectric smoke detectors contain a light sensor and a light aimed away from the sensor. When smoke enters the detector, the light is reflected onto the light sensor, causing the alarm to sound. Photoelectric smoke detectors are best at detecting smoldering fires.

There are also dual sensors which contain both types of detectors in one unit. You can identify the type of smoke detector by looking at the back. If you see a radioactive symbol (pictured to the right), then you have an ionizing or dual sensor smoke detector. The back of the smoke detector has the manufacture date, which you can use to determine the expiration date.

Smoke detectors are not accepted at Montgomery County household hazardous waste or E-waste recycling events or drop-off locations. Photoelectric smoke detectors can be thrown in your household trash after removing the battery. Due to the radioactive material in ionizing smoke detectors, they must be recycled; however, they cannot be put into a household recycling bin. There are two options for properly recycling ionized or dual sensor smoke detectors:

Return to manufacturer: Many companies will accept their brand of ionizing smoke detectors for recycling. The United States Postal Service provides a list of manufacturers that accept smoke detectors and their addresses. You must pay for postage and, in some cases, a small fee for recycling. Google provides a free shipping label to recycle their Google Nest smoke detectors.

Smoke detector recycling kit: Curie Environmental Services offers a smoke detector recycling kit to recycling ionizing smoke detectors, regardless of brand. The kits include proper shipping materials and paid postage. The kit will be shipped to your home, and you can simply add your smoke detectors (battery removed) and drop off with the shipping carrier listed on the postage.

For more information on recycling smoke detectors, go to www.northmontcorecycle.com.

PUBLIC WORKS UPDATE

Franconia Township’s Public Works’ crew is always looking for a way to improve the infrastructure in the township and ways to slow down storm water to prevent erosion. One of the goals for our Public Works Department is to be looking ahead and to watch out for potential problems that may occur on or in our roadways and storm sewers.

One way we can do this is by pavement preservation to our road surface. There are a few ways of achieving this while being cost effective. Some processes used in 2022 were:

• Ultra-thin overlay process used on Mininger Road and completed in June.

• Double Seal Coat followed by Polymer Modified Fog Seal process used in the Heatherfield and Hunters Way development which was also completed in June.

• Cape Seal process on Cherry Lane completed in July.

• Milling and paving on Middle Park Drive and Banbury Drive completed in October.

Enos B. Godshall Park is getting some attention as well. The Public Works crew took on the task of converting the pond that had been algae ridden and very overgrown to a bioretention pond. Some tasks that took place so far this year were having the area cleared of brush and removing many dead ash trees. The pond water was then pumped down. After this work was completed, we used a large excavator to clean out the sediment that was at the bottom of the pond and installed an outfall structure to allow the water out of the pond. The Township has a few years to complete this work so look for more information in upcoming articles.

The Franconia Community Park received some upgrades done to the playground equipment in September and October, and the playground wood chips were removed and a smooth rubberized play surface was installed.

Ultra-thin overlay process being applied to Mininger Road

Double Seal Coat followed by Polymer Modified Fog Seal process

Work being done on the new bio-retention area at Enos B. Godshall Park

TOWNSHIP NEWS

Are you interested in the latest news, events and information for Franconia Township? If you visit the home page of the township website at www.franconiatownship.org and scroll down to “News & Announcements,” you will find the most recent information the township has to offer. We invite you to visit the page regularly to be “in the know!”

Mike Guldin & Rollin’ & Tumblin’ brought a great performance to Franconia Township’s Summer Concert on Sunday, August 14, 2022. It was a beautiful evening, and everyone in attendance seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves. We hope you will join us for our concert in 2023!

PICKLEBALL CLINIC

On April 28, 2022, the Franconia Township Parks & Recreation Board sponsored a free pickleball clinic for residents that was conducted by Barb Matase, the USA Pickleball Association Ambassador for Souderton-Quakertown. Although the evening was a bit cool and windy, the group of 15 residents seemed to enjoy their time learning details and instruction on the basics of the sport that included simple exercises to learn ball control and some practice on the courts playing the game in foursomes. It was a joke among the instructor and group that if they could play in the wind and cold of the evening, they should have a great edge on playing the sport in nice weather!

Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in the country. Please come out and try your hand at the sport at the tennis/pickleball courts located at Franconia Community Park. The courts are dually lined (white lines for tennis and red and blue lines for pickleball). If you would like to learn more about the sport, please go to USAPA.org for information.

TOWNSHIP PARTNERS WITH PERKIOMEN WATERSHED CONSERVANCY AT JACOB REIFF HOMESTEAD

At the corner of Quarry and Upper Mainland Roads in Lower Salford Township, sits a very unassuming piece of history. The Jacob Reiff Homestead is 73 acres of permanent open space along the West Branch of the Skippack Creek. The property is a hidden gem where visitors will find the historic barn and homestead. A new “addition” to the park in 2023 will be the installation of two greenhouse buildings being spearheaded by the Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy (PWC). The Township has a long-standing partnership with the PWC and with their guidance and knowledge, they have planted well over 10,000 native trees and installed riparian buffers and rain gardens in the Township to continue to preserve the Perkiomen Creek watershed. That said, the PWC will be using the greenhouses to grow native plants as well as encourage the butterfly population. The Township encourages all residents and visitors alike to visit the park at 775 Quarry Road.

SUPERVISOR DOUGLAS GIFFORD RETIRES AFTER 37 YEARS OF SERVICE TO LOWER SALFORD TOWNSHIP

At the December 7, 2022 Board of Supervisors Meeting, Chairman Douglas Gifford submitted his resignation as Supervisor. Supervisor Gifford started his career of service to the residents of Lower Salford Township in 1986 as a member of the Zoning Hearing Board. Four years later, in 1990, he was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Board of Supervisors. 33 years later, he has decided to step aside to spend more time with his family.

The Township will genuinely miss Doug and his sense of commitment and community to doing what is best for the Township in this ever-changing world. May his future days be filled with family and friends, and may he always know that the Township is grateful for his leadership, knowledge, and endless sense of humor that will be missed.

As of this writing, the Township has begun the process of interviewing those interested in serving the remainder of Mr. Gifford’s term, which will expire December 31, 2023. Keep an eye on the Township website (www. lowersalfordtownship.org), as a new Supervisor will be appointed at the February 1, 2023 Board of Supervisors Meeting.

DPT

Shown at the Groundbreaking Ceremony on December 2, 2022 are Pete Dixon, Board Chair of the PWC, Township Supervisors: Dave Scheuren, Keith Bergman, Chris Canavan and Kevin Shelly and PWC Executive Director, Ryan Beltz

ALDERFER ROAD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT GARNERS TOWNSHIP THE 2021 BRIDGE SAFETY IMPROVEMENT AWARD

In 2020, the Township began construction to replace the bridge on Alderfer Road over the West Branch of the Skippack Creek. This bridge was originally built in 1940 and had seen many years of flooding due to changes in topography over the years. The flooding became more frequent and the last several years not only did flood waters cover the bridge, but also the surrounding roads causing road closures. The flood waters continued to deteriorate the structure as well and it became apparent that the bridge needed a total replacement for the safety of all who travel and live in the area. The project began in late 2020 and was opened to the public in December of 2021. In early 2022, the Township was notified that the project had been selected the winner of the 40th Annual Road/Bridge

Program. Many thanks to all involved, including Township Traffic Engineer,

INDIAN VALLEY PUBLIC LIBRARY PROVIDES STORY WALK FOR ALDERFER PARK

This past October, Alderfer Park became the new home of a Story Walk. What is a Story Walk? Well, it is a series of 20 free-standing frames that each have a single page of a story. As one page is read, you move to the next until you get to the final frame and ending of the story. This new interactive feature in Alderfer Park, 420 Oak Drive in Harleysville, begins at the corner of the playground equipment area and progresses along the trail. Stories are usually kept for approximately 3-4 months when a new story is provided.

Stories are geared towards elementary aged children. This wonderful new addition to the Park is brought to us by the Indian Valley Public Library who used grant funds to supply the Story Walk. Many, many thanks to the Indian Valley Public Library for choosing Lower Salford’s Alderfer Park for this new feature!

Safety Improvement

Stephanie Butler, P.E. of McMahon Associates; A Bowman Company and Doug Jones, Public Works Director.

Monoxide Safety

Often called the silent killer, carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless, colorless gas created when fuels (such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil, and methane) burn incompletely. In the home, heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel can be sources of carbon monoxide.

KKK CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home and in other locations where required by applicable laws, codes or standards. For the best protection, interconnect all CO alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.

KKK Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for placement and mounting height.

KKK Choose a CO alarm that has the label of a recognized testing laboratory.

KKK Call your local fire department’s non-emergency number to find out what number to call if the CO alarm sounds.

KKK Test CO alarms at least once a month; replace them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

KKK If the audible trouble signal sounds, check for low batteries. If the battery is low, replace it. If it still sounds, call the fire department.

KKK If the CO alarm sounds, immediately move to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door. Make sure everyone inside the home is accounted for. Call for help from a fresh air location and stay there until emergency personnel.

KKK If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Do not run a vehicle or other fueled engine or motor indoors, even if garage doors are open. Make sure the exhaust pipe of a running vehicle is not covered with snow.

KKK During and after a snowstorm, make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace are clear of snow build-up.

KKK A generator should be used in a well-ventilated location outdoors away from windows, doors and vent openings.

KKK Gas or charcoal grills can produce CO — only use outside.

HOME HEATING EQUIPMENT

Have fuel-burning heating equipment and chimneys inspected by a professional every year before cold weather sets in. When using a fireplace, open the flue for adequate ventilation. Never use your oven to heat your home.

FACTS

• A person can be poisoned by a small amount of CO over a longer period of time or by a large amount of CO over a shorter amount of time.

• In 2005, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 61,100 nonfire CO incidents in which carbon monoxide was found, or an average of seven calls per hour.