DAILY LIVING

Christmas in Akenac Park

by Rebecca Gray

Delaware Township

116 Wilson Hill Road

Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328

Phone: 570-828-2347

HOURS OF OPERATION:

Building Inspector:

Tuesday and Thursday 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Sewage Officer: By appointment only

Zoning Officer: By appointment only

Office:

Monday through Friday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Public Works:

Monday through Friday 7:00 am – 3:30 pm

Akenac Park:

Off Season

Operational Hours

September through May Hiking, fishing and playground available. Beach closed.

No swimming. No grilling. No personal watercraft permitted. Closed every Tuesday for maintenance.

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS:

MEETINGS

2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month, 7:00 pm at the Township Municipal Building

WORKSHOPS

2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month, 6:00 pm at the Township Municipal Building

Delaware Township held its annual Christmas in Akenac Park event on Saturday, December 10th. This year Delaware Township Recreation Commission presented a “Gnome for the Holidays” themed event. Akenac Park had beautifully decorated trees, lamp posts, and ground displays. The park was lined with vendors selling their handmade crafts, toys, and merchandise. Attendees were able to warm themselves by a bon fire, inside the lifeguard cabin or with a free cup of cocoa. Inside the recreation hall, children were able to decorate cookies, write a letter to Santa, make pinecone bird feeders or ornaments, and receive a free toy while visiting with Santa and his elves.

Delaware Township Recreation Commission wishes to thank Milford Bob Cat, Delaware Township Volunteer Fire Police, Volunteer Fire Department, Public Works, Dingman Delaware Children’s Choir, Pocono Environmental Education Center, Milford Quilters Guild, Dingmans Ferry Lions Club, the vendors and all the volunteers for helping to make this event a success.

If you are interested in learning more about Delaware Township Recreation events, volunteering for one or all events, or joining the Recreation Commission, please visit www.facebook.com/recreaton18328 or email recreation@ delawaretownshippa.gov or join us at one of our monthly meetings. Meetings are held on the 2nd Monday of each month at 6:00 pm at Delaware Townships Municipal Building, 116 Wilson Hill Road, Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328.

RESOLUTION 2022-10 RESOLUTION TO IMPLEMENT ACT 57 OF 2022 PROPERTY TAX PENALTY WAIVER PROVISIONS

A RESOLUTION of the Board of Supervisors of Delaware Township, Pike County to implement Act 57 of 2022.

WHEREAS, Act 57 of 2022, amending the Local Tax Collection Law, was signed by Governor Wolf on July 11, 2022, and takes effect on October 10, 2022; and

WHEREAS, Act 57 requires taxing districts that impose taxes on the assessed value of real property to adopt a resolution or ordinance within 90 days of the effective date of the act, or not later than January 9, 2023, directing the tax collector to waive additional charges for real estate taxes in certain situations; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Tax Collector of Delaware Township comply with the provisions of Act 57 and this resolution for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2023.

Definitions

The following words and phrase shall have the meanings given to them within this resolution unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

Additional charge: Any interest, fee, penalty, or charge accruing to and in excess of the face amount of the real estate tax as provided in the real estate tax notice.

Qualifying event:

1. For the purposes of real property, the date of transfer of ownership.

2. For manufactured or mobile homes, the date of transfer of ownership or the date a lease agreement commences for the original location or relocation of a manufactured or mobile home on a parcel of land not owned by the owner of the manufactured or mobile home. The term does not include the renewal of a lease for the same location.

Tax Collector: The elected tax collector for Delaware Township, Pike County, any authorized or designated delinquent tax collector, the Pike County Tax Claim Bureau, or any alternative collector of taxes as provided for in the act of July 7, 1947 (P.L. 1368, No. 542), known as the “Real Estate Tax Sale Law,” an employee, agent or assignee authorized to collect the tax, a purchaser of claim for the tax or any other person authorized by law or contract to secure collection of, or take any action at law or in equity against the person or property of the taxpayer for the real estate tax or amounts, liens or claims derived from the real estate tax.

Waiver

The Tax Collector shall, for tax years beginning on and after January 1, 2023, grant a request to waive additional charges for real estate taxes if the taxpayer does all of the following:

A. Provides a waiver request of additional charges, on a form provided by the State Department of Community and Economic Development, to the Tax Collector in possession of the claim within twelve (12) months of qualifying event;

B. Attests that a tax notice was not received; and

C. Provides the Tax Collector in possession of the claim with one of the following: a. A copy of the deed showing the date of real property transfer; and b. A copy of the title following the acquisition of a mobile or manufactured home subject to taxation as real estate showing the date of issuance or a copy of an executed lease agreement between the owner of a mobile or manufactured home and the owner of a parcel of land on which the mobile or manufactured home will be situated showing the date of the lease commences; and e BOARD OF SUPERVISORS e

D. Pays the face value amount of the tax notice for the real estate tax with the waiver request. ADOPTED this 28th day of the month of September 2022.

John Henderson Chair | Secretary jhenderson@delawaretownshippa.gov

Rick Koehler Vice-Chair | Treasurer rkoehler@delawaretownshippa.gov e ADMINISTRATION e Krista Predmore Township Administrator kpredmore@delawaretownshippa.gov

Robin Jones H.R. | Administrative Asst. rjones@delawaretownshippa.gov

Jamie Montague Permit Assistant jmontague@delawaretownshippa.gov e ROAD & MAINTENANCE DEPT. e Rich Bailo | Road Master roadmaster@delawaretownshippa.gov

Scott Axelband saxelband@delawaretownshippa.gov

John Klause dtbos@ptd.net

Bob Holderith dtbos@ptd.net e BOARDS & CHAIRPERSONS e

Planning Commission Andrea Jacobs, Secretary

Zoning Hearing Board Jamie Montague, Secretary

Board of Auditors Dennis Lee dennisleedtauditor@gmail.com

Township Historian Tim Singleton e ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS e Building Inspector Code Inspections, Inc. codeinspections@epix.net

Zoning Officer Ron Tussel rontussel@gmail.com

Sewage Officer Ron Tussel rontussel@gmail.com

January is for Dog Licensing

Pennsylvania Dog Law Enforcement, managed by the PA Department of Agriculture and the state’s 67 county treasurers, requires the licensing of all dogs three months of age or older.

Mail or deliver to the appropriate county treasurer’s office your completed dog license application for all dogs three months of age or older. Failure to comply will result in a maximum fine of $300 per violation plus court costs.

Spayed or neutered dogs are licensed annually for $6.50 or $31.50 for a lifetime license. Otherwise, an owner is required to submit $8.50 annually or $51.50 for a lifetime license. Fees support the enforcement of laws and regulations relating to individual dogs and the licensing and inspection of kennels. ADLEB

PA Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement DOG

COLOR SPOT TED WHITE BLACK BROWN OTHER-INDICATE OF DOG:

If the license is issued by an agent rather than the COUNTY TREASURER, an additional 50¢ will be charged. ALL PRICES INCLUDE SERVICE FEES ALLOWED BY LAW.

PUC Urges Consumers to Prepare for Rising Winter Energy Costs, Explore Conservation and Affordability Options as Utilities Adjust Supply Prices

As winter approaches and many utilities adjust their seasonal energy supply prices, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) reminds consumers they have options to manage anticipated higher bills – and stresses that consumers currently struggling to pay monthly bills should act now and seek assistance by contacting their utilities.

As we approach the winter heating season, now is the time for consumers to consider ways to improve energy efficiency and conservation around their home or business, and #CallUtilitiesNow to explore utility assistance programs and discuss other ways to manage bills and stay connected.

Energy Costs

The cost of energy used each month –either electricity or natural gas – is the second key factor in the size of customer bills. It is important for consumers to understand the two major parts of their monthly electric or natural gas bills:

• Delivery/distribution charge – This charge includes the cost for the operation and maintenance of the poles, wires, pipelines, and other infrastructure that delivers energy to your home or business. This portion of your monthly bill supports your local utility.

10.511 cents per kWh (2%);

• Pike Co. Light & Power, 1 PTC not finalized - currently at 12.8994 cents per kWh;

• PPL, up from 12.366 cents to 14.612 cents per kWh (18%);

• UGI Electric, no PTC change on Dec. 1 from the current 12.903 cents per kWh;

• Wellsboro Electric, up from 9.592 cents to 12.816 cents per kWh (34%); and

• West Penn Power, up from 8.306 cents to 8.517 cents per kWh (3%).

The PUC notes that electric utilities are required to procure energy at the least possible cost. However, the Commission does not regulate prices for the generation portion of electric bills. Generation prices are separate from the closely regulated rates that utilities charge for their distribution services – the delivery of electricity to homes and businesses.

Natural Gas – PTC Changes for Residential Customers

PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU ARE APPLYING FOR A LICENSE THAT REQUIRES THE DOG OWNER BE A SENIOR CITIZEN, AGE 65 OR OLDER, OR A PERSON WITH DISABILITY, YOU MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF AGE OR DISABILITY TO THE COUNTY TREASURER OR AGENT.

• Generation/supply charge – This charge covers the cost of the energy (electricity or natural gas) used during the month. This energy cost for this portion of the bill is determined in two ways: one, by a consumer’s contract with a competitive supplier or two, for consumers who do not shop, the utility provides energy supply at the “Price to Compare” (PTC).

Electric – December 1 PTC Adjustments for Residential Customers

All Pennsylvania regulated electric utilities are adjusting their PTCs on December 1 for residential non-shopping customers. The PTC averages 40% to 60% of the customer’s total utility bill. However, this percent varies by utility and by the level of individual customer usage.

Beginning December 1, electric distribution companies report the following changes in their PTCs for residential customers:

Over the past few months, many of Pennsylvania’s natural gas distribution companies (NGDCs) have also adjusted their PTCs for non-shopping customers – and some NGDCs have seen increases in their purchased gas costs due to current energy market conditions. Similar to electric, the PTC averages 40% to 60% of the customer’s total utility bill, with the percentage varying by NGDC and by the level of individual customer usage.

The following NGDCs report PTC changes for residential customers:

• Columbia Gas of PA, up from $0.32613 to $0.7457 per therm (128%);

• National Fuel Gas, down from $0.9038 to $0.8778 per Ccf (-2.9%);

• PECO, down from $0.8346 to $0.8179 per Ccf (-2%);

• Peoples Natural Gas Co., down from $8.713 to $8.1342 per Mcf (-6.6%);

• Peoples Gas Co. LLC, down from $8.713 to $8.1342 per Mcf (-6.6%);

• Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW), down from $0.9381 to $0.8999 per Ccf (-4.2%);

I HEREBY VERIFY THAT I AM THE OWNER OF THE DOG THAT IS THE SUBJECT OF THIS DOG LICENSE APPLICATION. I MAKE THIS STATEMENT SUBJECT TO THE CRIMINAL PENALTIES OF 18 Pa § SECTION 4904 (RELATING TO UNSWORN FALSIFICATION TO AUTHORITIES).

SIGNATURE OF DOG OWNER/APPLICANT REQUIRED

IF APPLICANT IS A MINOR, SIGNATURE OF PARENT OR GUARDIAN IS REQUIRED MAIL TO PIKE COUNTY TREASURER’S OFFICE

• Citizens Electric, up from 9.3667 cents to 12.2259 cents per kWh (31%);

• Duquesne Light, estimated increase from 9.36 cents to 11.25 cents per kWh (20.2%);

• Met-Ed, up from 9.397 cents to 10.303 cents per kWh (10%);

• PECO, up from 8.508 cents to 9.855 cents per kWh (15.8%);

• Penelec, down from 10.021 cents to 9.889 cents per kWh (-1%);

• Penn Power, up from 10.348 cents to

• UGI Utilities, up from $0.85979 to $0.86063 per Ccf (1%); and

• Valley Energy, up from $0.41748 to $0.82047 per Ccf (96.5%).

Note: Changes in the purchased gas costs for PECO, PGW and UGI Utilities are anticipated on December 1. Any adjusted prices for those utilities will be available soon.

It is important to note that gas utilities are required to provide reliable natural gas service at the least possible cost. Every natural gas utility company is routinely audited by the PUC to ensure the Gas Cost Recovery they are passing on to their consumers reflects the costs the company paid and that every effort was made to purchase the natural gas for the least possible price.

#CallUtilitiesNow to Explore Customer Assistance Programs

The PUC continues to encourage struggling consumers to #CallUtilitiesNow, noting that direct conversations between struggling customers and utilities are the best “first step” in addressing outstanding bill balances and discussing utility assistance programs. Public utilities are the first and most direct mechanisms to link struggling households with much-needed assistance. Utilities understand the assistance programs available in their communities for incomequalified consumers – including utility-run Customer Assistance Programs, national programs like the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), and various hardship fund programs operated by utilities and non-profit organizations.

#CallUtilitiesNow is the best way to identify what help may be available to you. Also, be sure to call all your utilities: electric, natural gas, water, wastewater, and telecommunications because each may have different programs or resources available. Utilities also can help enroll consumers in assistance programs, guide them to other available resources and discuss new payment plan options to address overdue balances and help consumers move forward.

Managing Energy Usage

Energy usage is a key factor in the size of winter energy bills, and there are many ways that consumers can control that usage. Energy saving tips include:

• Pay attention to the thermostat –Every degree you raise or lower the temperature could impact energy costs by up to 3%. Also, consider a programmable thermostat to automatically lower temperatures while you are away from home.

• Have your furnace serviced – Regular furnace maintenance along with clean air filters help ensure efficient operation of your heating system.

• Insulate and seal leaks around your home – Adding insulation, installing storm windows and doors, and sealing cracks and air leaks can help you stay warmer and use less energy.

• Install or repair ceiling fans in hightrafficked rooms – Many people can reverse the direction of ceiling fans to clockwise to produce an updraft and move warmer air near the ceiling downward, keeping the room and you warmer.

• Consider resetting your water heater thermostat – Water heaters are the second highest source of energy usage in the home, and many people have the thermostat on their water heater set too high. Setting the temperature on your water heater a few degrees cooler can help save money on your energy bills.

The PUC’s electric shopping website PAPowerSwitch.com and natural gas shopping website PAGasSwitch.com have interactive sections with more easy consumer tips for saving energy.

Liheap

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for the 2022-23 winter heating season opened on Nov. 1, 2022.

Pennsylvanians can apply for LIHEAP and other public assistance programs online at www.compass.state.pa.us or by phone at 1-866-550-4355. On-site County Assistance Office (CAO) services are available if clients cannot access online services or need assistance that cannot be accessed through the COMPASS website, the myCOMPASS PA mobile app, or by calling the Customer Service Centers at 215-560-7226 for Philadelphia clients or 1-877-395-8930 for clients in all other counties.

Understanding Your Electric Supplier’s Contract

Consumers who have contracts with competitive suppliers should make sure that they understand all terms and conditions contained in their supplier contract. The terms and conditions are found in the contract’s disclosure statement – including but not limited to the contract’s expiration date and any terms and conditions for terminating a contract.

Consumers who signed up with competitive energy suppliers last winter – perhaps for the first time – could be approaching the end of those contracts. It is important to understand your options at the end of a contract, as well as the importance of taking action to avoid any surprising changes in energy prices.

Consumers that already have an agreement with an electric supplier and want to switch to a different supplier, or return to default service with their electric utility, should carefully review their contract’s disclosure statement to see if there are any penalty/ switching fees or cancellation fees. Call your current supplier if you are not sure. Additionally, consumers should be aware that at the end of a supplier’s contract, they will receive two contract renewal notices: an Initial Notice 45-60 days prior to the contract’s expiration date; and then an Options Notice at least 30 days prior to the end of the contract.

After receiving a second contract renewal notice, consumers should not stay silent and make sure to choose one of the options mentioned in the notice. If a customer fails to respond with one of these options, they may automatically remain with the current supplier on a month-to-month basis without any early termination fees.

Customers who have questions about the end of their contract should contact their current supplier and, if there is a problem, then contact the PUC’s Bureau of Consumer Services at 1-800-692-7380. More information on understanding a contract with an electric generation supplier and electric switching can be found here on PAPowerSwitch.com.