Bridgewater says ‘no’ to noise ordinance

BY PAT FARNELLI

Bridgewater Township Supervisors announced Monday that they will not be making a municipal dog barking/noise ordinance, and be sending a letter to a resident who had presented them with a proposal for such an ordinance at a previous meeting.

At their April 16 meeting, Supervisor Kirk Heffner made a motion not to move forward with consideration of a dog barking ordinance at this time, which was seconded by Supervisor Chris Harris. The supervisors based this decision in part on the information they received from the PA State Association of Township Supervisors legal representative, which stated that there cannot be a dog barking ordinance.

“The ordinance would have to be a noise ordinance, which would cover everything from air conditioners to tractors working field, to farm animals, to family gatherings and parties,” Heffner said.

The supervisors unanimously agreed that this is not in the best interest of the township at this time.

In the meantime, Gretchen Backer, the resident who had requested the ordinance, along with several others in the county experiencing similar issues, approached the Susquehanna County Commissioners about adopting a similar ordinance countywide.

Adam Millard from True View Binghamton submitted a quote and did a presentation for the new video camera update to the security system for the entrance door to the township buildings. Supervisors accepted the quote for the new/upgraded video camera system and the upgrade to the security system.

The township will hold Clean Up Days on July 20-21. Electronics will be accepted at no charge, and there will be a $35 per load for unwanted items to be hauled. A separate collection will be available for used tires at a fee, and a drug take-back van will be on the premises.

Paul Hitchcock on Coleman Road has requested hidden driveway signs, as there are three driveways with low visibility along a stretch of roadway that already has a sharp corner sign, and a 15 mile per hour speed limit sign.

Bridgewater Township holds meetings on the first Monday of the month at 7 p.m.; and the third Monday of the month at 3:30 p.m.