Upper Providence Council mulls weather problems

by Susan L. Serbin DCNN Correspondent

Upper Providence Council merged the business and committees meeting into one session, due to weather issues. Those weather conditions came up several times during the meeting.

This is the first real winter weve had for awhile, and its been rough, said Council Chair Joseph Solomon.

He commended the township highway department led by David Pysher, and police and emergency responders for the countless hours and hard work addressing difficulties over the last several weeks. Solomon also thanked PECO for bringing power back to the area and Delaware County in a timely manner.

Later in the meeting, Township Manager Greg Lebold said it had come to the attention of the administration that the township did not have an ordinance regarding snow clearing. He consulted other neighboring municipalities in preparation for crafting such a code. Lebold said he will draft an ordinance which will require property owners to clear sidewalks, and other walkways such as driveway aprons, within 24 hours of a snow storms end. This, he said, seemed to be a generally adopted standard. Once drafted, reviewed by the solicitor and advertised, council will hold a public hearing as required. The process might not be completed before the last storm of this winter, but it will be in place for the future.

Although not seemingly related, Lebold said the township will also address bamboo which is extremely invasive, spreads though a hearty root system and is resistant to herbicides. The problems with bamboo became apparent recently as the vegetation, which can grow to be 25 feet high, came down in storms. Lebold said it added to the difficulty of clearing roadways.

Its nasty to deal with. Several municipalities have regulations on how to contain growth on properties, Lebold said, indicating the township would move forward on the matter.

Solomon asked about other invasive or destructive species. Lebold said many are regulated by property maintenance ordinances.

Lastly in issues concerning weather, the township is bracing for the financial impact of the winter. Solomon said budget lines, such as plowing and supplies, have not been exhausted in the last few years, but that we may have a fiscal shock this year.

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Upper Providence Council mulls weather problems