WDA Newsletter for theBulletin Residents of West Deer Township July 2019

SIGN UP FOR EMERGENCY TEXT NOTIFICATIONS

Most residents have cellular phones -- and therefore have the ability to send and receive text messages. The Board of Supervisors felt it was impor- tant to have a method of no- tifying residents instantly of emergency situations, such as closed roads, downed trees, Welcome to the West Deer Newsletter! flooding, etc. With The Town Flyer no longer being 2. Improved website updates. The The Township enrolled in a published, the Township lost an impor- website is an invaluable tool, and it service called SimpleTexting, tant way of reaching out to residents each will be receiving greater attention. and it is free for residents to month. Not all people used computers, sign up. To do so, please send not all people used social media, but a 3. An emergency texting service. In a text message to: great deal of people read The Town Flyer. situations where, for example, a road 900-900 is closed, the Board wanted a way to and type in the keyword: The Board of Supervisors realized the notify anyone interested in knowing. westdeer information void needed filled, so they worked with the administration to come 4. A possible Facebook page. The up with a multi-pronged approach to Board realizes people use Facebook, reach as many residents as possible: and is attempting to find a way to get information out on Facebook while still 1. This newsletter. Mailed to every protecting privacy and limiting abuse. Contact Information household in the Township, it is the most comprehensive way of getting We hope you enjoy this initiative, and West Deer Township people information. find it informative! 109 East Union Road Cheswick, PA 15024 West Deer Township Road Where do my taxes go? p.3 Program Information p.8 Phone: 724.265.3680 Police: 911 Police Admin: 724.265.1100 THE TOWNSHIP WEBSITE: TONS OF INFORMATION Hours: M-F 8:00am to 4:00pm West Deer Township has a wonderful website. It is updated regularly with notices of meetings and other important Township information. It also has the Township Budget and the full, searchable Township Code.

Please check it out at : www.westdeertownship.com GARBAGE/RECYCLING INFO One of the most disputed and misunderstood topics in the Township is rubbish/recycling collection.

Garbage attracts vermin and disease, is horrible to look at, and simply smells bad. Because of these reasons, the Board of Supervisors adopted a “Solid Waste” ordinance -- Chapter 181 of the Township Code as seen on our website -- which made collection and disposal of garbage/recyclables mandatory throughout the Township. This also means that all one- and two-family residences are obligated to pay the rate of service to the trash hauler awarded -- through an agreement -- by the Board of Supervisors through a formal bid process. Why? Because the hauler is also obligated to pick up the trash. They are not permitted to “pick and choose” addresses.

When it comes to recycling, Morrow uses an repurposed garbage truck to collect it. So though it may look like they are dumping recyclables in with garbage, it is kept separate. Morrow pays $30/ton less for recycling, and the recycling center is in Middlesex. The garbage dump is in Monroeville. So they would have to pay more and drive farther (with turnpike tolls) by mixing recycling with garbage.

There are times when trash pick-ups may be missed. In those situations, please contact Morrow Refuse at 724.265.2491. If you are unable to get through to Morrow, please contact the Township office at 724.265.3680. We’ll do our best to help! SOME COLLECTION TIPS

1. Read over Chapter 181 on our website for rules and requirements.. It’s simple! Click on “Township Code” on the front page, type in “181” in the search bar at the top of the second page, then click on the “Solid Waste” result!

2. Make sure your trash is out the night before pick-up so you aren’t missed. Pickup is between 6:00am and 6:00pm.

3. Ensure you either use a sturdy garbage can, or use thick contractor bags (sold at stores such as Lowe’s). Critters such as raccoons, crows, and even bears (!) will tear apart weak, unprotected kitchen bags.

4. Along those lines, Morrow is not responsible for picking up loose trash. As per the requirements, garbage must be bagged.

HOW DID WE GET MORROW REFUSE? Some people ask why they have to use a designated trash hauler instead of being able to choose their own. As stated above, garbage collection is a public health issue, but comments are sometimes heard that “there are back door dealings,” and “supervisors get kick-backs.” Neither is at all true.

The awarding of a refuse agreement by the Board of Supervisors is a formal bid process. During the current agreement award process, the request for bids was advertised in the local newspaper. Three companies -- Waste Management, Vogel, and Morrow -- picked up bid packets. Of the three, only Morrow attended the mandatory pre-bid meeting required by the Board, and Morrow was the only company to properly submit a bid. Their bid for 2019 was $17.00 per month. In comparison, Richland Township’s rate with Vogel is $24.10 per month in 2019.

02 NEWSLETTER | JULY 2019 “WE NEED MORE WHERE DO MY TAX BUSINESSES SO DOLLARS GO? TAXES WILL DROP!”

It seems that every time the question of how to improve the Township – or whether to raise taxes – comes up, there is a similar refrain: “We need more businesses in the Township to lower taxes! That will solve our problems!”

While this is a normal (and very popular) response, in reality it is not always true.

In 1988, the Pennsylvania legislature passed what was known as the Pennsylvania Local Tax Reform Act. This We receive many questions from residents in regard to their Act prohibited municipalities that did not property taxes, so each year we include a breakdown to help tax business proceeds -- such as West people make sense of it. Deer -- from ever receiving business taxes. Firstly, many folks do not realize that there are THREE different As an example, if a Wal-Mart moved into property taxes in West Deer: School District, County, and the Township today, West Deer would Township. The Township has no control over the County and receive $0 from taxing their profit. Not one School District taxes, and vice versa. penny! The current 2019 information for each is as follows: Now we would receive a property tax, local services tax (LST), and fire tax. Those Taxing Body Millage Rate Portion of Each Tax Dollar would total $28,373 using an average Deer Lakes 21.953 $0.74 Wal-Mart’s value and employee count. Allegheny County 4.73 $0.16 West Deer 2.99 $0.10 However, that Wal-Mart would require additional policing, more wear-and-tear on The following is the actual annual amount that would be paid for the roads, etc., so the cost to the Township the average property assessment of $115,600 in West Deer: would be greater than the $28,373 gained. Deer Lakes: $ 2,537.77 Having businesses in the Township is Allegheny County: $ 546.79 very valuable, and desirable. That is why West Deer: $ 345.64 the Board is working diligently in getting SMART business growth in the Township... for the right reasons.

No taxes can be devised which are not more or less inconvenient and unpleasant.

- George Washington

JULY 2019 | NEWSLETTER 03 WEST DEER TOWNSHIP

BAIRDFORD PARK AUGUST 2ND AND 3RD

12th Annual West Deer Township Community Day Parade!

Friday, August 2nd, at 6:30pm

Featuring: Bands, Drill Teams, Fire Trucks, and Much, Much, More!

Community Days One-Mile Walk/5K Run for Breast Cancer

The annual walk/run begins at 10:30am in Bairdford Park. There is a $10 registration fee to benefit local residents through the Adagio Health Group. If you pre-register prior to July 15th, you will receive a t-shirt prior to the event. The shirts can be picked up at the event tent in Bairdford Park Thursday, August 1st between 6:00pm and 9:00pm, or Saturday the 3rd at 9:30am.

For more information, please visit www.westdeertownship.com, or call 724.265.1100

Fireworks by Zambelli Fireworks! Saturday, August 3rd, at 10:00pm

* Rain Date: Sunday, August 4th at 9:30pm

ALL EVENTS ARE FREE! * Times are Subject to Change * Vendors Must Register and Pay in Advance. No Vendors Accepted the Day of the Event. * NO PETS ARE PERMITTED IN THE PARK

04 NEWSLETTER | JULY 2019 2019 Community Days

6:00pm: Park Opens (all-day music by West Deer’s D.J. Wild Bill!)

6:00pm to 10:00pm: Hay Ride

7:00pm to 11:00pm: Euro-Bungee, Inflatables, and Carnival Rides

7:30pm to 9:00pm: Balloon Making Ridge Runners Car Show

8:30pm to 9:30pm: Dennis Bowman -- Ventriloquist

9:30am to 10:30am: Registration for One-Mile Walk/5k Run for Breast Cancer

10:30am: One-Mile Walk/5k Run for Breast Cancer

12:00pm: Park Opens (all-day music by West Deer’s D.J. Wild Bill!)

1:00pm to 9:00pm: Euro-Bungee, Inflatables, and Carnival Rides

2:00pm to 3:00pm: Home Depot Children’s Wooden Building Projects

3:00pm to 4:00pm: “That Guy with the Birds”

4:00pm to 5:00pm: Wild Animal Show

4:00pm to 9:00pm: Bingo (sponsored by St. Victor’s Church)

5:00pm to 5:30pm: Pirate Parrot

5:00pm to 9:00pm: Hay Ride Balloon Making by Pittsburgh Puppet Works Airbrush Tattoo Artist

5:30pm to 6:00pm: Police K-9 Demonstration

6:00pm to 7:00pm: Ice Cream Eating Contest

7:00pm to 9:30pm: Karaoke by Dave Oleniacz

10:00pm: Zambelli Fireworks (Rain Date: Sunday, Aug 4th at 9:30pm)

JULY 2019 | NEWSLETTER 05 STREETLIGHTS IN STREETLIGHT STREETLIGHT THE TOWNSHIP ASSESSMENTS BURNED OUT?

The Township believes in If your any part of your property Many people believe the Township providing a safe environment -- within 150 feet -- is lit by a changes burnt-out streetlight for its residents. The Board of Township streetlight, the Township bulbs, but it is actually the duty of Supervisors therefore has dark Tax Collector adds a “Streetlight the electric companies. corridors and intersections lit by Assessment” to your property tax streetlights paid for out of the bill in the amount of $35/year per In the past we have been able to Township Budget. affected parcel. This streetlight call the electric companies on your assessment is adjusted annually behalf, but they now require an If there is a location you feel needs as necessary to ensure funds are account number from the area. If lit, please contact the Township available to cover expenses. you have an outage, please find offices. We will evaluate the the pole number -- located on the site on your behalf. If police and In years where a sufficient fund pole as seen below -- and phone public works find it necessary, balance exists, the Board issues a your electric company at: the Township will put in an order moratorium on the assessment. for new LED streetlights with the Duquesne Light: 888.393.7000 electric companies in that area. West Penn Power: 888.544.4877

LITTLE FREE LIBRARIES & NORTHERN TIER Though the Township Library at the Senior Center closed, there are still two great options for residents: Little Free Libraries and Northern Tier Library.

Through an initiative sponsored by Supervisor Arlind Karpuzi -- and paid for (and built) by Lowe’s -- residents will see “Little Free Libraries” popping up in the Township. Currently there are a few of them installed at the municipal building and various parks. They are meant to be used on an honor system: “Take a book, leave a book.” Please do not use them as a dump for unwanted books.

Another fantastic option is the Northern Tier Library in Richland Township. The Library offers TONS of books, fabulous programs, and research centers. Northern Tier is located at 4015 Dickey Rd. Gibsonia PA 15044, and their website is: northerntierlibrary.org.

06 NEWSLETTER | JULY 2019 For many of us, clean water is so plentiful and readily avail- able that we rarely, if ever, pause to consider what life would be like without it. - Marcus Samuelsson

STORMWATER MANAGEMENT: UNDERSTANDING THE MS4 PROGRAM

There is no doubt about it -- stormwater management in Pennsylvania is a multi-layered, multi-jurisdictional, ever-changing quagmire of rules, regulations, and requirements. This article will help West Deer residents understand why these requirements -- mandated by Federal and State laws -- are in place.

What is the MS4 Program?

Untreated or uncontrolled stormwater runoff is the number one cause of impairment in our local waterways. Polluted runoff is often transported through municipal drainage systems until it eventually discharges into streams, lakes, and rivers. An MS4 -- or Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System -- is comprised of drainage systems including streets, catch basins, curbs, gutters, ponds, ditches, man-made channels, and stormpipes own by public entities. Therefore most municipalities -- including West Deer -- are required to comply.

MS4 programs are intended to improve our nation’s surface waters by reducing the levels of pollutants picked up by runoff and transported into the stormwater system during rains. As part of the MS4 Program, West Deer holds a permit to discharge stormwater into local waterways. This permit requires us to implement and maintain a stormwater management program that: 1) reduces the discharge of pollutants to the maximum extent possible; 2) protects water quality; and 3) satisfies the water quality requirements of the Federal Clean Water Act. In Pennsylvania, the MS4 Program is administered by the Department of Environmental Protection.

Every resident can participate in this program by reducing or preventing pollutant runoff from their own property by reporting any non-stormwater discharges into the Township’s drainage system.

What can we do to keep stormwater clean?

There are numerous things we can all do on a daily basis to keep pollution out of our waterways, such as:

1. Never dumping anything into storm drains, swales, or streams. 2. Picking up litter from the street before it gets into storm drains. 3. Using limited amounts of fertilizers. 4. If you must use pesticides, finding an environmentally-friendly product. 5. Recycling motor oil and other hazardous chemicals. NEVER dump such materials into the storm system! 6. Recycling in general! 7. Always picking up your pet’s waste. Otherwise, bacteria from it will eventually get into our water.

What type of connections are prohibited?

The following connections are strictly prohibited:

1. Any drainage pipe, channel, or ditch that allows non-stormwater discharge (like septic) into our system. 2. Roof drains. Unless necessary and approved by the Township, roof drains should discharge into vegetation. 3. Rubbish/garbage left in public rights-of-way, except that in waste receptacles intended for refuse collection. 4. Any drain or pipe connected to the Township’s stormwater system without approval from West Deer.

JULY 2019 | NEWSLETTER 07 TOWNSHIP ROAD PROGRAM

What is the Road Program?

The formal West Deer Road Program was implemented in 2010 as a way to both properly plan for the paving of roads throughout the Township, and to lessen the cost to taxpayers as much as possible.

Our Township Engineer surveyed every Township road, and performed “core borings” to get an idea of the condition beneath the roadways. Sometimes a road may look bad, but it just needs patched. Other roads may look okay, but are ready to fail completely over one bad winter.

Once that was done, the Engineer -- in conjunction with the Public Works Committee, Public Works Foreman, and Township Manager -- was able to “grade” all the roads and develop a schedule (or order) of the roads to be paved. Each year since, the same group meets to review the status of the program and to discuss some roads that may have jumped in priority due to their condition worsening.

What is the future of the Program?

In 2016, the Board of Supervisors grudgingly voted to raise the tax millage rate. The main reason behind the increase was to fund the Road Program at $1 million for the foreseeable future until the Program was “caught up.” Since then, the Township has been able to pave many roads (and plans).

With even $1 million allocated, it would take several years to pave all the roads in the Township. And once they are paved, we have to start all over again with the oldest roads. The Board’s vision, however, is that we stay on top of these roads by addressing stormwater -- which destroys roads more than anything -- and cracksealing each year. That way, we should be able to extend the life of roads and lower future costs.

08 NEWSLETTER | JULY 2019 DEAD DEER? DOWNED TREE? GOT LEAVES?

Who to contact if you find a dead During storms -- and living in such Morrow Refuse will pick up leaves deer on a roadway depends on a wooded area -- trees and large during a one-time, curbside leaf whose road it is (please see the branches often fall on roadways. collection in late autumn. Leaves article below). When they do, please do not MUST be in biodegradable paper wait for regular business hours to composting bags, NOT PLASTIC. If the deer is found on a State contact the Township. Instead, call road, please phone PennDOT at 911. The police dispatchers will Once the dates have been set (in 412.781.3260. notify our officers, and our officers October), the Collection Schedule will call our Public Works Foreman. will be posted on our website. If the deer is found on a County or Our Public Works Foreman will Township road, please phone the then send a crew to take care of it. Leaves can also be deposited on Township offices at 724.265.3680. top of the hill behind the Township It’s that simple! Building anytime, but must again When calling, be sure to leave your be in a biodegradable bag. These name, address, phone number, and bags can be bought at a store, or the aprox. location of the deer. through us at the cost of $3 for five.

IS IT A TOWNSHIP ROAD... OR NOT? Many times the Township offices receive phone calls about road conditions in the Township. However, there are also State and County roads within our borders.

It’s the middle of winter, and we are getting pounded with snow. You’re driving on Oak Road, and it’s clear -- it’s been freshly plowed. Then you get to Route 910. DISASTER!

You call the Township offices, furious. You pay your taxes, and the Township cannot even clear 910!

The truth? The Township doesn’t maintain Route 910. It is a State road, and the State does not contract with the Township to perform winter maintenance on it (unlike Oak Road, which is a CONTRACTED State road).

The same goes for the County, so please check out the listing of roads we have on our Public Works webpage at:

www.westdeertownship.com/public-works/

JULY 2019 | NEWSLETTER 09

Jonathan D. Lape, Chief of Police

West Deer Twp Police

109 East Union Road, Cheswick, PA 15024 www.westdeertownship.com T: 724.265.1100

Administrative Assistant Jennifer Borczyk ext. 303 Upcoming Events [email protected] August 2 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday- 7 AM – 3 PM Community Days Thursday- 12 PM – 8 PM August 8

Services Provided by West Deer Police Car Seat Installation: Upper St. Clair FD Car Seat Installation November 1 • See upcoming car seat events on our website or call for more information. Holiday Toy Campaign Begins Notary Services

• Please call for appointment or visit our website for more information. TRAFFIC SAFETY As children prepare to return Holiday Toy Campaign – Starting in November back to school this August, we remind everyone to be • We will again be hosting our annual holiday toy drive, cautious and pay attention! benefiting residents within the Deer Lakes School District. Officers will be out enforcing Please see our website for all details and how you can help! traffic violations, including school zones and bus safety. Police Explorer’s Program REMEMBER- speeding in an active school zone can cost • Boy and Girls ages 14-19 can join the Explorers and learn just up to $500 in fines. Passing a what it takes to be in law enforcement. Please visit the school bus can cost you your website to learn more about how to have your teen driving privileges! participate! SLOW DOWN! Tours

• Your group can schedule an educational tour, just call us!

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10 NEWSLETTER | JULY 2019

BEWARE OF SCAMMERS!

Nearly every day, West Deer Township Police receive calls from our residents regarding scam calls they, their family, or their neighbors have received. Most recently, the scammers have been claiming to be from the Social Security Administration. These scammers will use tactics such as your social security number is being used in a drug Soliciting in West Deer trafficking ring, your social security benefits will be revoked, or other various methods to obtain your personal information. Residents

We have also been informed of other various methods that scammers EVERY person who is soliciting in are using including, but not limited to, pretending to be a family West Deer Township is REQUIRED member in duress, pretending to be the IRS, stating that one of your to have a solicitor’s permit. You utilities will be shut off, and also attempting to access your computer. have a right to ask for the permit. These are not the only methods being used by scammers, and they You have the option to sign up for will come up with many more. You may also receive mailed scams. our “no knock” list which is given to solicitors when their permit is Read below for our best practices to protect your information. approved. To be added to the Here are some tips to protect your personal information: “no knock” list, please email your request with your name and � NEVER give your social security number, date of birth, maiden address to name, etc. over the phone when you RECEIVE a phone call. If you [email protected]. are questioning the legitimacy of the phone call, hang up, look up If you think someone is soliciting the number for that company in a public location (their website or without the proper phone book), and call the company to inquire about their phone call documentation, call 911 or the to you. police department office. Solicitation hours are Monday � DO NOT call back a number you are unsure of. through Sunday 9 am until sunset

� DO NOT send gift cards (or the numbers from the cards) as Visit our website for the most up to forms of payment- NO LEGITIMATE COMPANY will accept this as a date permit holders. form of payment Solicitors � DO NOT wire or send money (Western Union, Etc.) to anyone who you don’t know personally- this includes people who you have Visit our website for complete met over the internet. instructions on obtaining a permit or call during administration hours. � DO NOT deposit any checks that you are not expecting- take the checks to a banker to verify accuracy if you are doubtful.

� DO use a credit monitoring resource- the federal government allows you one free credit report per year, Experian provides credit monitoring, and some of the credit cards you already have may provide credit monitoring.

Page 2 of 2 JULY 2019 | NEWSLETTER 11

CODE ENFORCEMENT & BUILDING INSPECTION The Code Enforcement Officer is responsible for: processing and issuing building, zoning, and other developmental permits; providing building inspections and residential plan reviews; and verifying compliance with all UCC building code requirements. The office currently uses the 2015 ICC Standards, and all new construction projects require the issuance of an approved permit prior to the beginning of construction.

ADDRESS NUMBERING PLANNING & ZONING & CHANGES West Deer has a Planning Commission and Zoning House/Business Address Numbering Hearing Board. Each has a separate -- yet very important -- function within the Township. To better enable emergency response personnel to locate your residence, West Deer Township has an ordinance that requires all property owners display Planning Commission their street address on the property. Not having these numbers may seem like an inconvenience, but those few minutes could mean life or death. The Planning Commission is a seven-member body made up of local residents. They oversee new developments To identify your property, it is required that numbers and subdivisions, and works with the Board of be at least four inches in height and displayed on the Supervisors and administration on the Township’s building where it is most visible from the road. If the Comprehensive Plan. The Township Engineer also works building is more than fifty feet from the roadway, please in conjunction with the Commission, reviews the plans, place numbers on your mailbox or other marker. Again, and advises them on engineering specifications. posting your street number may save a life. Th Commission ensures that the developers/contractors Address Changes meet all the requirements and zoning stipulations established in the Township. There are certain parts of the Township where street addresses are not correct. The addressing standards Public meetings are held the fourth Thursday of the required for 911 emergency purposes are that one side of a street should be even, and the other side odd. We month at 7:00pm (if necessary). again understand that this may be an inconvenience, but -- in the interest of public safety -- the Township will re-address those properties. No worries, though... the Zoning Hearing Board US Postal Service will ensure mail will be delivered. The Zoning Hearing Board is a five-member quasi- judicial body. This means that they are a “court of first “The first man who, having fenced in a piece appearance,” much like a regular court. The Zoning of land, said ‘This is mine,’ and found people Hearing Board has its own solicitor (attorney), and a court naïve enough to believe him, that man was reporter is present at every meeting. the true founder of civil society. From how many crimes, wars, and murders, from how A typical hearing, for example, may be held to determine many horrors and misfortunes might not any one if a resident is permitted to place a structure within have saved mankind, by pulling up the stakes, or the normally allowable side-yard setback. The ZHB filling up the ditch, and crying to his fellows: ‘Beware would hear the case and determine whether or not the of listening to this impostor; you are undone if you “variance” would be permitted. once forget that the fruits of the earth belong to us all, and the earth itself to nobody’.” The Zoning Hearing Board, if necessary, holds their hearings the third Thursday of the month at 7:00pm. - Jean-Jacques Rousseau

12 NEWSLETTER | JULY 2019 WEST DEER DOG SHELTER

DOG LAW INFO • Pennsylvania state law mandates that all dogs over three months old require a dog license. A fine of $300 may be imposed to owners of unlicensed dogs. It is also recommended that your dog be microchipped and have a collar displaying ID tags w/ phone number.

• Rabies shots are required every three years. The West Deer Shelter holds an annual rabies clinic over Memorial Day weekend.

• Excessive barking -- defined as The Dog Shelter is a Township-owned, volunteer-run, no-kill shelter continuous barking for thirty minutes located behind the Municipal Building. It provides a home, food, and or more -- is not permitted, . A medical care for abandoned and stray dogs -- no cats (sorry!). citation can be issued to the owner once the Code Enforcement Officer Each dog is given attention and care by our dedicated volunteer staff, receives five written complaints. which ranges from school-aged children to retirees. The shelter allows the dogs to roam freely throughout the shelter and adjoining yard. In • All dogs must be under control at all addition, they get walks and exercise. times. Dogs must be contained within your property and are not allowed to Before dogs are “adopted out,” they receive a complete medical run at large. checkup that includes vaccinations and spay/neutering services. If any medical conditions are discovered by our vet, they will be addressed • Animal abuse laws state that all prior to adoption. owners are required to provide food, potable water, and access to clean When an owner cannot be located -- or circumstances do not allow and sanitary shelter. the dog to be returned to its owner -- a dog will remain with the shelter until adopted. Some dogs have been with us for years, but we are -- • When an unattended dog is again -- no-kill, and they will always have a home with us. tethered to a leash -- or a run -- there are minimum standards which must Dogs up for adoption are listed on Petfinder.com. Check them be met. First, the tether must be at out and give them a “forever home”! least 10’ in length (or three times the length of the dog). Second, the dog must have access to potable water and a shaded area. Third, the dog cannot be tethered longer than thirty minutes in temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Violations can carry fines of up to $750 per violation.

JULY 2019 | NEWSLETTER 13 BURNING REGULATIONS On January 1st, 2015, The Allegheny County Health Department implemented a new Open Burning regulation. This regulation pertains to all burning which occurs outside of a contained device—campfires, bonfires, chimineas and even small fire pits in your backyard fall under this regulation.

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FOR A FULL COPY OF THE ACHD REGULATION: www.achd.net/air/burning

14 NEWSLETTER | JULY 2019 HOT INFO ABOUT OUTDOOR FIRES

WOOD AND ONLY WOOD DON’T GO AGAINST THE GRAIN. If it’s not clean, dry wood, it’s dangerous, toxic and illegal.

Household trash; Coated, painted Driftwood, plywood, Wet, rotted, Plastic, asbestos, cardboard, plastics, and pressure- particle board or wood diseased or rubber, manure and colored magazines, treated wood with glue on or in it moldy wood animal remains boxes and wrappers ...... THE UNSEEN DANGERS OF FINE WHAT’S IN WOOD SMOKE? PARTICULATE POLLUTION WHERE THERE’S SMOKE THERE’S... CH4 Particulate matter contains droplets that are so small they can be CO C6H5-CH3 inhaled and cause serious health problems. These particles can get Methyl Chloride deep into your lungs or even into your bloodstream. Exposure to C6H6 these particles has been linked to a variety of problems including: Benzene TOLUENE CH3CL Carbon Monoxide CH2O Decreased C10H8 METHANE Nonfatal CH4 lung Irregular Formaldehyde heart function attacks heartbeat C6H6 NAPHTHALENE Aggravated Premature CH3CL CO death in people C6H5-CH3 asthma with heart or CH2O lung disease C10H8 ......

HOW DO YOU CHOOSE YOUR WOOD? UNSEASONED VS. SEASONED

SEASONED WOOD UNSEASONED WOOD Has 20% or less water content and Up to half the weight of freshly has been cut, split and stored off cut wood is from stored water the ground and protected from • Most of fire’s energy goes to water for 6 months to a year evaporate retained liquid • Easy to start • Produces a low temperature, • Produces more heat & light slow burning, smoldering fire • Produces less smoke & odor • Can be very smoky ......

WHY CHILDREN & THERE OUGHT TO BE A LAW SMOKE DON’T MIX AND THERE IS Common sense restrictions • Their respiratory systems are still developing make it easy to make smarter, • They breathe more air (and air pollution) healthier and more neighborly per pound of body weight than adults choices. Of course, if you can’t • They’re more likely to be active outdoors abide by the law, there may be fines for offenses.

MAKE IT BETTER. VISIT burnfactsallegheny.info

JULY 2019 | NEWSLETTER 15 TOWNSHIP FIRE AND EMS

WEST DEER EMS The West Deer Emergency Medical Service subscription drive is underway. A paid subscription can save you hundreds of dollars, as it provides you with a 50% discount off any out-of-pocket expenses related to their emergency ambulance service. WEST DEER #3 Your subscription is vitally important to West Deer EMS. Most residents don’t know that the EMS is actually not a taxable municipal service. They are a private entity SATURDAY that functions as a non-profit organization. They rely on billing for services provided, and their yearly subscription drive. As costs increase, the reimbursements that BINGO they receive from health insurers has decreased. Yet they still have to keep up with • Every Saturday the ever-increasing costs of buying ambulances, sophisticated life-saving medical • Doors open at 5pm, equipment, and training for their dedicated personnel. • Early Bird games start at 7:15pm Their yearly subscription drive runs from September 1, 2019 until August 31, 2020. • Twenty regular games, five The annual cost is $45 for individual coverage, or $60 for a household membership, specials, Progressive, and which covers everyone who lives in the residence. Must Go Jackpots They also have an option for business owners. The business subscription cost is $125 • For more info, call and covers all employees should they need EMS treatment while at work. (724) 443-3351 • www.westdeervfc3.com The subscription packets were mailed to each resident and business in West Deer Township in early June. You can simply fill out the information and return it by mail with a check. Or -- if you would like to use a credit card -- you can visit our website at www.WestDeerEMS.com and click on the subscription tab to pay online.

If you did not receive your subscription packet or if you have any questions, please contact the EMS by phone at 724-265-4750 or email at [email protected].

16 NEWSLETTER | JULY 2019 The West Deer Fire Companies are actively recruiting men and women for a variety of positions within the Fire Service. Contact your local Fire Company for more information.

 West Deer VFD # 1 – 1520 Saxonburg Blvd – 724-265-1380  West Deer VFD # 2 – 2163 Saxonburg Blvd – 724-265-1248  West Deer VFC # 3 – 4372 Gibsonia Road – 724-443-3351

JULY 2019 | NEWSLETTER 17 WEST DEER PARK MASTER PLAN

Through a grant acquired through the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), the Township formed a commission to come up with a “Master Park Plan” for both Bairdford Park and the Nike Site. This was completed in 2015, and adopted by the Board of Supervisors.

Because of the cost to complete the two parks -- $2.4 million for Bairdford Park and $1.4 million for the Nike Site -- and the inability of the DCNR to fund something like that in one fell swoop, the Township broke each park into phases. Each year the Board allocates funding to serve as a match for DCNR grants to complete these phases.

Since 2015 most of the attention was directed to the Nike Site. Not only was it the less expensive of the two parks to update, it was also -- by far -- the most dangerous.

In 2019 the Township received a grant of $300k from the DCNR, and that will formally complete the Nike Site, and start on Phase I of Bairdford Park.

The Park Master Plan was designed not to “build” our parks, but to enhance the beauty already there. So please explore this for yourself! The Plan is ongoing, but we are making great progress.

PARKS & REC EVENTS

• August 2nd and 3rd: Community Days - Bairdford Park

• August 23rd: Blue Bird Birdhouse Building - Bairdford Park (6:00pm)

• October 19th: Trunk or Treat - East Union Community Center (6:00pm)

• December 15th: Breakfast with Santa - VFD #1 (10:00am)

ALL EVENTS ARE FREE TO THE PUBLIC

“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” - George Bernard Shaw

18 NEWSLETTER | JULY 2019 THE NEW VOTING DISTRICTS: WHERE DO I LIVE?!? An overview of the changes to the election of supervisors

You may recall that changes were made to the Township Charter through referenda in 2018. One of those referendum questions involved the reduction of the number of supervisors from seven to five, and moving from all at-large candidates (from anywhere in the Township) to candidates coming from four districts with one additional at-large seat. The referendum was passed by the voters.

The districts were explained as follows:

During the 2019 election year, two supervisors shall be elected. One shall be elected from District One, and one from District Three. The three supervisors presently in office shall serve until the expiration of their terms as supervisors at-large.

During the 2021 election year, three supervisors shall be elected. One shall be elected from District Two, one from District Four, and one at-large.

The Board of Supervisors — working with Allegheny County — also passed Ordinance #428 consolidating our eight districts into four districts as follow:

District One (combination of old Districts 1 and 2) District Two (combination of old Districts 3 and 5) District Three (combination of old Districts 6 and 7) District Four (combination of old Districts 4 and 8)

So where do you live and/or vote? Simple. Using the district listing above, match your old District on the right to the corresponding District on the left.

VERY IMPORTANT: Your voting at a certain polling location does not necessarily mean it is in the same District where you live! The County assigns your voting location, and your voting location WILL NOT CHANGE! So to make it easy on yourself, focus on where you LIVE, not where you vote.

If you are unsure of your voting district, please view the Allegheny County Department of Elections’ information at: www.alleghenycounty.us/elections/candidates.aspx, or verify your status at: www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/Pages/VoterRegistrationStatus.aspx. You are also welcome to call the Township office. We are here to assist you if you need it. TOWNSHIP TIDBITS • There will be a Blood Drive at the Township Building on August 29th from 2:00pm to 7:00pm • Mrs. Carol McCaskey runs the Backpack Initiative to Fight Hunger. This program ensures that no child goes home to a house with no food. For additional information, please call 724.312.5656. • Applications for park pavilion permits will be accepted the 2nd Monday in January at 8:00am. • Deer Lakes Park is a County park. For any information, requests, etc., please call 724.265.3520. • Trick-or-Treat in West Deer Township is ALWAYS on October 31st. • Tax Collector Dorothy Bonovitz holds hours in the Township Building as follows: March 15th to November 15th: Mon- 3:00pm to 7:00pm, Wed and Thurs- 10:00am to 2:00pm. November 30th to March 15th: Wed- 10:00am to 2:00pm. • The Board will be starting a Veteran’s Banner campaign for telephone poles in the Township.

JULY 2019 | NEWSLETTER 19 West Deer Township 109 East Union Road Cheswick, PA 15024

YOUR NEWSLETTER... SPREAD THE WORD!

This newsletter is an effort to inform everyone in West Deer Township. Other sources -- such as social media -- may reach a portion of our residents, but a great deal of folks would be overlooked. Township Supervisors

Shirley Hollibaugh, Chairwoman The Board’s vision is to ultimately get a newsletter to Richard DiSanti, Vice Chair you electronically to save on costs, but we have to get the word out first. If you know of anyone who was Beverly Jordan Arlind Karpuzi missed, please have them contact the Township. Shawn Maudhuit Joyce Romig Gerry Vaerewyck

Warning: Though social media has its value, receiving Township information from sources like Facebook can be misleading. They are great to keep up-to-date with community events, etc., but not Township FACTS. Make it easy on yourself... check out our website, email us, or simply give us a call. We’re here for YOU!

It’s a Great Day in West Deer!!

West Deer Township Phone : 724.265.3680 109 East Union Road Email : [email protected] Cheswick, PA 15024

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