(1/15) Carroll Valley leadership is pleading for citizen input as it continues to discuss how many trailers should be allowed on a property.
The council faced a room full of residents at its Jan. 10 meeting, most of whom were concerned about a proposal that limits the number of trailers allowed on a property to two. Staff and maybe one or two residents are usually the only people who attend the council’s monthly meetings. Council spent the first 45 minutes of the meeting listening to several citizens speak in opposition of the proposal.
The suggestion the borough planning commission presented to the council limits residents to two trailers, one in the front of the property and one elsewhere on the land. Borough Council Manager Dave Hazlett said this proposal increases the number of permitted trailers. In May, council approved an ordinance that states only one trailer per property is allowed unless the parcel is more than 2 acres.
"Council understands and agrees that it is not being enforced," Hazlett said. "Until the matter is resolved, there will not be enforcement of the trailer provision."
Council unanimously decided the alteration before them is unpopular with citizens and asked the planning commission to revisit the issue at its Feb. 6 meeting.
Volunteering for and attending the planning commission meetings is about as unpopular as the proposed ordinance, council leaders noted. The commission, which serves as a recommending body to council, has two vacancies.
"We never, ever have a butt in a seat at those meetings," Hazlett said.
Council leaders encouraged those in attendance to consider applying for the open slots or attending meetings when able to provide input. Later in the meeting, Hazlett noted he received one email from someone in attendance who was interested in serving.
Hazlett acknowledged attending meetings does not work for everyone’s schedule. He invited those with ideas to email him at manager@carrollvalley.org. Hazlett said he forwards all communication with elected council members.
"I will share every single bit of information I have at my disposal," Hazlett said.
Hazlett noted he also communicates with citizens through social media. Sites such as Facebook are often filled with vitriol, but citizens of Carroll Valley tend to buck the norms, Hazlett said.
"I just want to say thank you for being kind," Hazlett said.
The borough planning commission will meet 7 p.m., Feb. 6 in borough hall. The council will consider the commission’s recommendation at its Feb. 13 meeting, which will also be held at 7 p.m. in borough hall.
In other news, the Borough purchased a license plate reader - so for those driving through Carroll Valley with a stolen vehicle, expired registration, out of date inspection, or suspended license are more likely to be caught.
Police Chief Clifford J. Weikert told council his department recently purchased a license plate reader that scans plates and instantly searches a national database for information on the vehicle. Weikert noted an officer drove through the borough parking lot during the meeting so the camera could scan all council members’ cars; everyone was in compliance with the law.
"It does generate a lot of money," Weikert said.
The reader updates daily so officers still need to double-check its report with county control before issuing violations, since its database has more current information.
Weikert said if the reader proves to be financially beneficial for the borough as predicted, he expects to purchase additional devices so all cars are equipped with the technology.
