Meeting roundup
• Date: March 19
• Action: Township police Sgt. David Richards spoke before the board about the police department’s desire to acquire a police dog. Richards said township resident Bonnie Wishner approached him with the idea, and several officers expressed interest in becoming a K-9 handler.
Richards asked for the board’s permission to begin fundraising efforts, and several supervisors expressed their approval. Solicitor James Jeffries will determine whether donations to the township will be tax deductible. Richards said police want to purchase a special vehicle with a K-9 compartment, which would cost about $35,000.
The total cost for the vehicle and trained dog would cost around $50,000, and the initial start-up would be $15,000, Richards said.
“The police K-9 would enhance our efforts in combatting the drug problem and our issues in our community,” Richards said.
Several residents complained about multiple missed trash pick-ups by Republic Services. Jeffries said he has been communicating with the company and will continue to discuss the company’s contract with township manager Frank Siffrinn.
Other residents spoke out against the Southwood Psychiatric Hospital being located in close proximity to housing developments. Board Chairman Brian Spicer urged concerned residents to take up the hospital’s offer to provide tours of the facility to anyone in the community.
• Next meeting: 7 p.m. March 25 at the municipal building