Sep 8, 2014 2 min read

CARMICHAELS – Cumberland Township supervisors approved a motion Monday to advertise for the adoption of a noise ordinance.

The township currently has no ordinance regulating noise; however, the supervisors were asked in the past to develop one to address excessive noise in the community.

Last October, a resident presented supervisors with a petition signed by 112 residents requesting adoption of a noise ordinance.

The ordinance that will be advertised sets the noise limits at 80 decibels during the day, from of 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and at 60 decibels at night, from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.

It defines how noise will be measured and from what location relative to its source and includes a number of exemptions for such activities as emergency vehicles, repairs to municipal or public services and for farm-related activities.

Once the ordinance is advertised it will be available for inspection at the municipal building from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. The supervisors plan to adopt the ordinance at their next regular meeting Oct. 6.

In other business, supervisors accepted the resignation of Charlotte Blaker, township zoning and code enforcement officer. Blaker worked in the position for 17 years, and did an excellent job, supervisor Jim Sokol said. “She will be missed.”

The supervisors voted to hire Ann Bargerstock as Blaker’s replacement at a salary of $15,000 a year and benefits. Bargerstock previously worked for in the Greene County Planning Department.

Sokol spoke of her experience with the county. “She will be a real plus for us,” he said. Prior to hiring her, the supervisors accepted Bargerstock’s resignation from the township planning commission.

The supervisors voted to recess Monday’s meeting until 4 p.m. Sept. 15 to hire an engineer to assist the township with revamping the zoning ordinance.

They also voted to continue to receive employee medial insurance from High Mark Blue Cross Blue Shield. It was noted the premium decreased by 14.2 percent.

Katie Pretz, the new librarian at the Flenniken Memorial Library, and Paul Lesako, Flenniken board member, thanked the supervisors for the township’s donation of $20,000 to help the library replace its roof.