John L. Myers Memorial Township Building
1082 Bethel Road
Garnet Valley, PA 19060
Phone: 610-459-1529    Fax: 610-459-2921
E-Mail:
betheltwp@comcast.net

BETHEL TOWNSHIP NEWS

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RELAY FOR LIFE - JUNE 2010:

Join us from June 4th-5th for the "Relay For Life" - Western Delaware County.  This is an overnight walk-a-thon event, to take place at Garnet Valley High School.  Click the link above for more information.

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SPRING NEWSLETTER FOR RACHEL KOHL COMMUNITY LIBRARY

BUILDING ACQUISITION:

On March 3, 2010 the acquisition of the former Concord Township office was completed. “We’ve shared the building with the township for many years and it is wonderful that our expansion will be based on the site so familiar to residents of the communities we serve,” commented Gena Kerrigan, Library Director. “In 2009, we had over 86,000 patron visits. We need this additional space to provide the materials and services our patrons want and need.” Expansion plans will be announced as soon as they are finalized.

ADULTS:

Join us Wednesday May 12 for a container gardening class featuring Penn State Master Gardner, Joe Daniels. The class is scheduled from 3:00-4:30pm at the library. We will be creating our own herb gardens – with Joe’s help. Please bring your own container (12” in diameter or smaller), and your own soil. We will provide the plants and the expertise. The cost for the class is $10.00 to cover the purchase of the plants. Please register at the library or call us at 610-358-3445.

YOUTH:

Science in the Summer registration is May 1-June 1. This program is designed for rising 3rd-6th grade children. Sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline, the program introduces students to the fun of science. Children will learn as they participate in fun, hands-on science activities and experiments. It is comprised of four 45 minute classes given over the course of a week. It will be taught by certified science teachers to groups of 16 students in two age groups: those entering Grades 2 and 3 (Level I) and those entering Grades 4-6 (Level II).  Registration in person is required.  This year, the program will be conducted from August 2-August 5 and the topic for both age groups is Chemistry.

Programs are scheduled each week at the library for infants through teens. Storytimes for infants, toddlers, pre-school and kindergarten are conducted by the Youth Librarian and several volunteers. Chess Club, Book Discussion Groups, LEGO Club, and Wii Wednesdays are especially for ages 5-10. Teen programs include Manga Club, Book Discussion, Wii Gaming, and Cosplay. Please visit the library website at kohllibrary.org and click on activities for the current schedules.

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Delaware County Web Site Goes Green

Residents have one-stop resource for energy and environmental information 

            Delaware County’s Web site has gone green with a new section that provides residents with extensive information on energy and environmental programs, resources and helpful tips for the home and workplace.

            County Council Vice Chairman Christine Fizzano Cannon launched the Green Pages at the Tuesday, March 2, Council meeting and also announced a new informational video running on Delco TV that details the County’s energy and environmental initiatives.

            The Green Pages theme is: “Conserving energy, preserving natural resources and saving tax dollars.”  Click here for more...

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Emergency Messages Provide Warnings

(For Residents of Delaware County)

Residents of Delaware County are invited to enroll in “Delco Alert,” a regional community alert system which transmits emergency text messages of public warnings.  Click Here for more information and a full brochure.

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POLICE ALERT! 

There have been a number of vehicles being entered into, some where the windshields have been broken, during the hours of 12:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.

Make sure your vehicle is locked!

Do not leave valuables in open view such as: Wallets, Briefcases, Laptops and GPS Devices!

Police Chief, John L. Cairo

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NOTES FROM THE MUNICIPAL SECRETARY-TREASURER

In an attempt to make it easier for our residents to obtain the information they are seeking, I will address some of the most frequently asked questions below.

Ø    All tax questions should be addressed to the Bethel Township Tax Collector, Michelle Scherer at 610-715-1232.  If she is unavailable you should contact the Tax Claim Bureau at the Delaware County Courthouse, 610-891-4288.  I do not have access to any Bethel, County or School Tax information and as such I am unable to assist you with your taxes.

Ø    You cannot pay your taxes at the Bethel Township office.  You need to pay them directly to the Tax Collector.  In the alternative, you may pay your county and school taxes at Commerce Bank.

Ø    The Tax Collector, Michelle Scherer, has an office in the new Township Building.

Ø    You must contact Republic Services at 610-265-6337 for any bulk trash pickup.

Ø    All home sales, whether a new home or a resale, require a Use & Occupancy Permit.  For information on obtaining a U&O Permit please contact Glenn Holt, Building Code Official at 610-459-5565.

Ø    Each resident is entitled to ONE blue recycling can.  If you are new to the area and need a blue recycling bin please stop by my office and I will be happy to provide you with one.

Ø    We do have a Franchise Agreement with Verizon Fios.  Verizon Fios will be made available to all residents at some point.  If you have questions about when your neighborhood will be eligible please contact Verizon Fios at 1-888-GET FIOS or go to their website at www.verizon.com/fios and put in your address.  This link will inform you if Fios is available and how to order it.  It will also tell you if Fios is not available and when you can expect it to become available.

Ø    You cannot register to vote at the Bethel Township Office.  However, you may pick up a Voter’s Registration Form at the Township Office which you will need to complete and return to the Voters’ Registration Office.

Please send me your suggestions, via email at betheltwp@comcast.net, for information you would like to see printed in our future newsletters or on our website.  Thank you!

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BETHEL TOWNSHIP HOSE CO. #1

The Bethel Township Hose Company #1 has been awarded a joint grant from F.E.M.A. to purchase M.D.T. (Mobile data terminal) computers. The M.D.T.’s will be used for Mapping, Hydrant locations, HAZ-MAT info, and Aided Dispatch.  Accompanying Bethel in the joint grant worth 130,000 dollars is the Chester Heights Fire Co., Edgemont Fire Co., and Concordville Fire Co. Chief Larry Ward of the Chester Heights Fire Co. will be handling the acquisition and disbursement of the M.D.T.s.

The Bethel Township Hose Company #1 has also been awarded a P.E.M.A.  Grant worth 19,000 dollars for Rescue Air Packs and Radios for communicating with New Castle County, Delaware fire companies.

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ZONING OFFICER 

As warm weather approaches and thoughts of yard work and summer projects begin to dance through our heads, I’d like to remind all residents of several Codes, which are consistently questioned.

  1. All trash and recyclables must be stored behind the front of the dwelling and put curbside 24 hours prior to pickup and no sooner. This includes grass clippings.
  2. All swimming pools must be enclosed with a 4’ high fence containing a self-closing and self-locking gate.
  3. Sheds may NOT be located along the side of the House.
  4. Directional real estate signs pertaining to Open Houses may be placed ONE-HALF hour prior to the open house and must be removed ONE-HALF hour after the open house.
  5. Permits are required for Sheds, patios (including paver blocks) and decks. This includes increasing the size of an existing patio or deck.
  6. Porches, open or enclosed, require permits.

The Bethel Township Ordinances are available for viewing or copying on the Township web site, www.twp.bethel.pa.us click on “Ordinances”. The Zoning map is also available on the web site, click on “Permits” and scroll to the bottom. If you have specific questions I can be reached through the Township Code Enforcement Office. Thank you and enjoy a safe summer season.

STEPHEN WASYLYSZYN, Zoning Officer

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PLANNING COMMISSION

The Bethel Township Planning Commission serves the Township by providing comprehensive planning and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors in order to shape a vision for the future growth of Bethel Township. The board promotes and coordinates long-range planning, growth-management, transportation, and environmental protection, as it makes its recommendations.

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PRESERVATION SOCIETY

 

Did you know this year Bethel Township will celebrate its 325th anniversary?

The Bethel Township Preservation Society will present the 11th annual Founders Day Festival this year on Saturday September 27th at the Bethel Hose Co No.1 firehouse on 3737 Foulk Road.  Admission is free and the festival will be held rain or shine.  The Festival will be from 11am until 4pm. House tours will be from 3pm until 6pm and tickets may be purchased at the festival. Let us know if you are interested in helping us celebrate 325 years.

One of the goals of the preservation society is to save old homes in Bethel from demolition so they can be restored to their original splendor. This home is one example of our success. If we are going to preserve old homes we must first document them. We currently have a survey done in 1983 and would like to update it. We would add additional homes as well as add information about homes already in the survey. We need your help, if you have an old home or your neighbor does please let us know about it.

Please call – Darree Clark 610-485-5097 or e-mail darreeclark@gmail.com

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BETHEL TOWNSHIP SEWER AUTHORITY

Any problems concerning sanitary sewer manholes, lines or pumping stations should be reported immediately to the Bethel Township Sewer Authority at 610-358-5893.  After hours, report problems to Aqua Wastewater Management, Inc. at 610-645-1034.  PLEASE NOTE, if there is a problem with your plumbing or the sewer system in your yard, please contact your plumber first.

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CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICE

Spring is upon us and our thoughts turn to outside activities. There have been a few changes for required permits. A Building Permit is now required for all decks regardless of size, sheds over 200 square feet and to re-finish basements to name a few. These changes were necessary to assure safe construction. If you listen to news report you know the amount of decks that collapse during the summer and basements need proper light and ventilation. The shed requirements match up with Zoning. There are a few more requirements that deal with driveways, pool aprons and roofs. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call the office 610-459-1529 or my cell 484-723-8201. The Code Enforcement Office wish’s everyone a safe and happy summer.  GLENN HOLT CODE ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATOR      

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COMCAST SUBSCRIBERS CAN WATCH FOR TOWNSHIP INFORMATION ON THE

BETHEL TOWNSHIP COMMUNITY ACCESS CHANNEL 10

VERIZON FIOS SUBSCRIBERS CAN WATCH FOR TOWNSHIP INFORMATION ON THE

BETHEL TOWNSHIP COMMUNITY ACCESS CHANNEL 42

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POLICE REPORT

PLEASE REPORT ANY SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY BY CALLING 911

The Bethel Township Police are on duty 24/7.  Please keep in mind that the Police Officers are usually out on patrol and not in the office to answer telephone calls.  If you need to speak to a police officer please call 911 and the officer on duty will be dispatched to your home.  In the alternative you may leave a message on the police department’s voicemail and an Officer will return your call. 

POLICE CHIEF JOHN CAIRO

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CROZER EMS INFORMATION

   

·         Crozer EMS was the first and is the oldest Advanced Life Support service in Delaware County.  We started in 1974 with Nurse/Paramedics from Crozer Chester Medical Center working with EMTs from the Chester Fire Department mainly in Chester City.

·         The department has steadily grown throughout the years, including our most recent expansion into Bethel Township.  We now have 85 paramedics covering 15 municipalities 24 hours a day, everyday with 12 Advanced Life Support units.  We are the largest EMS department in Delaware County.  

·         Our coverage area generally includes from the Delaware State line to the Philadelphia City line along the Delaware River, West to Bethel Township, and East to Glenolden Borough.  We handle about 18,000 calls annually.

·         We are the only department with full time supervision from a seasoned paramedic dedicated only to EMS management.  Our supervisors average 25 years of service each, with a total of over 200 years of service between all of our officers.

·         We are the only department in Delaware County with a 24/7 Critical Care Transport Team, certified to handle transports of critically ill or injured patients from ICU to ICU.

·         Our paramedics are all certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support, and most are certified in Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support and Advanced Burn Life Support.

·         All of our units are equipped with state of the art Advanced Life Support equipment, including 12 lead EKG equipment capable of transmitting a patient’s diagnostic EKG to a medical command physician who can activate the cardiac catheterization laboratory team even before the arrival of the patient to the ER.  This is an exciting new aspect of pre-hospital care.

·         We respond to all calls for assistance per Pennsylvania State Law.  We both provide and request mutual aid assistance with any agency and/or municipality that is near our local.  We call for the next closest unit during all instances.

·         We will transport our patients during emergency situations to any reasonably close medical facility.  We will transport to reasonably distant facilities when medically necessary and approved by a medical command physician.  Critically ill patients are transported to the closest appropriate facility in accordance with protocol.

* If you need us during an emergency just call 911!

Our Bethel Unit is currently stationed at the Bethel Fire Station on Foulk Road.  We will be moving to our new station behind the Bethel Municipal Building in February 2008.

If you have a non-emergency question or concern we can be contacted through the Bethel Township Municipal Office Secretary/Treasurer Mike George @ 610-459-1529 or at our Administrative Offices at Crozer to Chief Robert Reeder @ 610-447-2407.

CROZER EMS MEDIC 66-7