Recognition of Retirement of Lieutenant Jeff Kratz
Earlier this month, the Township and State Senator Tracy Pennycuick recognized Jeffrey Kratz’s distinguished career in law enforcement, where he served Towamencin Township for over 35 years before retiring this past January. Jeff began his career as a police officer at Lower Salford Township in 1985, prior to joining Towamencin’s force in 1987. During his tenure, Jeff served many roles, including: patrol officer, bike officer, K9 handler, Patrol Sergeant, and Lieutenant. In the 1990s, Jeff and his K9 partner “Ranger” won many awards for their competitions and handling demonstrations. In February 2008, Jeff was promoted to Lieutenant, and in 2009 he graduated from the prestigious FBI National Academy. Through his career, Jeff has been a respected leader of the Department.
Jeff’s management as Lieutenant was integral in the department earning State Accreditation through the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission. His commitment to high standards and performance enabled the department to maintain this accreditation status since May 2012. Jeff’s support and advocacy of the Laurel House was also acknowledged, having been as a major force behind the law enforcement partnership, the Domestic Abuse Response Team (DART) program - supporting domestic violence victims in Montgomery County.
The Board presented their commendation to Jeff at their meeting on February 8th. State Senator Pennycuick also presented citations to Jeff from both the State Senate and PA House of Representatives. Jeff thanked the current Board, and previous Boards, along with the Towamencin Community who have supported him and the department over the years. He then acknowledged the work of Towamencin's Police Department and concluded by acknowledging the unwavering support and sacrifices made by the families of every police officer, especially his wife and children.
We wish Jeff the best and our heartfelt congratulations on his retirement!
State Senator Tracy Pennycuick with Jeff Kratz - photo courtesy of Lt. Wainwright
The Board of Supervisors with Jeff Kratz - photo courtesy of Lt. Wainwright
Upcoming Meetings
- The next Government Study Commission meeting is Wednesday, March 1st at 7 pm.
- For Commission updates and to view their draft Home Rule Charter, visit their website at https://towamencingsc.org/
- The Zoning Hearing Board meeting is CANCELLED for March 2nd.
- The Planning Commission will meet Monday, March 6, at 7 pm.
- The Board of Supervisors will meet Wednesday, March 8, at 7 pm.
These meeting all take place in the Meeting Hall Building of the Towamencin Municipal Complex, located at 1090 Troxel Road, Lansdale.
2023 Sewer Bill and Township and County Taxes
We have been receiving several calls from residents asking where their 2023 bills are? They are on their way… The 2023 sewer (or septic) bills are in the mail and should be received shortly. The Township and County Tax bills will arrive closer to March 1st. If you do not receive them by March 7th, please call 215-368-5357.
Reminders:
- For 2023, the total municipal tax rate increased from 4.558 mills to 5.6895 mills.
- The average residential property that benefits from the homestead exemption saw its municipal taxes increase by approximately $120, compared to 2022.
- The Township maintained the $50,000 homestead exemption in the 2023 budget; the fifth-largest municipal homestead exemption in the state.
- The discount period (2 % off) for the Township and County Taxes ends April 30, 2023.
TVFC - Ladies Auxiliary Designer Bag Bingo - Friday, March 24th at 7 pm
Event Flyer
Location: Station A - 1590 Bustard Road, Harleysville, PA
Ticket Prices:
- Advanced $25 per person, $200 reserved table of 8
- if available at the door - $30 per person, $240 reserved table of 8
Tickets include: 20 rounds (6 cards per round) including 4 special games, 50/50
- Extra game cards available for purchase
- 1 Grand Prize Game
- Pick your own bag
- Dabbers available for purchase
Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy - April 15th Stream Clean-Up Event
The Perkiomen Watershed is seeking volunteers to help with their April 15th Stream Clean-up Event. The Clean-Up will include 3 Towamencin locations: the tributary by the Community Pool, Fischer’s Park and Bustard Road Park. For more information to volunteer or sponsor, visit their website.
UCC (Uniform Construction Code) Board of Appeals Vacancy
Towamencin Township's Board of Supervisors is seeking candidates to fill a vacancy to serve on the Township’s UCC (Uniform Construction Code) Board of Appeals. The interested candidate will have expertise and knowledge related to building construction, such as professional experience as an architect or engineer, construction project manager, other experience in the construction industry, and training or experience as an inspector or plan reviewer. This is a non-paid volunteer position with the Township, with a term to expire 12/31/24. Terms renew for three-year terms. If interested, please send resume and a completed volunteer form to Colleen Ehrle, Director of Administration, at cehrle@towamencin.org by Tuesday, February 28, 2023.
Please find additional information for the UCC Board of Appeals and their responsibilities, per Pennsylvania Code § 403.121 below and or link here.
(b) The board of appeals shall hear and rule on appeals, requests for variances and requests for extensions of time. An application for appeal shall be based on a claim that the true intent of the act or Uniform Construction Code has been incorrectly interpreted, the provisions of the act or Uniform Construction Code do not fully apply or an equivalent form of construction is to be used.
(c) The composition of a board of appeals is governed by all of the following:
(1) A member of the board of appeals shall be qualified by training and experience to pass on matters pertaining to building construction. Training and experience may consist of licensure as an architect or engineer, experience in the construction industry, and training or experience as an inspector or plan reviewer.
(2) A member of the board of appeals holds office at the pleasure of the municipality’s governing body.
(3) Members of a municipality’s governing body and its code administrators may not serve on a board of appeals.
(e) A board of appeals member may not cast a vote or participate in a hearing in any appeal, request for variance or request for extension of time in which the member has a personal, professional or financial interest.
