01/11/2021
Dear 8th Ward Resident,
As we face our first winter dealing with COVID-19 I hope you and your families are staying safe by socially distancing, wearing masks, and continuing to wash your hands. Please see the following updates that I hope are helpful.
COVID-19 Update
The township municipal building remains closed to walk-in visitors until at least January 19 as case counts continue to rise. Township staff continues to serve the needs of residents by email and phone. If you have been in contact with a staff person and are waiting more than 72 hours for a response, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Statewide, as of noon on Jan. 9, more than 700,000 residents have tested positive for Coronavirus and 17,000+ have died. The current recovery rate is listed at 73%. In Dauphin County there are just over 15,000 cases including a recent announcement from the PA Department of Health that the first case of the COVID-19 variant was identified in someone from Dauphin County.
Susquehanna Township School District administrators have announced that students are allowed back for in-person instruction on Jan. 25, though they continue to rely on data from the PA Department of Health to make decisions on returning to school.
Township Updates
The Susquehanna Township Commissioners have approved a 2021 fiscal year budget with no tax or fee increases. This year tested us with tremendous budgetary pressures due to the Coronavirus. Difficult personnel choices had to be made in an effort to save money. I commend township manager David Kratzer, finance officer Jill Lovett, and director of public safety Rob Martin for their daily fiscal stewardship in helping us achieve a balanced budget.
Christmas trees will be collected on Saturday, Jan. 16 so be sure to place your tree where your garbage is collected if you want it removed. Penn Waste has released its 2021 waste collection calendar.
If you hear fireworks being set off in your neighborhood, contact the township to report it. Any use of fireworks has to comply with the new township ordinance that was passed in August.
Fire/Public Safety Update - From Fire Marshal, Chief George Drees
Susquehanna Township Fire/Rescue Services would like to wish everyone a healthy, happy, and safe 2021. Susquehanna Township Firefighters responded to 1247 emergencies for 2020. Rescue Fire Company responded to 515 of those calls. This was down a little over 100 calls and we expect it is due to less employees in buildings or traveling due to COVID19. Of those calls 28 were working fires and 11 were accidents with entrapment. These numbers were attributed to lack of attention when driving and cooking.
Tips for the winter months:
Back into parking spaces because most parking lot accidents happen from trying to back out of a parking space. And if your car breaks down, it is easier to jump or tow.
Keep heating sources clear of combustibles and do not become distracted when cooking.
Never attempt to heat your home from a stove or kerosene heater. And if you heat with anything other than electric, you should have a smoke/carbon dioxide detector in your home.
Snow/Ice- take it easy when shoveling or driving. If you don't need to be out, stay in. Or shovel out your neighbor and fire hydrant.
Homeland Security starts at home. Our volunteers responded to hundreds of emergencies and non emergencies to assist our citizens. Please do your part in the pandemic as it pertains to your and our safety. We follow all the latest guidelines, rules and policies that are put out. We might not all like it, but we know we need to be safe so we can protect both you and our own families. Our members are anxiously waiting for our chance to be vaccinated.
2020 was a very long year. Frustrations and uncertainty regarding health, work, school, and finances seemed to be the norm. Please take an extra minute to breathe. Smiles can't be seen under a mask so please continue wearing a mask but take the time to greet someone that catches your eyes, it goes a long way. And we say prayers for our country, commonwealth and community, take a moment to think of your unpaid professional firefighters. They are still committed to your safety regardless of the pandemic.
As commissioner, I'd like to thank our police, volunteer firefighters and EMS workers who have continued to serve the public in the face of COVID-19. Their professionalism and preparedness has been second to none and they continue to answer the call to keep us safe. The same goes for healthcare professionals, those who work in the food supply chains, truckers, mechanics, warehouse workers and all other essential employees.
Finally, as we bid farewell to 2020 and look hopefully upon the promise of 2021, this was easily the most challenging year I've experienced personally and as an elected official. But, serving you all continues to bring me joy and I remain extremely privileged to do so. The township commissioners and key staff meet virtually to do business. Our meetings are at 6:30 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month. The Zoom link is always on the township homepage so feel free to tune in! Stay safe and be well.
Justin Fleming
Susquehanna Township 8th Ward Commissioner
717-571-4063 (cell)
E-mail: [email protected]
