• Administration / Complaint Management
  - 401 Gibson Avenue
  (215) 443-5414
• Animal Control Officer
  - 910 W. Bristol Road
  (267) 803-4859
• Five Ponds Golf Course
  - 1225 W. Street Road
  (215) 956-9727
• Licenses and Inspections
  - 910 W. Bristol Road
  (215) 443-5423
• Parks and Recreation
  - 1101 Little Lane
  (215) 443-5428
  Police Department (business)
  - 401 Gibson Avenue
  (215) 443-5000
• Public Works
  - 910 W. Bristol Road
  (215) 443-7592
• Warminster Municipal Authority
  - 415 Gibson Avenue
  (215) 675-3301
• TDD/TTY - For hearing & speech impaired
  (800) 654-5984

New Year’s Day - Monday, January 2nd (observed)
President’s Day - Monday, February 20th
Spring Holiday - Friday, April 6th
Memorial Day - Monday, May 28th
Independence Day - Wednesday, July 4th
Labor Day - Monday, September 3rd
Veteran’s Day - Monday, November 12th
Thanksgiving Day - Thursday, November 22nd
Day after Thanksgiving - Friday, November 23rd
Christmas - Tuesday, December 25th

On Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011, the Warminster Township Board of Supervisors passed the 2012 budget with no tax increase for the residents - the tax rate remains the same at 17.07 mills.

 

For 2012, the levels of service will remain the same in the Police and Public Works departments to ensure the safety of our residents and the quality of our roadways is maintained. Also in 2012, the Park & Recreation department, despite rumors earlier this year, will continue to operate at the WREC. The Township will also continue providing the Fire Departments, Ambulance Corp, Library and the Ben Wilson Senior Center with the same levels of support as in 2011. Residents will see a decrease in the annual trash bill as the Township awarded a new five year contract to J.P. Mascaro & Sons for 2012 through 2016. See Trash information (pgs 30-31) for the discounts. Your levels of service will remain the same with one further enhancement - single stream recycling. Look for information in the mail and a sticker to be placed on the recycling container of your choice.

On November 10, 2011 the Board of Supervisors approved a new 5 year contract with J.P. Mascaro & Sons for Trash & Recycling Hauling Services.  We are happy to report that the savings will be passed on to every household and will continue to be shown as a separate charge on your tax bill.   Your new trash rate beginning next year is as follows: 

New Annual Trash Bill - $353.00 per household
Old Rate $436.00   Savings = $83.00/yr.

New Senior Rate - $298.00 per household
Old Rate $381.00   Savings = $83.00/yr.

Seniors - (Residents 62 years of age or older in the calendar year)   Please Note:  Proper proof of Identification and age is required to be shown to Tax Collector when requesting the $55 discount.

To collect trash & recyclables more efficiently, JP Mascaro & Sons, the contracted trash removal service for Warminster Township, has broken the Township into eight sections. If you need a trash information brochure to find your yard waste day, call Warminster Township at (215) 443-5414.

Single Stream Recycling Is Here! Starting Jan. 2, 2012, Warminster Township offers a NEW Recycling Program which makes it easier than ever to recycle!

What Is Single-Stream Recycling?
Single-stream recycling allows residents to place all recyclables: cans, bottles and plastics together with newspapers, cardboard, and mixed paper in one container. There is no need to separate items since the “single stream” recycling process used allows all recyclables to be mixed together.  Single-stream recycling will be collected by a compaction truck. Only recyclables will be on this truck on your recycling day, it cannot collect non-recyclable items.

Additional RECYCLING Containers
We want your household to recycle as much as possible. Recycling containers must be clearly labeled. A new trash information brochure was just mailed to every township resident the 3rd week of December.  Included in the brochure was a recycling label. If you did not receive a brochure or need additional stickers, they are available at the township offices.   Simply place the sticker onto a container and use it for collection. You can use any container up to 35 gallons as well as your existing recycling bin. Make sure that the recycling sticker is visible to the collection crew.

WHAT TO RECYCLE?

• Aluminum and Metal Cans:  aluminum cans (beer and soda); aluminum foil and foil plates, etc., metal lids; metal food cans (tin/steel). Please rinse food products.
• Glass: glass bottles and jars (food and drink only).  Please rinse food products.
• Plastic containers:  plastic bottles and containers labeled #1 - #7 (soda, water, milk, juice, liquor, shampoo, detergent, condiments, salad dressing, yogurt, margarine). Please rinse food products.
• Mixed paper and cardboard:  Paper material, such as, newspaper and inserts, magazines and catalogs, junk mail, envelopes, file folders, office white, colored and computer paper (staples and paper clips ok) should be tied in separate bundles when placed for collection.  Corrugated cardboard boxes, cereal, tissue, gift boxes, etc. (remove liners), paper bags, phone books, wrapping paper (remove metallic paper, bows, etc.).  Break down all boxes. Tie in separate bundles (no larger than 2’ x 3’).  No wax coated, paint or oil contaminated boxes. Make sure that paper and cardboard material remain dry.

Do Not Recycle the following: ceramics, dishes, coffee cups, drinking glasses, glass ovenware, pyrex, vision ware, window glass, mirrors, light bulbs, plastics without #1 through #7 labeling, plastic bags, styrofoam packaging, bubble wrap, tissue or paper towels, milk or juice wax paper cartons, metallic or coated paper, waxed boxes, books or toys.

Trash Curbside Collection
Collection will occur twice per week. Place no more than a maximum of six containers of trash at the street’s edge anytime after 6 p.m. the night before your scheduled pick-up days.  Your service days have not changed.

ulk Items

• One bulk item permitted per week on your second collection day of the week.
• No construction or demolition debris!
• Bulk items include things like a sofa, water heater, stove or TV, Refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners and dehumidifiers may contain cfcs (freon) and need special handling. Please call 1-800-432-1616 to schedule a pick up.
• Carpets must be cut in three-foot strips, rolled and tied, up to ten rolls.
• Mattress & box spring counts as one item.
• Twigs & branches must be cut in 3 foot lengths and tied in a bundle, only 10 bundles per pick up, or 10 logs or 1 stump. (if twigs are too small to bundle, put them in separate can as a bulk item).

Disposal Of Household Paints
Latex paint ONLY: let paint dry in can. Adding kitty litter or a commercial drying agent will speed up the drying process. When paint is dry, double bag the can before putting it in the trash.  Leaking paint will damage our trucks and stain your street.

Holiday Collection
If your collection day falls on a holiday it will be skipped until the next scheduled collection day. Holidays: New Year’s Day (January 1), Memorial Day, Independence Day (July 4), Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day (December 25).

No Hazardous Wastes!
Car batteries, gasoline, motor oil, pesticides, oil-based and other toxic and hazardous materials do not belong in the trash! Call the Bucks County Planning Commission at 215-345-3400 for information on disposing of these materials.  Many auto stores accept used motor oil and car batteries.

Yard Waste Collection Day (Service Days Have Not Changed)

• We compost your grass and leaves!  Place all grass and leaf waste into fifty-gallon kraft biodegradable bags or loose in cans, no plastic bags!  Up to ten containers or bags per week.  No branches, stumps, or logs!  Place these items out as bulk items.
• Don’t mix trash with your grass or leaves.
• Grass and leaves will be picked up once per week from April 1st to December 15th each year. December 16th through March 31st, put them in the regular trash.

Christmas Tree Collection
Trees should be placed curbside the third Monday in January to be collected as yard waste and recycled, at any other time it will be collected as a bulk trash item.

Questions? Call JP Mascaro at 1-800-432-1616 or the Township @ (215)443-5414, Mon-Fri, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM.

Residents can play a vital role in managing stormwater and encouraging the use of sustainable practices at home and within the community! More information can be found on the Township’s website: www.warminstertownship.org/special/swm.htm

STORMWATER POLLUTION SOLUTIONS FOR HOMEOWNERS
As stormwater flows over driveways, lawns, and sidewalks, it picks up debris, chemicals, dirt, and other pollutants and then flows into a storm sewer system or directly to a lake, stream, river, wetland, or coastal water. Anything that enters a storm sewer system is discharged untreated into the water bodies we use for swimming, fishing, and providing drinking water. Polluted runoff is the nation’s greatest threat to clean water. By practicing healthy household habits, homeowners can help protect lakes, streams, rivers, wetlands and keep common pollutants like pesticides, pet waste, grass clippings, and automotive fluids off the ground and out of stormwater!

Healthy Household Habits for Clean Water
Vehicle and Garage
• Use a commercial car wash or wash your car on a lawn or other unpaved surface to minimize the amount of dirty, soapy water flowing into the storm drain and eventually into your local water body.
• Check your car, boat, motorcycle, and other machinery and equipment for leaks and spills. Make repairs as soon as possible. Clean up spilled fluids with an absorbent material like kitty litter or sand, and don’t rinse the spills into a nearby storm drain. Remember to properly dispose of the absorbent material.
• Recycle used oil and other automotive fluids at participating service stations. Don’t dump these chemicals down the storm drain or dispose of them in your trash.

Lawn and Garden
• Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly and in the recommended amounts. Avoid application if the forecast calls for rain; otherwise, chemicals will be washed into your local stream.
• Select native plants and grasses that are drought- and pest resistant.  Native plants require less water, fertilizer, and pesticides.
• Sweep up yard debris, rather than hosing down areas. Compost or recycle yard waste when possible.
• Don’t overwater your lawn. Water during the cool times of the day, and don’t let water runoff into the storm drain.
• Cover piles of dirt and mulch being used in landscaping projects to prevent these pollutants from blowing or washing off your yard and into local water bodies. Vegetate bare spots in your yard to prevent soil erosion.

Home Repair and Improvement
• Before beginning an outdoor project, locate the nearest storm drains and protect them from debris and other materials.
• Sweep up and properly dispose of construction debris such as concrete and mortar.
• Use hazardous substances like paints, solvents, and cleaners in the smallest amounts possible, and follow the directions on the label. Clean up spills immediately, and dispose of the waste safely. Store substances properly to avoid leaks and spills.
• Purchase and use nontoxic, biodegradable, recycled, and recyclable products whenever possible.
• Clean paint brushes in a sink, not outdoors. Filter and reuse paint thinner when using oil-based paints. Properly dispose of excess paints through a household hazardous waste collection program, or donate unused paint to local organizations.
• Reduce the amount of paved area and increase the amount of vegetated area in your yard. Use native plants in your landscaping to reduce the need for watering during dry periods. Consider directing downspouts away from paved surfaces onto lawns and other measures to increase infiltration and reduce polluted runoff.

Provided by EPA - For more information, visit www.epa.gov/nps or www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater

Dog Licenses Required
Dog Licenses Required** Attention Township Residents! According to Pennsylvania State Law, all dogs three (3) months of age or older must have a current dog license and a current rabies vaccination administered by a licensed veterinarian***. Dog licenses may be purchased at:

Bucks County Treasurer’s office Doylestown, PA (215) 348-6244 www.doglaw.state.pa.us	Warminster Twp. Parks and Recreation Department 1101 Little Lane Warminster, PA (215) 443-5428 Bark Park Membership also available here.
SPCA Lahaska, PA (215) 794-7425	PAdoglicense.com (215) 348-6244

Noise Ordinance
Pet owners should be aware that Warminster Township has an ordinance in place regarding un-provoked incessant noise made by animals***. For more info regarding this and other Pennsylvania State Dog Laws, contact Craig Claycomb, Animal Control Officer (267) 803-4859.

*** Violators are subject to $300-$600 fines for non-compliance***

Pooper Scooper Ordinance #565
In 2000, the Board of Supervisors passed Ordinance #565 regulating animal defecation on public and private property and the disposal of animal feces. In short, pet owners are now required to clean up after their animals, not only in the parks, but on all public and private property throughout the Township, or face the possibility of a fine up to $1,000.

Getting Ready For Snow

• With winter upon us, the Township hopes that all residents will assist with keeping streets clear so that plows can move unwanted snow.
• The Township plows the roads when there is snow. The plowing causes the snow to get pushed up to driveways, curbs, and sidewalks. It may be more convenient for home owners to shovel after the Township plows the roads as opposed to prior.
• Ordinance #625 states that it is unlawful for residents to park vehicles on any road following accumulation of 3” or more of snow/ice until snow/ice has been completely plowed from the full width of the road way.  Please move cars off the streets when it starts to snow, so that the Township can more effectively and safely remove the snow/ice. 
• It shall be unlawful to shovel, push, plow or otherwise cause snow to be placed onto, across, or upon any roads, streets or sidewalks if the snow is allowed to remain on the road, street, sidewalk or right-of-way.
• Please trim back all trees, branches and bushes along your front curb line and at corners to help improve road conditions and allow for emergency vehicle access.
• Remember to keep all trash cans out of the street.
• Portable basketball nets in the street are considered a traffic obstruction and owners may be cited.  Please move them back off the street when not in play.  If they are struck during emergency services or snow plowing, the owner is responsible for all damages.
• Warminster Township is not responsible for replacing mailboxes located in the right of way that are damaged during snow plowing.  To avoid snow plow damage to your mailbox, any person with a mail box located along the street should be sure that the mailbox is secure in the ground.
• The Township is divided into grids for snowplowing.  Some areas have been bid out to local contractors to aid our Public Works Department in plowing snow.
• Curb to curb plowing begins when snow conditions reach 3 inches or more.
• Please shovel sidewalks & around fire hydrants – the house you save may be your own!

If You See It, Report It . . . ON-LINE
If you see a downed traffic sign or road hazard on the way to work, let us know when you get there! Visit the Township web site at www.warminstertownship.org/works and complete a Repair Form. This will help us know what is wrong and how we can fix the problem.

YARD WASTE ORDINANCE #537
Problems with neighborhood flooding prompted the Board of Supervisors to pass an ordinance to reduce yard waste and debris in the street gutters. The ordinance states “it shall be the duty of each owner or occupant of property bordering on a street in Warminster Township to maintain and keep the street and gutter adjacent to the property free and clear of leaves, leaf waste and other yard waste. It shall be unlawful, and a violation, for any person to deposit or otherwise allow the accumulation of leaves, leaf waste or any other yard waste in any street or gutter in Warminster Township.” To help keep our sewer and storm water management system flowing, please be sure that neither you nor your lawn care contractor blow clippings, leaves, etc into the street or you may be fined.

YARD WASTE DROP-OFF
Warminster residents can drop-off off their yard waste year round at Victory Gardens, Inc., located at 357 West Street Road, Monday-Friday between 9 AM-5 PM. They accept stumps, brush, tree parts and leaves - all wood must be 10" or less in diameter. No dirt, stones, plastic, lumber, fencing, pressboard, painted or pressure treated wood of any kind is allowed. Info: Victory Gardens’ office (215)443-5665.

Early Warning!
The most dangerous part of any fire is the smoke. That is why smoke detectors are essential for early warning of a fire in your home. You should have one smoke detector on every level and one smoke detector in every bed room in your house. Be sure to test them regularly to ensure they work. Smoke detectors now come with many features such as voices, different languages, flashing lights, wireless interconnection, hardwired interconnection, battery powered, and carbon monoxide alarm. Make sure you are alerted before it is too late. If you have any questions about smoke detectors please do not hesitate to contact the Fire Marshal's Office at (267) 803-FIRE.

Can we find you?
In an emergency it is important for the Police, Ambulance, and Fire Department to be able to find your house. Make sure your address is posted on your house. Your address should be a contrasting color (gold numbers on a white house won't work) and the numbers should be at least 3 inches high. Be found today!

Thanks to the dedicated work of the Environmental Advisory Committee, and the participation of the Township, residents, and businesses, the Warminster Township Library is now home to a 1.26k solar energy system. The solar energy system, which consists of six solar panels, was obtained through the Township’s participation in a clean energy campaign sponsored by the Sustainable Development Fund and SmartPower. The screen display box for the solar energy system can be viewed from the lobby of the Library, and shows a digital reading for such things as the amount of solar energy generated for a given day, as well as the total amount of solar energy produced since the installation of the unit.

152 new clean energy accounts were established as a result of this program, and an additional 146.4 megawatt hours of clean energy are now being purchased each month by Warminster residents and businesses. The EAC would like to thank the residents and businesses of Warminster Township for their support, and continues to encourage people to sign up for PECO wind energy.

It's an easy and inexpensive way to make a difference! Please click here for more information.

The Township is looking for community volunteers, environmental groups, Eagle Scout candidates, Gold Star contenders, or Scout Troops who are interested in community service hours to assist with a storm water protection project. In accordance with DEP regulations, all of the storm water drains in the municipality need to be marked or stenciled with “no dumping”. Any troop or scout interested in this project should contact the Parks & Recreation Department at (215)443-5428 as soon as possible.

Channels 22 & 45
Community organizations who are interested in placing items on Channel 22 (Comcast) and Channel 45 (Verizon,) should go to www.warminstertownship.org/tv to submit items on-line.  Hopefully residents are enjoying the new and informative formats.  More changes will take place in the future.  Watch for them!

COMMUNITY BLOCK PARTIES
If you are planning a Block Party, please stop in the Parks and Rec. office or download the “party” form @ www.warminstertownship.org/recreation to complete your permit so that you may receive barricades.   This ensures a safe and fun event!   

PICNIC KITS
Picnic Kits are portable sport bags filled with a variety of sports equipment. They are available with a $30/kit deposit.  Half of all deposits will be returned when equipment is returned in good order.  To reserve your kit, call (215) 443-5428.

VOTING DISTRICTS - Don’t forget to vote in November!
The following are a list of District Polling places and their locations. However, if you are unsure of your voting location, feel free to call Bucks County Voter Registration at 215-348-6169. also on the internet at www.buckscounty.org or www.votespa.com

Warminster Township Administration Offices, Parks & Recreation, L&I Department, Public Works, & Five Ponds can be reached directly by contacting the Pennsylvania Telephone Relay Service at 1-800-654-5984 or via messages at the TDD/TTY machine at the Warminster Police Dept. at (215) 443-2973.

Requirements for the Occupancy Certificate when selling or renting your house.

• The inspection process should begin no less than one (1) month before settlement to allow you time to complete the necessary requirements before your settlement date.
• Application and fee in the amount of $75.00 must be submitted to the Department of Licenses and Inspections to set up an appointment for the inspection.
• Forms can be obtained by contacting the Department of Licenses & Inspections at 215-443-5423. There is a handout describing the Occupancy Certificate regulations that includes the forms necessary for the inspection process. Forms can be e-mailed to you by either calling the office telephone number or e-mailing your request to one of the following mailboxes:  landi@li-warminstertownship.org or Use&Occupancy@li-warminstertownship.org

Building? Get A Permit!
Summer is a great time for renovations! Since 2004, the Licenses and Inspections Department has operated under the Uniform Construction Code (UCC). All building and construction, whether or not a permit is required to be taken from L&I, must meet the minimum UCC requirements. Tool sheds, in-ground and above-ground pools, alterations and additions, fireplaces, woodstoves, and fireplace inserts, concrete replacement, patio roofs, tank removal and installation, HVAC, accessory structures, roofing, siding, fences, decks, and attached/detached garages, are just some of the items that may require permits or zoning approvals. Please contact the Dept. of Licenses & Inspections, 910 W. Bristol Road or (215) 443-5423, for details on how to secure a permit or zoning approval.

HOUSE NUMBER DISPLAY
It’s the LAW…the owners of buildings and homes within Warminster Township are required to display the building or house number. The number must be readily seen from the street or highway. Numbers on homes need to be at least 3 inches high and in contrasting color, while commercial, industrial and institutional buildings need to have numbers at least 6 inches high and in contrasting color. If your Emergency Services can’t find you, they can’t help you. Warminster Township Code Ordinance 615, Section 304.3

ADVISORY: Ordinance 635 - Permit required for fences
In the best interest of the health, safety and welfare of the residents of Warminster Township, Supervisors amended the Zoning Code Ordinance to prohibit the construction of fences closer to the street than the front of a house and to require a permit for the erection of any fence. The aesthetic quality of residential neighborhoods, ensuring clear site distance for the traveling public, and the homeowners’ ability to safely enter and exit their driveways are all concerns of the Supervisors.

• Be sure that you or your fence installer comes into the Department of Licenses & Inspections for approval of location of fence to meet the Zoning Code and related amendments.
• Acquire a permit before any fence is installed on your property.
• Fence installers and contractors must be registered and licensed with the Township before any work can begin. The contractor’s up-to-date Certificate of Insurance must be on record at L & I.
• Be sure you know where your property line is located. Survey of the property is not required, but is recommended. Property line disputes are a civil matter between you and your neighbor(s). Warminster Township does not determine property line locations.
Please contact the Department of Licenses & Inspections at 910 W. Bristol Road or 215/443-5423 for details on how to secure a fence permit.

BEWARE OF UNLICENSED CONTRACTORS!
Warning Signs
• Unsolicited phone calls or visits
• High pressure sales pitches or scare tactics
• Large down payments
• No verifiable address or phone number
• Unwillingness to give you a price
• Unwillingness to sign a written contract
• Insurance or licensing info you cannot verify

Thirteen Steps to Hiring a Contractor
• Seek a referral from someone you know who is happy with his or her contractors’ work
• Solicit bids from at least three contractors
• Be wary of proposals that are much lower than any other proposal
• Contact the Better Business Bureau to check out any contractors that submit bids
• Insist on a written contract that outlines your entire agreement including starting and completion dates.
• Have an attorney review any documents before you sign them, include contracts, warranties and plans
• Make sure there are no blank spaces on anything you sign
• Insist upon a written warranty on all materials and work
• Get all building permits and variance before start he project and identify contract on the application
• Inspect all work before signing a completion certificate
• Withhold final payment until the entire project is finished and inspected
• Get a contractors’ affidavit that all subcontractor and material supplied have been paid before making a final payment
• Report any misrepresentations, shoddy work, failure to honor contracts, unlicensed contractors or other problems to the appropriate licensing board.

As summer time approaches and everyone is enjoying grilling outdoors, please keep in mind some tips to keep you safe.

• When using your grill - either propane or charcoal - position the grill a safe distance away from siding, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Keep children and pets away from the grill area: declare a three–foot “safe zone” around the grill.
• Never store propane gas cylinders in buildings or garages. If you store a gas grill inside during the winter, disconnect the cylinder and leave it outside.
• Periodically remove grease or fat buildup on trays below grill so it cannot be ignited by a hot grill.
• Check your propane grill, including tanks and hoses, for any damage. You can use a light soap and water solution applied to the hose and fittings to check for leaks. If a leak occurs have your grill serviced by a professional before using it again.
• Never use propane or charcoal grills indoors, or any enclosed spaces such as tents. They may pose both a fire hazard and the risk of exposing the occupants to toxic gases and potential asphyxiation.

Emergency Vehicle Etiquette
Certain emergency service vehicles have sirens and flashing red lights or a combination of flashing red and blue lights. The lights assist emergency vehicles to move quickly through traffic and to answer emergency calls.  Emergency vehicles include fire department equipment, police cruisers, ambulances, blood delivery vehicles and specially equipped vehicles from river rescue organizations, but other types do exist. Watch out for them.

When you hear a siren or see a vehicle approaching with flashing lights, move to the right and stop - do not move left.  If you can't move right, stop. If you are stopped at a busy intersection and the pre-emptor (flashing light on top of traffic signal) causes the light to turn green in your direction, move through the intersection to clear it and, as quickly as possible, move to the right curb and stop until the emergency vehicles pass. 

When you are approaching an emergency vehicle on the side of the road move into the opposite lane and slow down. If no other lane is available slow down and use caution.  On one-way streets, drive toward the road edge nearest you.  If an emergency vehicle is leaving or returning to its garage and the emergency lights are still flashing, you must stop until the emergency vehicle is safely out of your path.  During an emergency situation, all drivers must obey the direction of any uniformed police officer, sheriff, constable or any properly attired person, including fire personnel."

After the emergency vehicle passes, you may start driving again. You must stay at least 500 feet away from the emergency vehicle. Always yield the right of way to an emergency vehicle. Police Cruisers, Fire Trucks, and Ambulances are Emergency vehicles.  Remember, that the police can and will cite you for not obeying this traffic laws.

Find Out First! Ready Notify PA
Looking to stay connected to Warminster Township and Bucks County? Sign up today to receive emergency weather and transportation alerts via email or cell phone. Ready Notify PA is a community alert system that allows residents to sign up for a variety of emergency alerts. Messages are not limited to where you work or live, you can sign up for all the counties that interest you (Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and/or Philadelphia Counties). For more information about staying connected to Warminster Township and Bucks County, please visit bucks.alertpa.org.