Miscellaneous

A proposed ordinance that would require horse riders to clean up after their animals is causing a stir in Whitpain Township.   The measure would apply if the horse leaves droppings on public roads or private property other than that of the owner but not on designated equestrian trails.   Township officials say there have been recent complaints about animal waste even though Whitpain has a long standing equestrian tradition.   The proposed ordinance is currently scheduled for a public hearing on January 29th but the equestrian advocacy group Horseways has been talking with township officials about handling the problem by getting horse riders to police themselves.

A holiday tradition continued in Mont Clare Saturday night.   Volunteers lined the banks of the Schuylkill Canal with about 1,500 luminary bags.   They cast an eerie glow on the water and lit the path that runs almost a mile between Route 29 and the old Locktender's House.   Lining the canal with holiday luminaria is a tradition that started three decades ago as the Schuylkill Canal Association began the restoration of the 185-year-old waterway and the historic structures nearby.

The Skippack Township supervisors have approved a budget for next year without raisng property taxes.   The spending plan totals about $3,000,000 and projects an $80,000 surplus.   The budget includes the purchase of a generator for the township building as well as the construction of new trails at Church Road Park.   There has not been a property tax increase in Skippack Township for 13 years.

West Norriton Township officials have approved a budget for next year.   The spending plan totals about $11,000,000 and does not raise property taxes.   That means a homeowner with property assessed at the West Norriton average of $119,000 will continue to pay the township $415 in real estate taxes.   Township officials held the line by deferring some capital projects and making cuts in health insurance costs.   They also found budget reductions in police overtime and legal expenses.