The balanced budget projects a total revenue and expenditures of $3.01 million. The budget notably increases road repair funding from $498,000 to $550,000 and appropriates $170,000 for a new backhoe, which will be borrowed from the township’s reserves. Other expenditures include $13,000 for the Holiday House pool and $2,500 for the Pennridge Senior Center.

The board approved a feasibility study for the Holiday House pool after board members Jay Keyser and David Collingwood raised concerns about its long-term viability and financial burden on the township. Keyser noted that the board has had to repeatedly pump more money into the pool to keep it afloat amidst aging infrastructure and dwindling memberships.

“Is it worth investing x number of dollars for 30-35 season ticket holders?” said Keyser. “When you look at the thousands of dollars we put into the pool, you have to weigh that out.”

In response, Joint Recreation Authority Chair Hal Schirmer said that the Authority is coordinating new fundraising and marketing efforts to ensure the pool’s viability. He also suggested adding other amenities to the property, including event spaces and pickle ball courts. But the board appeared unmoved.

“We cannot commit more money to this until we know it’s viable,” said Collingwood.

Chris Derstine of the Planning Commission reported on a proposal by the Telford Borough Authority to extend public sewer access to 86 homes on County Line Road. He said that the estimated cost is $36,000 per home and that the Authority is seeking grant funding for the project.

Derstine also announced that the planned Wawa site at the intersection of State Road and Meetinghouse Road will no longer include a sidewalk up to Old State Road due to the difficult terrain. The site, however, will still include a sidewalk along State Road.

Derstine further announced that Tim Snyder of Buttercreek Builders revised his Camp Rock Hill Road development proposal to include a six-lot configuration with shared driveways for the properties. Derstine said that the Commission requested further revisions due to members’ opposition to shared driveways.

The board also authorized the advertisement of the Telford Borough Authority’s public sewer plan and approved the drafting of an ordinance to establish a tax rebate program for volunteer firefighters in an effort to boost recruitment.

The next West Rockhill Board of Supervisors meeting is on January 17 at 7 p.m. For more information, visit westrockhilltownship.org

The township is currently in the process of rewriting its zoning ordinance to include new regulations on short-term rentals. At November’s meeting, the board tabled the advertisement of the ordinance due to a dispute over the minimum acre size for short-term rentals and the need for additional review time.

The dispute appeared to be unresolved Tuesday, with the board tabling a motion to send the ordinance to the Planning Commission following a discussion in a work session held before the meeting.

On another note, the board took a neutral stance on a Zoning Hearing Board application from a property owner on Three Mile Run Road. The owner is requesting an impervious coverage variance to build a family addition to his home. The hearing will be held on Jan. 15.

The board also revealed that it received an application for the open seat on the Zoning Hearing Board from Andrew Slike, Vice President of Finance and Operations at Fonthill Castle and Mercer Museum. The seat will be filled at the township’s Jan. 2 reorganization meeting.

In other news, Public Works Director Jeff Scholl announced that the quarry has finished making cold patch and will begin patching small potholes throughout the township.

The board also committed to holding a community session with the 11 residents who are eligible for public sewer hookups following a request from resident Tina O’Rourke.

The next East Rockhill Board of Supervisors meeting is on Jan. 23 at 7 p.m. For more information, visit eastrockhilltownship.org.

ARRESTS

Hit And Run: Rose Finocchio of Perkasie was arrested and charged following a car crash on State Road near Keystone Driver. An investigation determined that Finocchio struck another vehicle, causing injury to a passenger, and left the scene of the crash without providing information to the other operator.

Theft: Jahanese Holly and Nicholas Louis of Bridgeport, Connecticut, were arrested and charged with theft by deception, theft by extortion and receiving stolen property following a theft report on November 27. An investigation determined that Holly and Louis stole the car keys of a client and refused to return them.

DUI: Gregory Pasquarella, 30, of Sellersville, was arrested and charged with DUI and other traffic violations following a motor vehicle crash at the intersection of Ridge Road and Schoolhouse Road on November 24. An investigation determined that Pasquarella rear-ended another vehicle while under the influence.

Drug Possession: On December 15, a juvenile allegation was filed against a Pennridge High School student after he was found on school property in possession of a THC vaping device.

INCIDENTS

Disturbance/Disorderly Conduct: On December 3, officers responded to Domino’s Pizza for a disturbance by patrons who were unhappy with a delivery to their home. Both patrons were asked not to return to the restaurant.

Theft: On December 5, officers were dispatched to the 600 block of Campus Drive for a report of theft of a decorative bench. An investigation revealed that a neighbor stole the bench from a flower bed and threw it away. No charges were filed at the request of the bench owner.

Attempted Fraud/Suspicious Activity: A resident of the 1000 block of Schoolhouse Road was called by someone identifying themselves as a Sheriff. The male voice instructed the resident to pay a substantial amount of money to avoid being arrested on warrants. The resident eventually realized the call was a scam. No money was lost.

Harassment: On December 5, a dispute occurred in the 600 block of Schwenkmill Road regarding a woman’s spotlights shining on her neighbor’s property. The problem was resolved after she turned off her spotlight.

Suspicious Activity: On December 6, a resident in the 200 block of Lonely Road reported that two males, dressed in suits, came to his home to discuss his Social Security insurance. The males, who were operating a white Jeep Cherokee, left the scene at the homeowner’s request.

Criminal Mischief: On December 7, officers responded to the 1900 block of Dublin Way after a resident’s strand of Christmas lights was cut. The resident reported a $30 loss. No further information is available.

Disturbance/Harassment: On December 9, Pennridge police responded to St. Luke’s Penn Foundation following a report of a fight between numerous patients. Upon arrival, officers learned that there was a verbal dispute over phone usage.

Disturbance: On December 10, Pennridge police responded to the 200 block of Thousand Acre Road for a report of a domestic disturbance. Upon arrival, officers found an ex-boyfriend and girlfriend arguing over the terms of their relationship and determined that no police involvement was needed.

Harassment: On December 10, Pennridge police responded to the 600 block of Campus Drive for a report of a disturbance involving a neighbor’s dog. Upon the officers’ arrival, a resident alleged that a neighbor had threatened to shoot their dog for barking. The dog had allegedly been barking for 30 to 45 minutes. The situation was resolved with no further police involvement.

Disturbance: On December 11, officers responded to Grand View Hospital after a patient ran out of the hospital nude and intoxicated. An investigation revealed that the male made comments about harming himself, and he was promptly transferred back to the hospital for treatment.

Fraud/Civil Issue: On December 12, a resident in the 100 block of Mountain View Road reported a theft of a vehicle from her property. The homeowner had hired a friend to title a vehicle for her, and he never returned it. The homeowner was advised to contact a civil attorney and referred to a neighboring jurisdiction for police assistance.

Harassment: On December 13, officers responded to a complaint in the 600 block of Schwenkmill Road regarding a dispute over a resident’s spotlights shining onto a neighboring property.

Criminal Mischief: On December 15, officers responded to the Iron Bridge Park following damage to the park’s open fields. It appeared that an unknown actor damaged the park while “turfing.”

Disturbance: On December 15, Pennridge police responded to Grand View Hospital for a report of a patient disturbance. Upon arrival, officers learned that the patient was upset with his treatment plan and wanted a ride home. Officers were able to move the patient to another location without issue.

Suspicious Person: Pennridge police responded to the 0 hundred block of Ridge Valley Road for a report of an unknown male alleging to be a Verizon employee. The male, described as having a stocky build with a beard and dressed in outdoor work clothes, left the scene before officers arrived. Officers checked the area and were unable to locate the male.

TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS

On December 4, Pennridge police responded to the area of Cathill Road and Lonely Road for a report of a two-vehicle crash. Upon arrival, officers found that one vehicle struck a deer, inadvertently pushing the deer in front of another vehicle.

On December 11, Pennridge police responded to the intersection of Cat Hill Road and Clymer Ave for a report of a vehicle crash. Officers learned that the vehicle veered off the roadway and struck a tree. The operator of the vehicle was found outside of the vehicle with minor injuries. Upon further investigation, officers believed the operator to be intoxicated. The investigation is ongoing.

On December 15, Pennridge police responded to the area of Cathill Road at Farmers Lane for a report of a motor vehicle crash. Upon arrival, officers discovered that a Pontiac rear-ended a Ford truck as it waited to turn into a parking lot. Minor injuries were reported.

The budget projects a total revenue of $21.7 million and total expenditures of $21.5 million, yielding a surplus of roughly $200,000. The budget notably includes minor trash and electricity rate increases, including a $7.50 quarterly increase on trash toters, a $0.50 trash bag fee increase and a $0.01 residential electricity rate increase.

In other news, council tabled the 2024-2026 police contract due to an outstanding management rights issue. Solicitor Jeff Garton stressed that the borough’s police services will continue despite the absence of a contract.

Council also enacted a real estate tax rebate program for volunteer firefighters, hired Sheila Hercek as a part-time events assistant at a rate of $21 per hour and announced that the Mavis Tire Center in Perkasie Square has officially opened.

Council additionally took time to recognize the service of the late council member Jim Purcell, who passed away in November after an extended medical leave.

The next Perkasie Borough Council meeting is on January 2 at 7 p.m. For more information, visit perkasieborough.org.

The team included Pearl S. Buck International President & CEO Christy Holland, Board Chair Mateen Afzal and Board Member Stephanie Sun, who collectively spoke about Buck’s involvement in the effort to repeal the Chinese Exclusion Act, according to a press release from the organization.

“Today’s occasion not only commemorates legislative change but also pays homage to the tireless efforts of one remarkable woman who led in repealing the Chinese Exclusion Act, Ms. Pearl S. Buck,” said Sun.

“Ms. Buck was steadfast in her pursuit to overturn Chinese exclusion laws barring Chinese immigrants from entering the United States,” said Holland. Pearl Buck “repeatedly used her voice and publications to end targeted attempts to block immigration.”

Afzal spoke about his experience as the son of a mixed race and first-generation immigrant couple from Sweden and India and how the repeal of the CEA opened doors to the American dream for not just Chinese immigrants but for immigrants of other Asian descents, such as his father.

Other presenters at the conference included various Chinese-American and Asian-American U.S. Representatives, dignitaries, and committee members, said the release.

The repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act by the Magnuson Act on December 17, 1943 allowed for Chinese immigration to the United States for the first time since the Act went into effect in 1882. Pearl S. Buck and Richard J. Walsh were leading figures in the movement to abolish Chinese Exclusion. Buck spoke against the discrimination of Chinese through various media outlets of the time, including a radio broadcast in March of 1942. Buck and Walsh were also part of the Citizens Committee to Repeal Chinese Exclusion, which formed in 1943 and was instrumental in arguing for the exclusion act’s repeal. A formal apology for the legislation was given by the House of Representatives on June 18, 2012.

At the end of the conference, Pearl S. Buck International was presented with a plaque commemorating Pearl Buck’s role in the act’s repeal. The plaque reads, in part, “Chinese Americans are forever grateful to Pearl S. Buck for her lead in repealing the Chinese Exclusion Act.”

“We were delighted to have been invited to this significant event commemorating the 80th anniversary of the repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act,” said Holland. “It was an honor to share the convictions which motivated Buck and Walsh to strategize, influence, and advocate for this important repeal of federal law. Further, it was both educational and inspirational to learn from prominent Chinese American scholars, political figures, advocates, and allies.”

Pearl S. Buck International® provides opportunities to explore and appreciate other cultures, builds better lives for children around the globe and promotes the legacy of its founder by preserving and interpreting her National Historic Landmark Home.

Investigators said the first catalytic converter theft was reported just after 8 a.m. on Dec. 2, after the owner of a Mitsubishi along the 300 block of Arch Street reported that his converter had been stolen during the overnight hours. The following day at 5:15 a.m., a resident along the 300 block of West Market Street called police after interrupting a suspect attempting to steal the converter from their Honda Element.

The victim told police they were awakened by the sound of a saw being used to cut their converter, but when the suspect saw the victim on their porch, they dropped the vehicle from its jack and fled the scene in another vehicle, believed to be a black Honda.

On Dec. 4, police were dispatched to the 500 block of Vine Street at 12:38 p.m. for a report of a catalytic converter being stolen from a Honda that was parked on the street. Investigators said the theft occurred sometime between 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 2 and the morning of Dec. 3.

In addition to the catalytic converter thefts, police are also investigating the theft of the Dodge Charger that was parked in a private driveway. Police said the vehicle was stolen sometime after 5 p.m. on Dec. 5, and the driver’s-side window was smashed out to enable entry into the vehicle.

Anyone with information about the four incidents is asked to contact the Perkasie Borough Police Department at 215-257-6876. Tips can also be submitted electronically and anonymously here.

This article appears courtesy of a content-sharing agreement between North Penn Now and The Reporter. To read more stories like this, visit www.NorthPennNow.com

Miguel Sanchez, 32, was arrested on Nov. 3 on felony charges of rape, statutory sexual assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, unlawful contact with a minor, trafficking in individuals, sexual assault, unlawful restraint, false imprisonment, aggravated indecent assault, solicitation of child pornography, corruption of minors, and related offenses, following an investigation by the Quakertown Borough Police Department.

Sanchez is being held at the Bucks County Correctional Facility without bail, with Magisterial District Judge citing Sanchez as a flight risk, a danger to the community, and that he is facing similar charges in Montgomery County.

According to a release from the district attorney’s office, the investigation began on Oct. 24 when Quakertown Police took a report of a rape that allegedly occurred the prior evening in the parking lot of the Giant Food Store located along the 1400 block of West Broad Street. Police said the victim claimed she had been raped inside of Sanchez’s vehicle, which she described as a white, four-door vehicle.

Investigators said the victim had met with Sanchez on one prior occasion, at which point they exchanged contact information through Snapchat. During their conversations, Sanchez allegedly offered the victim and her friend money in exchange for videos of them nude and performing sex acts, according to the release.

Surveillance footage from the area of the Giant Food Store showed Sanchez’s vehicle in the parking lot at the time of the alleged rape, police said.

Investigators said they strongly believe there may be additional victims and are asking them to come forward. Anyone with information is asked to contact Quakertown Borough Police Detective Ryan Naugle at 215-536-5002. Tips can also be submitted here.

The district attorney’s office said Sanchez was on bail at the time of the incident, and a review of court records by this news organization shows he was arrested on Aug. 19, 2022, on charges of strangulation, unlawful restraint, indecent assault, simple assault, reckless endangerment, and false imprisonment, stemming from an incident that occurred on June 22, 2022, in Pottstown Borough.

Court records show Sanchez was initially placed in the Montgomery County Correctional Facility in lieu of 10% of $50,000 cash bail, however bail was changed to $50,000 unsecured on Oct. 18, 2022, which was five days after he waived his preliminary hearing.

Sanchez has scheduled court update in that case scheduled for Jan. 9, 2024, at 9:30 a.m.

The Bucks County case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Brittney Kern. Sanchez waived his preliminary hearing in that case, and his next court appearance is a formal arraignment at the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas on Dec. 15 at noon.

All suspects and defendants are innocent until proven guilty. This story was compiled using public court records.

This article appears courtesy of a content-sharing agreement between North Penn Now and The Reporter. To read more stories like this, visit www.NorthPennNow.com.

Warrant service: Steven Payne, who has no current address, was arrested during a traffic stop after officers discovered that he had numerous warrants for firearms possession. Following his arrest, Payne was transferred to Bucks County Prison.

Retail theft: Gwendolyn Peterson of Sellersville was arrested for retail theft, receiving stolen property and theft by deception after she allegedly stole $150 in retail merchandise from the Giant Supermarket in Perkasie. On another occasion, Peterson allegedly returned the stolen property for money. Criminal charges were filed on November 30 following an investigation.

Warrant service: On November 19, 52-year-old James Wright of Ambler was arrested after officers responded to the 700 block of Allentown Road for a report of suspicious activity. Upon arrival, officers discovered that Wright had an outstanding warrant for DUI related offenses. Following his arrest, Wright was transferred to Pennsylvania Police for processing.

Underage drinking: On November 23, Adam Mossbrook of Sellersville was cited for underage drinking after Pennridge officers detailed to the Pennridge/Quakertown football game were informed of students vaping on school property. After being cited, Mossbrook was released.

INCIDENTS

Theft/civil issue: On November 19, officers received a report from the business owner of Matt’s Heavy Duty Mobile Diagnostics for a dispute over payment of services. The owner reported that a customer had not yet paid for services rendered after their vehicle broke down. The incident is currently under investigation.

Disturbance: On November 21, officers responded to the 100 block of Forrest Road for a disturbance regarding a tenant’s use of an electric camper on the property. The property owner was referred to the magistrate office for a civil dispute, while the Upper Bucks Co-Responder was contacted for the tenant.

DUI accident: On November 24, officers responded to the intersection of Ridge Road and Schoolhouse Road following a two-vehicle crash. During the investigation, the operator of one of the vehicles came under suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. The operator was then taken for a blood draw. Charges are currently pending.

Hit-and-run accident: On November 25, officers responded to the 700 block of Ridge Valley Road following a hit-and-run crash. Upon arrival, officers discovered that a vehicle had struck a tree and that the driver fled from the scene. The crash is currently under investigation.

Theft: Officers responded to a business in the 200 block of East State Road for a report of a theft following a dispute over the cost of an auto detailing. Officers discovered that an employee of the facility hired an online company from Instagram to detail her vehicle interior. After a dispute over the price, the business owner refused to return the employee’s car keys and left the property. The incident is currently under investigation.

Fraud: On November 28, a resident of the 1000 block of Cedar Meadow Lane filed a fraud report after the sale of an item on Facebook Market Place. The resident believed that their banking information was exposed after making payments on Venmo and Paypal. The lost funds were eventually returned to the victim’s bank account.

Suspicious activity: On November 29, a resident living in the 400 block of Campus Drive reported suspicious activity on their Amazon Account. The resident believed that someone hacked their account and changed their information. Officers did not find fraudulent activity on any banking or credit card accounts. The resident is attempting to resolve the issue with Amazon.

Trespassing: On November 29, officers responded to Peak Excavating on Clymer Avenue for a report of trespassing. Upon arrival, officers found a homeless couple sleeping in a blue Audi on the property. Under the officers’ instruction, the couple left the property. The property owner was not interested in pressing charges. The homeless couple was referred to the Upper Bucks Co-Responder for assistance.

Fraud: On December 1, a resident in the 0 hundred block of Arrowwood Drive filed a fraud report after an unknown party opened a claim for unemployment benefits without her knowledge.

TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS

On November 20, officers responded to Rt. 313 and Fifth Street following a motor vehicle crash. Upon arrival, officers determined that a vehicle was struck by another vehicle while turning onto Fifth Street from Route 313. Both units were towed from the scene, and one operator was transported to Grand View Hospital.

On November 23, officers responded to the intersection of State Road and Rt 309 ramp following a two-vehicle crash. Officers discovered that a motorcycle turned in front of a vehicle as it entered the PA Rt. 309 northbound ramp. The operator of the motorcycle was transported to Grand View Hospital with serious injuries.

On November 24, officers responded to the intersection Park Avenue and Three Mile Run Road following a motor vehicle crash. Officers learned that a vehicle was struck by another vehicle after entering the roadway from Three Mile Run. Minor injuries were reported, and both vehicles were towed from the scene.

On November 24, officers responded to the area of N. Fifth St. and Rt. 313 following a motor vehicle crash. Upon arrival, officers learned that a vehicle was struck after entering the roadway from the parking lot of Basilicos Pizza.

On November 25, officers responded to the area of the 1300 block of Bethlehem Pike following a motor vehicle crash. Upon arrival, officers determined that the vehicle hit a deer as it crossed the roadway.

On November 27, a traffic accident was reported at Three Mile Run Road near Stone Edge Road after a BMW struck a deer as it crossed the roadway.

The last day for residents to place their leaves curbside for pick-up is December 10. Weather permitting, public works crews will make their final rounds of collection during the week of December 11, with the final collection day on December 15, according to a borough press release.

To avoid interfering with snow removal, residents are instructed not to put leaves out for collection after December 15 under penalty of fines per the borough’s zoning ordinance. Residents can, however, drop off leaves at the Borough Recycling Center at 311 S. 9th Street after December 15.

The borough’s next leaf collection program is scheduled for the spring, with the date to be announced in March 2024, said the release.

The move was recommended by both the Park and Recreation Board and a special Skate Park sub-committee consisting of multiple skateboarders. The cost includes equipment, shipping and installation and is through a Sourcewell contract. The ramp can be disassembled for a bigger project if needed, noted council member Scott Bomboy.

The sub-committee and the board characterized the replacement as a “crucial first step” in a larger park revitalization project.

“The replacement of the double mini half pipe will allow the park to be safer and more utilized while [work continues] towards the larger reconstruction project as well as additional programs and events,” read a memo from Park and Recreation Director Lauren Moll.