Police Chief Kensey resigns, plans to move out-of-state

AMITY >> The Amity Township Board of Supervisors unanimously accepted the resignation of Police Chief Andrew J. Kensey, effective Nov. 21.

Kensey, who has led the department for the past three years, informed the supervisors that he is resigning because he plans to move his family out-of-state.

Sgt. Jeff Smith was approved as the interim chief of police until the board decides on a permanent replacement for Kensey.

Kensey was hired in 2015 to replace former chief Kent A. Shuebrook, who retired. Kensey previously served 23 years with the Philadelphia Police Department.

The main focus of Wednesday’s meeting was a new fireworks ordinance.

The leaders of Pennsylvania’s 2,561 municipal-

ities realized by July 4 that their local laws couldn’t adequately protect the public from Pennsylvania residents who are now allowed to purchase and use aerial fireworks.

The supervisors unanimously approved an ordinance that addresses those issues.

Chief Kensey said his department received 14 fireworks complaints calls between July 1-5, as well as many calls before and after the holiday.

Kensey and board members said the major issue was the discharge of aerial fireworks in the township’s subdivisions, where there isn’t 150 feet between houses (or an “occupied structure,” as specified in the state law).

The board began to draft this summer a new ordinance that would incorporate the state’s Fireworks Law, Act 43 of 2017, effective Oct. 30, 2017.

Amity’s Ordinance No. 307 provides the rules and regulations for the sale and discharge of consumer fireworks, the discharge of display fireworks, and the penalties for the violation of the ordinance.

It includes the definitions and the rules and regulations for consumer fireworks and display fireworks (used only by professional pyrotechnics).

In order to protect residents’ health, safety, and welfare, the board provided the definitions of an “occupied structure,” a “temporary structure” (for storage and sales), and an outdoor storage unit for the manufacture, transportation, and storage of fireworks.

Display fireworks cannot be discharged without receiving a township permit for a person age 21 or older, and who must first provide a bond (of at least $50,000) to cover the cost of damages to person or property.

Another protection to the community is restricting the discharge of consumer fireworks to no later than 10 p.m. on any date, and display fireworks no later than 10:30 p.m. on any date.

The only exception is that display fireworks may be discharged until 1 a.m. on New Year’s Day.

Fireworks owners who violate the ordinance can be fined $100 (upon conviction), plus any additional fines or citations.

Their fireworks stock can also be seized by police if it is improperly “offered or exposed for sale, stored or held in violation of the Act.”

Supervisor Terry L. Jones was absent from the meeting.