More municipal impacts implemented

The coronavirus pandemic continues to have impacts on municipal services in large and small ways..

The coronavirus pandemic continues to have impacts on municipal services in large and small ways.

Here are a few that have come our way:

No More Water Shut-Offs

POTTSTOWN — Borough officials announced Monday that in the interest of public health, they will suspend all water-shut-offs until May 1.

“In an effort to keep all parties safe, we have made the decision to temporarily suspend water service termination until May 1, 2020,” according to the announcement.

“We will continue to evaluate this as events unfold,” the statement said. Questions about water service billing should be directed to the finance department by phone at 610-970-6530 between 7:30 and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday or by email at finance@pottstown.org.

No More Bulk Pick-up

WEST POTTSGROVE — Township Manager Craig Lloyd announced Monday that “effective Monday March 30, Waste Management will be suspending the pick up of bulk trash items (furniture, carpets, mattresses, appliances, etc.) as a result of COVID-19.”

Lloyd added that “the normal trash and recycle collections will remain in effect.”

Electronic Supervisors Meeting

NORTH COVENTRY — The public could not attend the township’s supervisors meeting for Monday, March 23. But attendance is by “online through the ZOOM conference software.”

Using a computer, tablet or cell phone, go to https://zoom. us/j/383115891 and follow the instructions when prompted. Tablet and cell phone ZOOM app required.

To dial in from landline or cell phone call (646) 558-8656 and enter meeting ID below. Meeting ID: 383 115 891 The agenda includes an update on how the pandemic has affected township operations.

Playgrounds Closed

• LOWER POTTSGROVE — The Gerald Richards Park and Sanatoga Park Playgrounds will be closed indefinitely due to the Covid-19 pandemic,” the township announced Friday.

“In addition, all porta-potty facilities will be closed. Residents should practice social distancing and hand sanitation and not allow anyone, especially children to congregate in large groups.”

• LIMERICK — Township officials made a similar announcement Friday. “All playgrounds, restrooms and pavilions are closed. All organized sports activities, field rentals and scheduled parkrelated programs have been cancelled indefinitely as well.”

• ROYERSFORD — The borough has announced that “all playgrounds, restrooms, pavilions, etc are closed in our park facilities. Playground equipment is difficult to clean so these areas will remain closed off due to an abundance of caution. All organized activities in the park are cancelled until further notice. This includes the basketball courts on 3rd and Spring. The park at 5th and Chestnut will be closed.”

Thanks for the Supplies

LOWER POTTSGROVE — Police Chief Michael Foltz posted a message on the department’s Crimewatch page thinking “the following community partners for donating much needed supplies, such as disinfectants, masks, Tyvek suits, goggles, gloves and other services in support of our operations and in the interest of the health and safety of our staff: Pottsgrove School District custodial staff, Home Depot, AD Moyer Lumber & Hardware, Landis Supermarket, Dr. Allan Pyke of Pyke & Galletto and Associates, Anna & Gary Trout, Sanatoga Auto Body, and our local fire and EMS services.”

Foltz wrote :prior to this pandemic, your local law enforcement was minimally stocked with such things as masks, goggles and Tyvek suits. These supplies, which were not a routine staple in our daily equipment needs, quickly became scarce and in high demand, making it difficult for us to stock adequate supplies to be ready to serve in situations where our staff may need to expose themselves to the virus in order to protect our citizens.”

He further noted, “our expertise and ability to properly disinfect our facilities was limited to household remedies such as Lysol and disinfectant wipes. When faced with the need to ensure a healthy environment for essential services to be carried out, our school district custodial staff stepped up and aided us in sanitizing our facilities to bolster our efforts mitigate any threat to our police officers, administrative staff and their families that may be encountered in our work environment.”

Foltz wrote “these are trying times for all of us. Your donations and support have made it a little easier for us as we strive to provide services to the community.”