Shots

are (equal) and that as a community we should really try to be kinder to one another. So that’s my public service announcement for this meeting. Let’s all try to be kind. You are entitled to your opinion but that doesn’t mean you need to share it all the time.”

Chairman Kevin McDevitt voiced his agreement with DeSanto.

“That’s definitely uplifting. We have older citizens and younger residents that are just trying to make their way in life. They should not be treated as second-class citizens,” McDevitt said. “They may want to be renters and not own property. That’s why we have Timberlake Apartments or DeKalb Apartments or other apartments we have in the township.

They’ve all been approved. We welcome all of our residents. That’s not acceptable at all,” he added, referring to DeSanto’s remark about social media posters criticizing renters.

By voting unanimously for Ordinance 586, which decriminalizes the possession of small amounts of marijuana, the township is following the lead of several other municipalities in the state.

Township Solicitor Sean Kilkenny said it’s another tool for the East Norriton Police Department, “who may be dealing with minors who may be in possession of small amounts of marijuana. This has been supported by our chief of police and many municipalities,” he added. “West Norriton has also introduced this ordinance and many other municipalities in the Commonwealth are taking this approach. It strongly encourages community service, as opposed to any kind of punishment, giving the person the opportunity to rehab and provide valuable service to the community rather than (damaging) someone’s record for using a small amount of marijuana or being in possession of marijuana paraphernalia.”

The board approved preliminary land development for a three-lot subdivision at 3018 Whitehall Road, featuring houses that will roughly be 2,950 square feet each.

A resolution authorizing the destruction of public records

that are archived in the basement of the township building was approved.

“What we’re trying to do is free up space in the basement,” noted Dave Krist, director of finance. “We have a lot of other records that we’ll need to be able to provide storage for, and just as a matter of general housekeeping it makes sense to be doing this.”

McDevitt asked if an electronic version of those records would be made available, to which Krist said no, adding that a decision hasn’t been made about some older records.

“We’ll be reviewing those case by case,” he said.

Township Manager Bob Hart noted that, while the traditional Trunk or Treat event at Stanbridge Street Park was canceled this year due to the pandemic, plans are in the works for a drive-by Halloween celebration, with details to follow.

“I’ve been following very closely about the county positivity rate and the good news is it’s going down. We were down (2.79), from a 3.3 or 3.4. The coronavirus is still winding around. It’s not taking a holiday, so everybody keep up what you’re doing. Keep up the social distancing, keep wearing masks, keep washing your hands and try to stay safe.”