Officials work to prevent lanternfly in rec area
AMITY >> In an effort to reduce invasive trees species and also eradicate the invasive spotted lanternfly insect, the township supervisors have agreed to match grant funds for a new herbicidal method at Monocacy Hill Recreation Area.
Risa Marmontello, a principal officer in the Monocacy Hill Conservation Association, is submitting a grant application to the Schuylkill Highlands Mini-Grant Program.
Grant money would pay for the tagging and injectable insecticide to the invasive trees Norway Maple and Ailanthus, by representatives from the state Department of Agriculture.
The insecticide will kill the Spotted lanternfly as they eat in the “trap trees.”
The invasive trees would later be removed and the area replanted next fall.
Amity Township would provide the 50 percent in matching funds of $2,100 from the Monocacy Hill fund, with a volunteer hours match.
The Monocacy Hill Conservation Association is contributing $2,000 from its endowment fund as well as volunteer time.
Marmontello said a previous Schuylkill Highlands Mini-Grant was utilized in 2010 to rid the Creek Trail area of Monocacy Hill of the invasive Japanese Honeysuckle.
In other news, Paul Hoffman, operations senior supervisor at Pennsylvania American Water Company, presented $500 checks to the Monarch and Amity Township fire departments on April 5.
“We want to thank them for keeping us safe,” said Hoffman, adding that the funds are for the fire hydrants, to ensure that they are “working and flowing.”
R&S Sweeping Co. LLC, Royersford, will begin street sweeping in the township on April 18.
The board accepted on March 15, R&S’s bid of $108 per hour.
Township officials will post signs warning residents of the future sweeping and reminding them to remove their vehicles from the streets.
Amity Police Chief Andrew J. Kensey has asked the Board of Supervisors to review the draft of the police department’s new discipline policy.
Kensey said the draft policy has been approved by all of his officers.
He is also drafting a “use of force” policy on officer involved shootings.
The policy will reference the shooting protocol policy of Berks County District Attorney John T. Adams.