Schuylkill Township approved the hiring of Jennifer Dempsey as the township's new police officer. Dempsey replaces Chief Jesse Zimmerman, who resigned in March, citing personal reasons. He had served the township since July, 2010.

Dempsey was sworn in and introduced to the audience at this month's meeting. Chairman Linda DeCindio said that Dempsey will be working 20 hours a week, initially, and serve a six month probationary period. Dempsey stated that she will have an open door for residents of the township and that she is looking forward to hearing from residents about their ideas for the future of the police department and the township. Supervisor Christine Verdier said that the board is excited to work with Dempsey. "I think (the township residents) will be very pleased with the ideas that she has," she added.In other business, the board approved two bids for road work to be done, one in the amount of $11,250 from Tropp Contracting for work on Emerick Street, in Brockton, and one in the amount of $4620 for work on Walnut Street, in Mary D.The township is still seeking bids for the garbage contract, which must be submitted by June 4th. Township secretary Mary Bubel said that the township is looking into reducing the number of bags allowed per household per week from 5 to 3 and a reduction in the large items as a way to possibly keep the cost down.Supervisors approved the activities of all three township fire companies for the remainder of the year. DeCindio added that the activities will be reviewed again in November when the new compensation policies come out.Charles Fayash asked to see phone records from the township building. The supervisors said that they can provide such documents. Other citizens asked if a flagman could be provided for the township's road maintenance worker, Joe Pedron. Pedron was in attendance at the meeting and said that he places warning flags and signs in the areas where he is working and that he does not thing a flagman is needed at this time.The township's annual audit has been completed for 2012 and filed with DCED and the prothonotary's office. DeCindio said that the auditors complimented the township, particularly Bubel for meticulous work and "accounting for every penny."