Schuylkill Township will begin collecting garbage fees on homes, even if they are unoccupied.

According to township treasurer/secretary Mary Bubel, the township is currently losing about $6,000 in garbage revenue. "I did bill them, and they brought the bill up and said no one's living there," she said. In the past, the township has waived the fees in these instances, but according to township solicitor Michael Greek, they are not obligated to do so. "In most municipalities, if it's not habitable, they may waive the garbage fees, but if there's water and sewer, and it's habitable, they collect it," he said.Greek suggested that the township see if the garbage contract could be renegotiated as a possible option, but Bubel explained that they are only one year into a five year contract. "They allow 10 more or less. They're charging us for 550 houses. We're down to about 520," she said.Supervisor Linda DeCindio added that because the township has had to pull from the general fund to cover the garbage fees, it has decreased the amount available to spend on other projects.Supervisors also moved to terminate the employment of police officer Frank DiMarco and will begin advertising for a new officer. Greek relayed that he had spoken with DiMarco on the phone, and he had declared his intent to resign, however, as of yesterday, he had still not submitted an official letter of resignation. DiMarco has not worked in the township since March 16th.Supervisors approved an ordinance to vacate a section of Franklin Street in Brockton. No public comments were made during the public hearing section of the meeting, regarding the property. There will be a public zoning meeting in the township building on May 17th at 6:30pm. Supervisors reminded residents that if they are doing any construction that requires permits, they are to call Bill McMullen, the township's new zoning officer.There will be a 5K run/walk through Newkirk and Reevesdale on Saturday, May 8. Supervisors requested that dog owners tie their dogs during the event. The township will not be hiring the street sweeper at this time. Supervisors announced that if residents sweep in front of their own homes, they should leave the piles and the township will pick them up. There will also be a fire truck parade in Brockton on May 15th at 1pm. The Tuscarora Fire Company will hold a fire truck housing and memorial dedication at noon on June 12th and their annual picnic on July 31 from 3 p.m.-1a.m., including a truck parade at 4 p.m.Supervisors also heard from retiring Tamaqua School teacher Caroline Fisher, who announced that a preschool will be opening at Zion's Church in the Lewistown Valley next year.