Schuylkill Township intends to enact a new burning ordinance that will limit what can be burned in the township, including the elimination of burn barrels.

"Our current one is over twenty years old. Now there's a lot of different chemicals and things in the air that can be bad for public safety," said chairman Linda DeCindio. "Hopefully this will lead to better air quality for the township."Supervisors voted to advertise the ordinance for public review. The ordinance may be modified before it is adopted, however, any major changes will require a re-advertisement.DeCindio also noted that any resident who throws snow into the street during snow removal will be fined. The township also intends to crack down on transient residents."We have to keep an account," she said, "people are moving in and out, staying for a week or two and then moving on. There seems to be no control over them, unless they have children who are enrolled in the schools."Township secretary Mary Bubel said that she has sent 14 letters to residents who are currently renting properties and have not reported to the township. DeCindio said that the supervisors are looking to have a meeting with property owners and landlords. "The residents may not know what the requirements are, but the landlords should and they need to advise the residents," she said. Landlords who fail to report new tenants can be fined under the current township ordinance.The supervisors also approved a subdivision plan submitted by Robert Davidson to separate his two properties. "There are no changes, really," said supervisor Charles Hosler. "It's going back to the way it used to be."Supervisor Christine Verdier attended a recent town meeting regarding blight with State Senator David Argall. She reported back on the meeting and said there was a lot of good information that will help townships to update ordinances to enable code enforcement officers to prevent properties from falling into disrepair.Bubel advised the supervisors that there are currently about $1,000 in outstanding garbage fees and that she has heard from or has payment arrangements with all but one resident. The supervisors said that they will pursue placing a lien against the property. Bubel has collected $116,765.57 in garbage fees this year.