West Penn Township’s recycling operation has been running smoothly, and the response from the public has been positive.

The township started the program at the beginning of the month.

“The program is working out well,” said Tony Prudenti, board chairman. “We haven’t been overrun, and (volunteer worker) Mr. (Fred) Gimbi is doing a great job there.”

Supervisors took action to initiate the planning of the program earlier this year after Schuylkill County ended its countywide program.

Mirror tags have been ordered and could be obtainable by residence in the near future.

Hours of operation are Mondays and Tuesdays 7 a.m. to noon, Wednesdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Thursdays and Fridays 4-7 p.m.

Recycling is for township residents only, and identification or proof of residency must be shown upon arrival.

The recycling site is located adjacent to the West Penn Fire Company building on a concrete pad.

A fence is planned to be constructed around the recycling site area. The board of supervisors reopened the bidding for the fence project on Monday night due to a misquote by the previously selected contractor.

Crime watch meeting

A township crime watch meeting is scheduled for Aug. 19 at 7 p.m. The meeting will be held at the municipal building. The public is welcome to attend. Anyone interested in becoming a member should attend the meeting.

“We’re trying to resurrect the crime watch after COVID, and things were shut down for quite a long time,” Prudenti said. “If we get a good turnout, I’m sure crime watch will be up and running again. If we don’t, I’m sure it will be dissolved.”

New police hire

The board of supervisors approved the hiring of part-time officer Anthony Vailant, 32 hours, at a rate of $20 per hour; $21 after completed training.