West Penn Township proposed a "sweep ticket" ordinance this week to help streamline code enforcement.

The supervisors this week agreed to advertise the ordinance to be adopted next month.It would grant authority to the chief of police and code enforcement officer to issue warnings, tickets and fines for violations of regulations pertaining to property maintenance, animals and pets, and nuisance violations.The violations carry fines of $25 for the first offense, $50 for the second offense, and $100 each for three or more offenses.People cited have the option of paying the fine or asking for a hearing before the board of supervisors.One supervisor, James G. Dean, said he is concerned the hearings could prolong the monthly meetings of the supervisors.The ordinance says that anyone cited can be handed a citation, have the citation affixed to their property, or have the citation mailed to them.Property maintenance violations could include such things as high weeds.The provision for high weeds does not pertain to properties in agricultural areas.It applies only to improved properties, the supervisors said.The portion regarding animals and pets means people could be cited if they don't have licenses for their dogs or if their pets are not up to date on rabies shots.Nuisance violations would include illegal burning or placing snow in the roadway.Those cited who ignore the fines will have the matter transferred to a district judge, the supervisors said.The police still have the option of filing complaints with a district judge in specific cases.Chairman James E. Akins said the reason for the ordinance is "we're trying to be fiscally conscious."He said that with such an ordinance, the township doesn't have to hire a full-time code enforcement officer.