Schuylkill Township has hired a new police officer. Jesse Zimmerman, a 10-year law enforcement veteran, was hired unanimously by supervisors at last night's meeting. Zimmerman, who graduated from the academy in 2001, has also served as an officer in Tamaqua, Tilden Township, and Orwigsburg. The supervisors' announcement was greeted by a round of applause from the audience, who also added a long list of complaints including illegal dumping, parking, and traffic violations to Zimmerman's list of things to do.

"I hope to get the neighborhood involved, try to get the people involved," said Zimmerman, who will be getting started in his new capacity as soon as possible. He invited people to approach him or call him to discuss issues and added that his schedule will be flexible to provide a variety of hours of coverage.Schuylkill Township has been operating without an officer since approximately March, when former chief Frank DiMarco stopped working.In other business, supervisors approved a resolution voicing opposition to House Bill 2431 and Senate Bill 1357, which propose to change the local base of government from the municipalities and the boroughs to the county. Solicitor Michael Greek recommended and prepared the resolution, which will be forwarded to local officials.Supervisor Linda DeCindio announced that the township is currently benefitting from the services of an 18 year old student, through REDCO. The individual will be providing 30 hours of service to the township for eight weeks, including light maintenance and grounds work throughout the township. The services are provided at no cost to the township.Supervisors approved the annual donation of $1500 to each of the three fire companies in the township, Brockton, Mary-D, and Tuscarora.Township secretary/ treasurer Mary Bubel reminded residents that there are currently 95 outstanding garbage bills for 2010. The bills were due on June 30th. Each bill is for $210, a total loss to the township of $19,950.The road crew has been working to paint lines along roadways and supervisors advised residents that they will be cited if they do not park within the proper lines.Code enforcement officer Dan DeCindio noted that most of the month's complaints had to do with high grass and asked residents to please maintain their properties.Business owner Ed Smith questioned how to handle material that had been dumped on his property by the borough of Tamaqua. "They've dumped sections of sidewalk and debris," he said. Smith added that a community service worker had been sent to clean it up, but Smith said he just covered it up. Supervisors recommended that he contact Tamaqua Borough Council. Solicitor Michael Greek asked Smith if he had an easement agreement with the Borough. Smith said that according to the map that he had, the Borough did not have an easement.