At the March 2 Moore Township Board of Supervisors meeting, Police Chief Gary West asked the supervisors to consider pursuing a livestock ordinance to provide safety for residents and their livestock.

Township Solicitor David Backenstoe agreed large animals need to be kept safe and in fenced areas to keep livestock from running at large.

Backenstoe commented there may be one person in the township who is not properly ensuring the safety of his livestock and the community. He said he will meet with West to discuss the chief’s concerns and develop a livestock ordinance draft.

In other business, West also reported 234 incidents with two arrests, one for driving under the influence and one for harassment.

The fire department reported 20 calls for the month of February, including three fires and four motor vehicle accidents.

Craig Hoffman Jr., new public works department director, said planning for the 2021 street sweeping program is underway. Sweeping is planned for April. Hoffman also reported pothole patching will begin by next week.

In his First Regional Compost Authority report, Supervisor Richard K. Gable noted the snow has hampered efforts at the authority, but he expects things to be on track by the end of March.

The recreation commission reorganized at its February meeting with all officers re-elected to the same positions they held in 2020.

The historical commission also reorganized at its February meeting. The plans for 2021 are to continue the improvement of the Edelman School.

The land and environmental preservation board did not meet in February, lacking a quorum to conduct business. There was a good discussion by the four attendees. The board wants to review its land evaluation assessment plans over the next two months. Approximately 44 acres of farmland are expected to be added to the list of preserved area.

In the Community Days committee report, Lois Kerbacher said three bands are booked, and fireworks have been arranged. The committee is seeking donations and planning fundraising efforts to defray costs. The 2021 event is set for Aug. 20 and 21.

Solicitor David Backenstoe said a short-term rental ordinance needs to be developed. The ordinance is ready for advertising and subsequent adoption. Backenstoe noted there are six or seven pages of regulation to ensure short-term rentals do not create issues for neighbors. The supervisors voted unanimously to push the ordinance forward.

Township Manager Nicholas C. Steiner noted the three generator quotes are $16,213, $17,850 and $18,340. The recommendation is for the generator priced at $17,850, as it best meets the specifications and needs of the township. The motion passed unanimously to purchase the generator.

Steiner asked the supervisors for $16,000 over two years to codify the township ordinances for clarity with a $1,195 annual maintenance fee to keep codification up to date. Backenstoe strongly suggested supervisors engage the codification because retrieving information from ordinances is streamlined and saves time, thereby controlling costs.

A new business discussion addressed zoning officer policies requiring a written complaint be submitted before the zoning officer can investigate. It was suggested the policy be changed to have the zoning officer respond to all complaints, including anonymous complaints.

A lengthy discussion ensued with varied input from residents present. Supervisor Chair Daniel Piorkowski tabled the discussion until the solicitor surveys other townships to learn how they are handling zoning complaints.

The next Moore Township Board of Supervisors meeting is 6 p.m. April 6. Visit mooretownship.org for the call-in and access numbers.