The Upper Bucks Free Press is a new initiative to report the local happenings in the Upper Bucks County region.

While the organization, printed product, and this website are still being developed, we have indeed put the wheels in motion in our reporting department.

Some of our preliminary articles appear below.

Page last updated 11/21/2009 12:37:19 AM

Trumbauersville Chooses Waste Hauler for 3 Year Contract, Institutes Borough-wide Recycling Program

Christopher J. Betz
correspondent

Trumbauersville, PA   November 20, 2009  In a competitive sealed-bid process, three regional waste management services vied for the privilege of “taking out the trash” for the Borough of Trumbauersville for the next three years, starting in January 2010.  Also, for the first time in the borough’s history, recyclable items will be collected curbside and diverted from the landfill.  The bids were opened Thursday night at special meeting of borough council.

J.P. Mascaro & Sons, of Audubon, Pennsylvania, beat nearest competitor BFI Waste Services of Pennsylvania with a bid of $323,826.12 for a three year term.  That bid is a mere $231.28 less than BFI’s bid over the aggregate three year term, or just over a penny and a half per house per month.  BFI is Trumbauersville’s current waste hauler.

Waste Management of Langhorne, PA offered the highest of the three bids at $334,182.24, which was $10,356.12 higher than Mascaro’s bid.

Borough Council President Ed Child reminded the quorum of council members in attendance that they were required to accept the lowest responsible bid and that price alone was not a deciding factor.  All three bidders were determined by attending council members to have met the bidding requirements and to be sufficiently experienced in the refuse collection business.

As part of the new waste hauling contract, commingled recyclable materials will be collected curbside in receptacles provided by the hauler.  Glass, paper, aluminum, tin, steel, and more will be collected one day per week, as will trash on a different day.  At present, the borough has two trash collections per week and no provisions for recycling.

A survey of residents taken several months ago indicated a strong interest in recyclables collection, but also a strong sentiment toward keeping costs at or below their current levels.  According to Larry Smock, borough secretary, residents’ trash bills will likely remain at current rates without increases for the duration of the three year contract.

Christopher Betz can be reached at cjbetz@upperbucksfreepress.com.

Nearly 100 Attend Quakertown Lions Basket Bingo Fundraiser

Christopher J. Betz
correspondent

Quakertown, PA   November 17, 2009   The multipurpose room at St. Isidore’s School on Broad Street was filled with nearly 100 players for the Quakertown Lions Club’s annual Basket Bingo fundraiser Tuesday evening.

Attendance has declined by as much as 50% from previous years, possibly due to the current economy and an increase in similar fundraisers by other area groups.  Even so, gross proceeds for the evening stand to exceed $3000.00.

Proceeds from Quakertown Lions Club projects and donations fund such initiatives as improving the community, helping the sight and hearing impaired, funding diabetes research, and more.

The Quakertown Lions Club was chartered in 1939 with this marking their 70^th year of serving the community.

Quakertown Lions Club member, Bill Nagurny, calls the winning numbers as Bob Ulrich takes a break from the earlier bingo rounds.	Nearly 100 people came out to St. Isidore's School for a chance to win Longaberger baskets, door prizes, and the proceeds of a 50/50 drawing.

Trumbauersville Firefighters Honored with Pasta

Christopher J. Betz
correspondent

Trumbauersville, PA   November 16, 2009  Nearly 50 members of the Trumbauersville Fire Company were treated to a three course pasta dinner at their firehouse Monday evening.  Several members of borough government and local residents served the all-volunteer group in recognition of their organization’s importance to the community.

Three borough businesses pitched in with some generous donations towards the feast.  Spor’s General Store supplied rolls and a variety of desserts.  Fino’s La Cantina came through with trays of homemade meatballs and garlic knots.  The Trum Tavern had staff on hand to serve the wings and hamburger sliders they brought for appetizers.

The Borough of Trumbauersville and individuals from the community completed the rest of the menu.

Mayor Melissa Baine remarked “It was a big success. Thanks to everyone who helped out and to the local businesses for their donations. It is really great to show our appreciation to these men and women who give so much to our community.”

According to the fire company's web site, their members responded to 133 fire calls already this year, in addition to hundreds of other calls to service.

This is the second year for the event spearheaded by Mayor Baine.  “They are the biggest contributing organization in our community.  We just wanted to give back and let them know we don’t take them for granted.”

Trumbauersville Borough Council Vice-President Fred Potter and staff from the Trum Tavern prepare to serve members of the Trumbauersville Fire Company.	Volunteers enjoy a meal at the second annual appreciation dinner for the fire company.

Christopher Betz can be reached at cjbetz@upperbucksfreepress.com.

Quakertown School Board Considers Action Against Richland Township Supervisor Over Remarks
Richard Orloff Accused of Publishing False and Incendiary Remarks Regarding the School District and Its Board

Brian Kline
correspondent

Milford Township, PA  November 12, 2009   Thursday evening at the district's public school board meeting, point by point, Quakertown Community School District Superintendent, Dr. Lisa Andrejko, refuted statements written by Richland Township Supervisor Rick Orloff in the latest edition of the Township Times - the township's quarterly newsletter.

Entitled "The QCSD Tipping Point," Orloff contends property taxes have increased by "over 70% in ten years ... with virtually no appreciable growth in the student population." Orloff also maintains that "mediocre" SAT scores among middle school and high school students are the norm.

Fearing that Orloff was spreading misinformation to area residents, Andrejko used her allotted time at the School Board meeting to set the record straight. "[The article] was obviously an opinion, disguised as fact," said Andrejko. Never mentioning Orloff by name, Andjreko proceeded to dissect Orloff's article countering his claims about property taxes and SAT scores, among other uncomplimentary remarks.

Andrejko pointed out that since 1990, Richland Township accounted for 72% of the new houses built in the Quakertown Community School District. Although student enrollment has increased, Andrejko assured residents they were getting the best value for their tax dollars. She said school district taxes increased by 186% over the past 20 years, compared to taxes rising by 1800% in Richland over the same time span.

Andrejko said SAT scores are "well above the state average" and added that math scores have "gone up every year."

School Board members shared Andrejko's concern about the article.  Director Nancy Tirjan called the piece "sad" and expressed frustration that it was financed with tax dollars.

"We need to look at a retraction. It has potential to decrease property values" said Andrejko.

Director Kathy Mosley suggested the Board consult with an attorney. "It is our duty and responsibility to correct misinformation."

Director Zane Stauffer expressed concerns over legal fees and suggested the Board first contact Richland Township and ask for a retraction. Director Linda Martin added that the retraction should appear prominently in the next edition of the Township Times.

The Board took no formal action and tabled the matter until its December 7^th meeting.

Brian Kline is a local freelance writer. He can be reached at bkline@upperbucksfreepress.com.

School Board Support Mixed on Bill to Levy Special Taxes to Fund Public Education

Brian Kline
correspondent

Milford Township, PA  November 12, 2009  The Pennsylvania School Board Association is encouraging public school boards across the Commonwealth to pass resolutions encouraging their state lawmakers to support House Bill 1858. The legislation sponsored by state Rep. Mike Sturla (D) would allow counties to levy a 1% sales tax and 1% hotel occupancy tax with the generated revenue dedicated for funding public schools.

With a high percentage of fixed-income senior citizens residing in the Quakertown Community School District and property taxes always on the minds of voters, the School Board debated over whether to endorse H.B. 1858 at their regular meeting Thursday.

Director Nancy Tirjan voiced support for the bill considering a higher sales tax tends to have less impact on seniors. Directors Kathy Mosley and Kelly L. Van Valkenburgh also expressed support for the measure. Director Dean Wackerman raised concerns about a tax shift, but in the end seemed to support the bill.  Director Zane Stauffer was concerned about costs related to collecting the tax. There was also some confusion over whether the state or the county would control the tax revenue.

Van Valkenburgh, Tirjan and Mosley wanted to move forward with a resolution, but others wanted to personally lobby state Rep. Paul Clymer (R-145), whose position on the bill was unknown. No formal action was taken, but Director Linda Martin did ask Mosley to call Clymer to discuss the bill. Mosley agreed to undertake the initiative and will report back to the Board at the next meeting.

Brian Kline is a local freelance writer. He can be reached at bkline@upperbucksfreepress.com.