Caernarvon Township Board of Supervisors addressed issues of noncompliance with a policy set in place regarding clearances and background checks for local and event volunteers.
During a discussion at the July 14 meeting about pending changes to state laws regarding clearances and background checks, it was brought to light that volunteers for the township’s most recent event, the Morgantown Carnival, may not have been in compliance with a policy put in place by the Board of Supervisors effective April 28.
The established policy requires that parents, employees and volunteers who are expected to be in contact with children must provide clearances consistent with the laws of the state.
A list of volunteers for the recent event was to be on file, as well as all clearance paperwork submitted by those volunteers. However, not all documentation has been provided.
“I thought it was abundantly clear that everyone at these events was going to be compliant,” said Supervisor Scott Moyer. “It feels like a game to me. We’re responsible for the welfare of this township. If we’re not in compliance and something would happen, everyone in this township is going to pay that price. We’ve laid out the guidelines, so now we’ve got to make sure in events going forward that we know the people are compliant.”
The board has discussed their policy at the last two township meetings and provided information to residents. Under the impression that the policy guidelines were made clear, they discussed how to move forward in achieving full compliance.
Chairman Allen Styer suggested reviewing the policy, which is a necessity due to the upcoming changes to state law. The board agreed to look at the policy and decide if any changes could be made to increase compliance.
There was also discussion of a “no clearances, no event” standard.
“The one thing we can do is protect our children,” said Moyer. “Why wouldn’t you want to do this?”
Moving forward, the board intends to review and implement their policy with increased vigilance, with their concern for the welfare of the township’s residents, and specifically the children, at the forefront.
In other news, the board is looking into several options to avoid further storm water runoff damage to residential properties.
Over the past few months, several residents have attended the meetings of the board of supervisors with complaints and frustration about storm water being diverted onto their land.
One option proposed is to create ditches along the side of the road to direct water into a nearby creek. Other options will be explored as well, and Township Engineer William Witman said he plans to do what he can to start the process of rectifying the issue.
The next meeting of the Caernarvon Township Board of Supervisors will be held on Aug. 11 at 7:30 p.m. in the township administration building.
