Fairfield News-Briefs

(9/24) Carroll Valley to ease ordinance research

The Carroll Valley Borough Council is making it easier for citizens to research and understand the municipality’s ordinances.

Borough Manager Dave Hazlett said Carroll Valley’s official code book has not been updated since 2008. Council has approved many chances in those 16 years, Hazlett said, so the Borough adds addendums onto the ordinances to help people find the latest version. The system is arduous, so the Council is moving towards a process called codification.

"What you are doing isn’t changing any of your rules," Hazlett said. "It’s just putting them together in the same book."

When complete, all Borough ordinances will be together in one place. To make research even easier, they will also be posted online. The Borough currently posts ordinances online but the site also uses the cumbersome system of amendments.

Councilmember Bruce Carr voted against the motion because he was unclear of its purpose.

"Does anybody understand what he is saying?" Carr asked.

Town Attorney Zach Rice clarified that all changes to the code of ordinances were outlined in a 12-page document contained in the Council’s meeting packet and online at www.carrollvalley.org.

Increased Enforcement Tilted Car Windows

Carroll Valley Police Chief Clifford Weikert said his officers are cracking down on tinted auto windows. Weikert said all windows on cars must allow 70% of light in. SUVs and vans are allowed any amount of darkness on the back side and back rear windows.

"It’s basically for our officers’ safety, so we can see what is going on when we stop," he said.

Weikert said drivers are often confused because tint laws vary by state.

"If you are in our state, driving in our state, you must be up to our standards," he said.

Carroll Valley officers typically give a warning on first offense, Weikert said. One recent stop helped officers find a vehicle that was reported stolen from the City of York.

Drivers who wonder if their vehicle is in violation can visit the Borough police department. Officers will test the window with a meter to determine compliance. Drivers whose poor eyesight requires them to have more tint than the allowed amount can seek a medical exception, the chief said.

Weikert said his officers are also increasing speed enforcement patrols thanks to a grant.

Responding to a question from Mayor Ron Harris, Weikert confirmed that drivers must come to a complete stop at stop signs.