FOUNTAIN SPRINGS - New residents in Butler Township are required to register their names and address as part of an ordinance adopted in September by the township board of supervisors.
Board Chairman David Kessler spoke briefly after the supervisors' meeting on Tuesday to remind people about the ordinance requirements.
"This is just so that we know who is here," Kessler said. "We don't want any situations to arise that someone calls us looking for somebody, and we don't have the knowledge of a resident being in the township. It's to protect our people and to inform the police because we'll have a record. It's been adopted by other municipalities, so we're just following suit because we thought it was a good idea."
The summary of the ordinance requires "all adult persons moving into or establishing a residence in Butler Township to register their name and address with the township secretary, and requiring the township secretary to provide the names and addresses of all registered persons to the persons or companies charged with tax collection within the township."
In the case of rental properties, the owner or landlord is required to inform the township of the new residents. Since the township does not have an occupancy permit requirement, the ordinance provides knowledge of new residents.
"If we find out that someone new is living (in a rental property) in the township, I'll send the landlord a letter," township Secretary Kate Staudenmeier said.
"This way we won't have seven families living in one house," Kessler said.
Kessler said there is no major problem now, but the ordinance will make sure one doesn't arise.
"This is more proactive than reactive," Kessler said. "It hasn't been an issue to this point, but we're doing this so it doesn't become a problem. And with this ordinance, it will give our police some authority to see what's going on where we couldn't before."
The penalty for violating the ordinance would be a summary offense filed with the magisterial district judge, and if found in violation, the fine would range from $50 to $300, plus court costs.
The supervisors will meet at 10 a.m. Dec. 23 to formally adopt the 2014 operating budget. On Jan. 6, the supervisors will meet at 6 p.m. for reorganization.