[Ord. No. 752, § 1 (2-2.1), 8-9-1976][1]
There shall be a Township Manager who shall be appointed by the Council, as stated in Charter Section 401. The Manager must meet the qualifications as stated in Charter Section 402.
[1]
Editor's Note: See also Charter, Article IV.
[Ord. No. 752, § 1 (2-2.2), 8-9-1976]
The Township Manager shall serve as Secretary of the Council and as Secretary of the standing committees, as well as any special committees which may from time to time be appointed. The Secretary shall attend all meetings of the Council, and all meetings of committees when required to do so by the Council. The Secretary shall be the official keeper of the minutes and shall provide suitable books, the cost of which shall be paid out of the Township funds, in which he shall enter all matters of which he is required to keep a record.
[Ord. No. 752, § 1 (2-2.3), 8-9-1976]
The Manager/Secretary shall record all ordinances and all resolutions of a permanent character in books to be provided for that purpose. Each ordinance and resolution, when recorded as required by this Section, shall be deemed to be a public record of the ordinance or resolution. Any omission by the Secretary to record or certify, as required by this Section, shall not impair or affect the validity of any ordinance which has been duly adopted.
[Ord. No. 752, § 1 (2-2.4), 8-9-1976]
The Manager/Secretary shall have custody of and safely keep all records, books and documents of the Township, except for those which are committed by ordinance to any other office. The Secretary shall, upon request and the payment of the fee prescribed by ordinance or resolution for the use of the Township, furnish a certified copy of any records, books and documents in his custody under the Corporate Seal of the Township.
[Ord. No. 752, § 1 (2-2.5), 8-9-1976]
The Manager/Secretary shall cause the Corporate Seal of the Township to be affixed to instruments and writings when authorized by ordinance or resolution of the Council or when necessary to exemplify any document on record in his office, or to certify any act or paper which, from the records in his office, shall appear to have been a public act of the Township or a or cause or permit it to be affixed to any other instrument or writing or other paper unless required to do so by law or ordinance.
[Ord. No. 752, § 1 (2-2.7), 8-9-1976; Ord. No. 987, § 1, 4-11-1988]
Subject to the supervision of the Council, the Township Manager shall:
(1) 
Be the depository and custodian of all official surety bonds furnished by or on account of any officer or employee of the Township, except for those required by law to be deposited with some other person, and of all insurance policies upon or with respect to any risk insured for the benefit of the Township or to protect it against any claim, demand or liability whatsoever, and all formal contracts for work, labor, services, supplies, equipment and materials to which the Township may be a party;
(2) 
Be the depository for and have custody of all performance bonds running to the Township as obligee, or any other form of security given by any contractor, subDivision developer or other person on account of work done or to be done in and for the Township;
(3) 
Have custody of all leases of property owned by the Township;
(4) 
Report to the Council at such time as they may require on the coverage, expiration date and premium of each surety bond and contract of insurance, the nature and terms of outstanding leases, the rent reserved by each and their expiration dates.
(5) 
The Council of Plymouth Township is hereby authorized to execute the agreements listed below and any other agreements necessary for the participation of Plymouth Township in the Delaware Valley Municipal Liability Self-Insurance Trust: Delaware Valley Municipal Liability Self-Insurance Trust Participation Agreement (hereinafter referred to as the "participation agreement"); Delaware Valley Municipal Liability Self-Insurance Trust Agreement (hereinafter referred to as the "trust agreement"), which agreements are attached hereto as Exhibits "A" and "B" and are on file for inspection and review at the offices of Plymouth Township, 700 Belvoir Road, Norristown, Pennsylvania 19401. The documents attached hereto as Exhibits "A," "B" and "C" may be subsequently modified or amended prior to the effective date of the trust, but in no event shall any such amendments or modifications materially adversely affect the right of Plymouth Township to participate in the Delaware Valley Municipal Liability Self-Insurance Trust.
a. 
That participation of Plymouth Township in the Delaware Valley Municipal Liability Self-Insurance Trust is authorized for the following purposes:
1. 
To provide adequate and affordable insurance coverage to each participating municipality at the lowest possible cost by the pooling or sharing of certain liability risks;
2. 
To reduce the amount and frequency of losses incurred by each participating municipality which are covered under the trust coverage document, which is attached hereto as Exhibit "C" and on file for inspection and review at the Township office;
3. 
To minimize costs incurred by participating municipalities in the handling and litigation of claims; and
4. 
To protect each participating municipality from the volatility and high premiums of the commercial insurance markets.
b. 
As set forth in the participation and trust agreements, the following conditions apply to the participation of Plymouth Township in the Delaware Valley Municipal Liability Self-Insurance Trust:
1. 
That each participating municipality meets the admission and eligibility requirements set forth therein;
2. 
That each participating municipality agrees to pay all annual premiums, contributions and assessments when due as provided in the participation and trust agreements;
3. 
That each participating municipality use its best efforts to provide appropriations for the payment of any contributions, premiums and assessments required by the trust;
4. 
That each participating municipality institute any and all safety regulations, loss prevention measures or risk management procedures as may be required for the purpose of minimizing or eliminating hazards or risks that could contribute to losses;
5. 
That each participating municipality cooperate fully with the trust's service and fiscal agents, attorneys, claims adjustors and any other agents or employees of the trust with respect to the investigation, defense and settlement of claims;
6. 
That each participating municipality designate a contact person to be responsible for all contacts with the trust;
7. 
That each participating municipality provide any information to the administrator or Board of Trustees as may be required to effect the purposes and objectives of the trust.
c. 
That Plymouth Township agrees to participate in the trust for a minimum period of two (2) years and thereafter may withdraw under the following conditions, subject to the right of arbitration, under the trust and participation agreements:
1. 
An opinion is rendered by the trust certified actuary that withdrawal will not result in the number of participants falling below the minimum required to assure the fiscal and actuarial soundness of the trust itself;
2. 
That the withdrawing municipality is not then in default of its obligation to pay premiums, contributions or assessments;
3. 
That the withdrawing municipality shall pay the full amount of a termination premium, as determined by the Board of Trustees in accordance with the trust agreement and by-laws; and
4. 
That the Board of Trustees shall have received a certification from the trust actuary that the withdrawal of the municipality will not reduce the actuarial soundness of the trust and, if any municipal debt has been incurred by the participants to finance any portion of the trust reserves, an opinion is obtained from bond counsel that such withdrawal will not adversely affect the tax-exempt status of any interest paid and any debt incurred by the participating municipalities or any legal entity created for the purpose of incurring such debt.
d. 
The effective date of the participation of Plymouth Township in the Delaware Valley Municipal Self-Insurance Liability Trust will be no earlier than July 1, 1988, but no later than January 1, 1989.
e. 
Each participating municipality delegates to the Board of Trustees of the Delaware Valley Municipal Liability Self-Insurance Trust the powers enumerated in the trust agreement, including the right to expel participants under certain conditions.
f. 
As set forth in the trust coverage document, Plymouth Township shall be provided coverage for the following liability risks:
1. 
Comprehensive general liability;
2. 
Business automobile liability;
3. 
Police professional/law enforcement liability; and
4. 
Public officials liability.
g. 
All contributions, premiums and assessments paid by Plymouth Township shall be made with funds appropriated by Plymouth Township for that purpose. If permitted under state and federal law, Plymouth Township may incur debt for the purpose of financing any excess insurance coverage, as set forth in the participation and trust agreements.
h. 
The organizational structure of the trust shall consist of a Board of Trustees, an administrator, a claims administration/loss control consultant and various service agents appointed by the Board of Trustees in accordance with the participation and trust agreements.
i. 
As set forth in the participation and trust agreements, the funds required for the operation of the trust shall be provided by the participating municipalities through annual appropriations.
j. 
The Delaware Valley Municipal Liability Self-Insurance Trust shall commence no earlier than July 1, 1988, but no later than January 1, 1989, and continue until terminated by two-third vote of all participating municipalities.
k. 
Coverage under the trust may be provided to all initial participants no earlier than July 1, 1988, but no later than January 1,1989. Should coverage commence on July 1, 1988, it shall continue until December 31, 1988. Thereafter coverage under the trust shall be provided from January 1 through December 31 of each trust year to all participating municipalities.
l. 
As a condition of participating in the Delaware Valley Municipal Liability Self-Insurance Trust Plymouth Township agrees to the following conditions:
1. 
That it will make its initial contribution upon admission to the trust for creation of the restricted surplus fund needed to protect participating municipalities against potentially catastrophic losses;
2. 
That it will timely pay all annual premiums and assessments as may be required by the Board of Trustees;
3. 
That it will appoint a representative to sit on the Board of Trustees and designate a contact person for the purpose of communicating with the trust or its representatives;
4. 
That it will agree not to withdraw from the trust for a period of two (2) years following its admission to the trust;
5. 
That it may withdraw from the trust only upon satisfaction of the conditions set forth in the participation agreement and the trust agreement;
6. 
That it agrees to perform all covenants contained in the participation and trust agreements and delegate to the Board of Trustees the powers and authorities enumerated in of the participation agreement and the trust agreement;
7. 
That it will comply with all the conditions set forth in the trust coverage document governing the handling of claims, including the defense and settlement thereof;
8. 
That it will appropriate the funds needed to pay all contributions, premiums and assessments as may be required by the Board of Trustees in accordance with the participation and trust agreements;
9. 
That it will cooperate with the trust, its agents or employees and provide the trust with all information it needs for the operation of the trust, including any underwriting or claims data which may be requested by the Board of Trustees or their designee.
[Ord. No. 752, § 1 (2-2.8), 8-9-1976]
No rule or general regulation made by the Council, or by any committee, department, officer, agency or authority of the Township, except rules relating to the organization or internal management of the Township government or any part thereof, shall take effect until it is filed with the Township Manager. The Manager shall maintain a current compilation of all such rules and regulations which shall be available for public inspection during business hours.
[Ord. No. 752, § 1 (2-2.9), 8-9-1976]
The Township Manager shall have the following duties in addition to those which have been set forth in Sections 2-37 — 2-42 and which may from time to time be prescribed by law or ordinance:
(1) 
The Township Manager shall be the Chief Executive Officer and shall be responsible to the Township Council for executing all policies established by it and for the proper administration of all affairs of the Township as stated in Charter Section 403.
(2) 
The Manager shall keep a record of the appropriations made by the Council and the amounts chargeable thereto. He shall furnish to any person requesting it a statement showing the amount available for future charges against any appropriated fund.
(3) 
The Manager shall administer the provisions of the Township ordinances with reference to the licensing of occupations and activities for which licenses are required by law or ordinance to be obtained from the Manager.
(4) 
In any instance where a department head has not been designated for a particular department, the Manager shall act as the department head until an appointment has been made.
[Ord. No. 752, § 1 (2-2.6), 8-9-1976]
The minute book and other records and documents of the Township shall be open to inspection by any taxpayer of the Township or his agent upon demand to see such records at any time during business hours.
[Ord. No. 752, § 1 (2-3.1), 8-9-1976]
There shall be a Township finance director who shall be appointed by the Township Manager with the advice and consent of Council as outlined in Charter Section 606.
[Ord. No. 752, § 1 (2-3.2), 8-9-1976]
The finance director shall serve as Chief financial advisor to the Township Council, the Manager and other Township departments.
[Ord. No. 752, § 1 (2-3.3), 8-9-1976]
The finance director shall be the department head of the administrative department and shall assist the Township Manager in keeping and maintaining all records as prescribed by Charter, ordinance or resolution.
[Ord. No. 752, § 1 (2-3.4), 8-9-1976]
The finance director shall assist the Manager and all department heads in preparing a yearly financial plan as stated in Charter Section 702.
[Ord. No. 752, § 1 (2-3.5), 8-9-1976]
The finance director shall advise the Township Council as to status of funds available as compared to those estimated in the financial plan in accordance with the provisions of Charter Section 703.
[Ord. No. 752, § 1 (2-3.6), 8-9-1976]
The finance director shall direct and supervise and record collection of all taxes, license fees and other moneys due the Township.
[Ord. No. 752, § 1 (2-3.7), 8-9-1976]
The finance director shall certify to the Township Council and the Manager that there is a sufficient unencumbered balance in an appropriation and sufficient funds available before any contract is made.
[Ord. No. 752, § 1 (2-3.8), 8-9-1976]
The finance director shall make all disbursements of all Township funds as stated in Charter Section 706.
[Ord. No. 752, § 1 (2-3.9), 8-9-1976]
The finance director shall record, or cause to be recorded, all financial activities of the Township, in the form and by the procedures prescribed by ordinance and stated in Charter Section 707.
[Ord. No. 752, § 1 (2-3.10), 8-9-1976]
The finance director shall take appropriate measures to insure the Manager and Council are kept informed of financially related facts and on financial operations of the Township with detailed reports as stated in Charter Section 708.
[Ord. No. 752, § 1 (2-4), 8-9-1976]
The Public Works Department shall be responsible for all Township Engineering functions, highway maintenance, sanitation, equipment maintenance and building maintenance. The Township Engineer, as defined in Charter Section 605, shall also be the director of the Public Works Department.
[Ord. No. 752, § 1 (2-4.1), 8-9-1976]
(a) 
The Township Engineer shall be responsible for the supervision, direction and control of all engineering matters in the Township. No other engineers, either as Township employees or on a consulting basis, shall be employed by the Township except by the Township Manager with the approval of the Township Council. The engineer shall prepare all plans, specifications and bidding schedules for all construction, maintenance and repair of highways, sewers and other construction projects. He shall be project engineer on Township construction and maintenance projects, and shall be in charge of all surveys. He shall, to the extent feasible, perform the necessary design work to support all engineering work. He shall approve all subDivision, highway, sewer and traffic proposals and approve highway, occupancy and improvement construction permits.
(b) 
The engineer shall attend the regular scheduled meeting of the planning agency. The engineer shall develop and recommend both short range and long range capital improvement programs. He shall also advise the Manager and Council on all matters pertaining to engineering.
[Ord. No. 752, § 1 (2-4.2), 8-9-1976]
The highway bureau shall be responsible for street and drainage maintenance and construction, snow removal, street marking and painting, street sign erection and maintenance and all other like duties. The bureau shall be responsible for all equipment used in the execution of its function.
[Ord. No. 752, § 1 (2-4.3), 8-9-1976]
The Sanitation Bureau shall be responsible for the collection and disposal of all rubbish and shall be responsible for all equipment used in the execution of its function.
[Ord. No. 752, § 1 (2-4.4), 8-9-1976]
The Equipment Maintenance Bureau shall be responsible for the maintenance and repair of all automotive and construction equipment used by the Township. It shall establish equipment preventive maintenance programs including the necessary replacement part procurement and inventory programs. This bureau shall also perform equipment modifications in order to meet special Township requirements.
[Ord. No. 752, § 1 (2-4.5), 8-9-1976]
The Building Maintenance Bureau shall be responsible for performing the required janitorial services in Township buildings. These services shall include all day to day cleaning and servicing of the building as well as maintenance of building equipment, fixtures and facilities.
[Ord. No. 752, § 1 (2-5.1), 8-9-1976]
There shall be a Park and Recreation Director who shall be appointed by the Township Manager with the advice and consent of the Township Council.
[Ord. No. 752, § 1 (2-5.2), 8-9-1976]
The Park and Recreation Director shall be responsible for the planning, organization and conduct of all Township sponsored recreational programs, activities and special events.
[Ord. No. 752, § 1 (2-5.3), 8-9-1976]
The Park and Recreation Director shall organize volunteers who, along with his regular staff, will perform various program activities, and he shall attend regular meetings with these volunteer groups.
[Ord. No. 752, § 1 (2-5.4), 8-9-1976]
The Park and Recreation Director shall report on various program activities and organizations and shall submit monthly activity reports. Annual reports shall be prepared, approved by the Township Council, and reported to Township residents.
[Ord. No. 752, § 1 (2-5.5), 8-9-1976]
The Park and Recreation Director shall attend monthly meeting of Park, Recreation and Shade Tree Advisory Board to plan the orderly conduct of programs and expenditures.
[Ord. No. 752, § 1 (2-5.6), 8-9-1976]
The Park and Recreation Director shall plan approved expansion of existing Township park areas and plan for future park areas, including preparation of applications for county, state and federal grant assistance.
[Ord. No. 752, § 1 (2-5.7), 8-9-1976]
The Park and Recreation Director shall coordinate joint programs with other municipalities in the Colonial School District, and arrange with the Colonial School District for the use of its recreation facilities.
[Ord. No. 752, § 1 (2-5.8), 8-9-1976]
The park and recreation maintenance bureau shall, under the direction of the Park and Recreation Director, perform the maintenance of park and recreation facilities and buildings.
[Ord. No. 752, § 1 (2-5.8), 8-9-1976]
The Code Enforcement Department includes all the license and inspection functions performed by the Township. It shall include the areas of health, plumbing, building and zoning, and fire. The individuals performing the various inspection functions shall have the powers of Township police officers.
[1]
Editor's Note: Ord. No. 1154, § 2, adopted April 11, 1994, deleted provisions previously codified as § 2-70, which pertained to the health officer of the Township and which derived from Ord. No. 752, § 1 (2-6.1), adopted Aug. 9, 1976.
[Ord. No. 752, § 1 (2-6.2), 8-9-1976]
There shall be a Plumbing Inspector. The Plumbing Inspector shall:
(1) 
Register journeyman and master plumbers;
(2) 
Inspect all plumbing installations and alterations;
(3) 
Issue plumbing permits, including sewer connection permits.
[Ord. No. 752, § 1 (2-6.3), 8-9-1976]
There shall be a Building Inspector and Zoning Officer. The Building Inspector and Zoning Officer shall:
(1) 
Assure compliance with the building code;
(2) 
Enforce the zoning code and orders of the Zoning Hearing Board;
(3) 
Receive appeals directed to the Zoning Hearing Board;
(4) 
Render required assistance to the Zoning Hearing Board;
(5) 
Recommend suggested changes to the building and zoning codes;
(6) 
Receive applications for building, use and occupancy, and sign permits, determine their compliance with the building and zoning codes, and issue required permits;
(7) 
Inspect work in progress.
[Ord. No. 752, § 1 (2-6.4), 8-9-1976; Ord. No. 1255, § 1, 2-9-1998]
There shall be an office of Fire Marshal, which office may have one or more Fire Marshals. Wherever the term "Fire Marshal" is used in the Plymouth Township Code, such term shall be defined as the office of Fire Marshal. The office of Fire Marshal shall:
(1) 
Ensure the safety and well being of Township citizens and visitors through prevention, inspection, education and enforcement of all fire prevention and protection regulations;
(2) 
Investigate complaints and causes of fire and prosecute violators;
(3) 
Conduct all emergency management needs pertinent to and ensuring the readiness of emergency forces in the event of a disaster over and above the day-to-day responses of ambulance, fire and police personnel; and
(4) 
Perform such other duties as required under the Plymouth Township Code as well as all applicable provisions of federal, state, county and local laws.
[Ord. No. 752, § 1 (2-6.5), 8-9-1976]
There shall be an air pollution control officer. The air pollution control officer shall have the power, at any time, to enter upon any premises in the Township where there is suspected to be any source of air pollution, for the purpose of examining and abating the same and for any other purpose arising in connection with or in the performance of his duties.
[Ord. No. 752, § 1 (2-6.6), 8-9-1976]
There shall be a Housing Code Enforcement Officer. The Housing Code Enforcement Officer shall have the power, at any time, to enter upon any premises within the Township where there is suspected to be a violation of the Township housing code, for the purpose of examining and abating the same, and for any other purpose arising in connection with or in the performance of his duties.
[Ord. No. 752, § 1 (2-7.1), 8-9-1976; Ord. No. 1061, § 1, 4-8-1991; Ord. No. 1194, § 1, 7-15-1996; Ord. No. 1361, § 1, 10-9-2001; Ord. No. 1396, § 1, 2-10-2003; Ord. No. 1428, § 1, 8-9-2004; Ord. No. 1509, 2-9-2009, § 1]
(a) 
Generally. The Police Department is responsible for maintaining public order, enforcing public laws and ordinances and taking appropriate measures to prevent crime and protect lives and property.
(b) 
Appointment of police officers; qualifications, etc. The Township Council shall fix the number and rank of members of the police force. No police officer shall, at the same time, hold any other public office other than that of constable. The Council shall prescribe all necessary rules and regulations for organization of the police force.
(c) 
Appointment of superior officers. The department head shall appoint all officers in all ranks in accordance with the provisions of Division 5 of this Article.
(d) 
Service of process; fees. Police officers shall have authority to serve and execute criminal process and shall charge the same fees and costs as pertain by law to constables for similar services, but such fees and costs shall be remitted to the Township finance director for the use of the Township.
(e) 
Supervision of police. Police shall be under the supervision of the Chief of Police. The chain of authority in the Police Department shall be as follows:
(1) 
Chief of police.
(2) 
Deputy Chief of Police.
(3) 
Lieutenant of police.
(4) 
Sergeant of police.
(f) 
Badge. The police, when on duty, shall wear or carry a badge or shield with the words "Plymouth Township Police" inscribed thereon.
(g) 
Not to receive fees. No member of the Police Department shall charge or accept any fee, nor accept any form of compensation for the performance of police duties, except that paid by the Township.
(h) 
Township appropriations and gifts. The Township may make contributions to the police pension fund and may take, by gift, grant, devise or bequest, any money or property, real, personal or mixed, in trust for the benefit of such police pension fund. The care, management, investment and disposal of such trust funds or property shall be vested in such officers as the Township Council shall, by ordinance, direct and shall be governed by such officers, subject to any directions not inconsistent therewith, as the donors of such funds and property may prescribe. The Township may also make contributions to any incorporated police pension fund extending retirement benefits to police officers of the Township, subject to such conditions as the Township Council may impose.
(i) 
Special fire police. Members of volunteer fire companies in the Township may be appointed special fire police to act at fires attended by companies of which they are members and, in addition to their duties as special fire police, shall have all police powers necessary to perform their duties when functioning as special fire police at parades, accidents, floods or other emergencies, when serving at the request of the Township Council.
(j) 
Special police. The Township Council, by resolution, shall authorize special police who shall have the duty of controlling and directing traffic at or near schools and churches, and who shall be in uniform and shall display a badge or other sign of authority, and who shall be vested with all of the powers of local police officers when performing such duties. Special police shall serve at the pleasure of the Council and shall not come within personnel regulations for regular police officers, nor shall they be eligible to join the police pension fund maintained for Township police. Compensation shall be fixed by the Council and shall be paid in the manner directed by the Council.
(k) 
Administrative towing fees. An administrative towing fee as established from time to time by resolution of Township Council for each vehicle removed by the contractor under Chapter 19, Article IV Towing Contract, of the Plymouth Township Code, shall be paid by the vehicle owner or lessee or representative of said vehicle owner or lessee.
(l) 
Fingerprinting fees. A fingerprinting fee for the fingerprinting of individuals (not arrested) shall be paid as established from time to time by resolution of Township Council.
[Ord. No. 1541, 6-15-2010]
(a) 
Purpose and objective of the Section. The Council of Plymouth Township deems it necessary and advantageous to the safety of the persons and property of the Township to establish the position of the Director of Public Safety to coordinate the efforts of the Police Department and the Office of Fire Marshal.
(b) 
Director of Public Safety. The Chief of Police of Plymouth Township shall serve as the Director of Public Safety. The Chief of Police will not receive any compensation for serving as the Director of Public Safety.
(c) 
Duties of Director of Public Safety. The Director of Public Safety shall be responsible for the Police Department and the Office of Fire Marshal. The Director of Public Safety shall:
(1) 
Direct and control the overall performance of the Police Department and Office of Fire Marshal.
(2) 
Have the authority required to execute the orders of the Township Manager and Township Council and shall require the strict enforcement of ordinances of the Township in matters of public safety, the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the laws of the United States.
(3) 
Maintain relations in an advisory capacity with volunteer fire companies to insure prompt and efficient firesafety protection for the residents of Plymouth Township.
(4) 
Assist police, fire, rescue and emergency medical services in handling and coordinating emergency and disaster situations.