Are You Willing to Pay Higher Taxes?

Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority (BCWSA) recently announced that it is considering an offer from Aqua PA - a private company - to purchase its sewer (but not water) assets for $1.1 billion dollars (read "Bucks County Moves Ahead on $1.1 Billion Offer to Sell Sewer System to Aqua Pa.").

This sale - if it happens - can double the sewer fees paid by Newtown Township and Newtown Borough residents who are currently customers of Newtown Bucks County Joint Municipal Authority (NBCJMA) even though NBCJMA is not part of the proposed sale. Why? 

Read the newsletter to find out why...

The township asked for and received an extension of time from Provco Pinegood Ltd. until September 30, according to manager Micah Lewis. [See the letter from Provco Atty John VanLuvanee agreeing to extend the deadline for BOS to vote on the plan: https://bit.ly/WawaExtensionLtr]

A review of land development plans for a proposed Wawa on the Newtown Bypass has been postponed until September.

The township asked for and received an extension of time from Provco Pinegood Ltd. until September 30, according to township manager Micah Lewis.

The plan had originally been scheduled to expire on August 15 and Provco had been planning to appear before the supervisors at its August 10 meeting seeking final land development approvals.

At the board's last meeting in early July, the supervisors said they would ask Provco for an extension to September to avoid the summer vacation season when many residents are away.

"August 10th is a particular high point in the vacation season," said Supervisor John Mack. "I'd like to see this meeting happen when more of the public can be present."

Chairman Dennis Fisher agreed. "I would like to see this go into September so that people can be informed and not have to worry about being on vacation."

[View a video snippet of the discussion: https://sco.lt/5blXrk]

If no further extension is granted, Provco would need to secure approvals from the township prior to its plan expiration date of September 30.

The five member board of supervisors was poised to vote in May on preliminary as final plans for a Wawa convenience store and gas station at Lower Silver Lake Road when the agenda item was pulled from consideration by Provco (read “Newtown Wawa Developers Just Stood Up Supervisors at a Big Meeting. What Does This Mean for the Project?”)

In April, the township's planning commission had recommended denial of the preliminary as final land development plans for the 5,585 square foot convenience store and gas station (view video "

“Planning Commission Members Driscoll & Christensen Chastise Wawa”; https://youtu.be/2nqvEhkL3WQ).

anti single-useThe applicant is seeking conditional use approval to open a seafood restaurant (Blue Point Grill aka BPG) at 3 West Road in the Newtown Shopping Center. This is the former location of the Corner Bakery, which is no longer in business at that location. The hours of operation will be 4 PM to 11 PM on weekdays and 11 AM to 10 PM on Saturday and Sunday.

Jack Morrison, the owner of BPG, confirmed that he is seeking approval for 145 indoor seats. Also, there are an additional 36 seats in an existing outdoor seating area, which will be used on a seasonal basis. Some PC members were concerned about the parking and traffic problems this number of seats would cause. 

There was also crosswalk safety concerns as many patrons would have to cross West Road to get to and from their cars parked in Gap/ACME lot. It was agreed that these crossings would be made safer by repainting the bars to make the crossings more visible to motorists.

Liquor License

The floor plan includes an “Raw Bar” that seats 6 people and a regular "Bar" that seats 9 people. Recall that the Board of Supervisors (BOS) denied BPG’s application to transfer a liquor license from an East Rockhill Township tavern primarily because supervisors felt the Newtown was already over quota for liquor licenses (read “Blue Point Grill's Liquor License Transfer Not Approved”). Mr. Morrison informed the NTPC that BPG signed a contract to obtain a Newtown liquor license from Dolce Carini (Friends Bar & Grill), which has gone out of business.

Potential Environmental Impact

Recall that Newtown recently passed an anti-single use plastics resolution that urges the business community and residents to consider alternatives to single-use plastics (read “Newtown Township Anti Single-Use Plastic Resolution Makes Local News”). I asked in Mr. Morrison if BPG would comply with that resolution when packaging “doggie bags” for patrons to take home. He said he would have no problem with that.

Although some members were concerned about parking, the PC agreed that it will advise the NT Board of Supervisors to approve this conditional use application.

More details...

Opioid manufacturer Teva has preliminarily agreed to pay $4.2 billion to Pennsylvania and a coalition of other states and municipalities after what officials called deceptive marketing practices that drastically downplayed the risk of addiction.

More insidiously, Teva broadly encouraged the notion that signs of addiction in patients were really "pseudo-addiction," Shapiro's office said, a condition which they claimed should be treated by taking even opioids.

Pennsylvania Attorney Josh Shapiro, who led a coalition of states in the settlement, said that Teva also overstated the benefits of their drugs to doctors, and that their actions played a major role in the opioid epidemic.

"Today's settlement ensures Teva will pay for its irresponsible actions, with funds going directly to communities in Pennsylvania most impacted by the opioid epidemic," Shapiro said.

In addition to paying $4.2 billion in cash to states over the next 13 years, Teva will also provide $1.2 billion in naloxone, the overdose reversal drug, over the next 10 years. States have the option of selecting cash instead of naloxone.

The settlement is not yet final, as Teva must comply with transparency requirements and changes to its business practices first.

Bristol Borough will hold its first ever annual National Night Out on the grounds of Snyder-Girotti Elementary School on Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2022.

“What I’m trying to achieve is good community relations with the citizens of Bristol Borough and a positive interaction with the children of the borough,” Moors said.

The event will feature members of local law enforcement, emergency vehicles, health and resource information, a bounce house, games, face painting, DJ, give-a-ways and a chance to meet the new police chief.

National Night Out is a community-building event that works to promote and strengthen relationships between local neighborhoods and police departments, with the events typically occurring on the first Tuesday in August.

This year, Bensalem, Middletown, Quakertown, Richland, Buckingham, Solebury, Morrisville, Bristol Borough, Falls,Bristol Township and Doylestown Township will host events.*

BCWSA and Aqua are now hosting a series of private and public meetings to answer questions from municipalities and the general public. As a "municipal partner" local elected officials – including Newtown Township supervisors – were invited to a special meeting on July 25, 2022, at the Bucks County Community College (BCCT).

Listen to a 12-minute audio clip from that meeting, which ran on for more than 2 hours, focuses on concerns relevant to Newtown Township. Speakers include John Cordisco, BCWSA Board Chair and Benjamin Jones, BCWSA CEO.

Note: Newtown's sewer facilities will not be sold as part of the plan. 

The popular fast casual burger joint is scheduled to open its doors on Wednesday, July 27 at 11 a.m. at the Village At Newtown Shopping Center. It will be open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

A sign on the door reads, "We thank you for your patience. Our team and contractors are doing everything they can to make sure this is a perfect store opening for the community."

* My personal opinion

[Back in August 2021] the Ready for 100 team in Bucks County met outside West Rockhill’s municipal building, to see and learn about West Rockhill’s municipal solar project — the first in Pennsylvania to provide 100% of a municipality’s electricity. 

The 70.12 kW system is comprised of 180 panels, 2 ground mounted racks, and 6 inverters. The township spent $169,000 from their general fund reserves, proud that they didn’t need to finance this; that they’ve paid no interest. The electricity generated will power the municipal building, the park, the traffic signals, the street lights and the wells for this town of 5200 people. They expect an 11 year payback period, with all savings going back into the general fund’s reserve account. 

Read more...

Subscribe to my #YouTube channel: "Your #NewtownPA Voice" to keep up with issues before the township Board of Supervisors and more... bit.ly/Mack-on-Youtube

As some states move to restrict or ban abortion following last month’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf is looking to protect out-of-state individuals seeking the procedure in the commonwealth.

Wolf — a Democrat and former Planned Parenthood volunteer — signed an executive order on Tuesday ensuring that non-Pennsylvania residents may come to the commonwealth for an abortion and other reproductive health care services without fear of being arrested or detained at the request of another state. The order also ensures that those who helped facilitate travel or assisted with the procedure may not face prosecution unless their actions violate state law, which legalizes abortion up to 24 weeks of pregnancy.

“Here in Pennsylvania, I will not stand for this attack on women and pregnant people,” Wolf said in a statement. “By signing this executive order, I am affirming that individuals seeking and providing reproductive health services are safe in the commonwealth from discipline and prosecution.”

The Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority (BCWSA) serves about 100,000 households in 31 towns in Bucks, Montgomery, and Chester Counties. The authority announced Wednesday, July 13, 2022, it is considering a formal offer of $1.1 billion from Aqua Pennsylvania to buy its sewer system, which makes up about three-quarters of BCWSA’s customer base. If the sale is approved, the remaining BCWSA entity would serve only drinking water customers.

The privatization would generate a huge windfall for Bucks County government at the expense of 75,000 sewer customers who would pay higher rates under private owners.

The board got an earful on Wednesday as about 30 spectators crowded the BCWSA’s tiny meeting room in Doylestown Township to denounce the board’s move, which was not advertised in advance and appeared on a hastily amended agenda (see photo). “It’s a disgrace what’s happening here,” said Len Hughes Jr., a union shop steward with the AFSCME local that represents the authority’s supervisors.

Under Aqua’s proposal, current sewer rates would be frozen for a year. But in the coming years, rates would eventually increase to match Aqua’s rates, which are now about $88 compared with BCWSA’s average monthly rate of $48.

Though BCWSA’s fees are now much lower than those charged by Aqua, a projection conducted for the authority projected that its rates under continued public ownership would increase at a quicker pace than Aqua’s in the next 10 years to pay for anticipated upgrades to its aging sewer mains and treatment plants to resolve sewage overflow issues, said Jones. In about a decade, the $40 difference in bills between BCWSA and Aqua would shrink to about $20, he said.

Still, by that math, about 10 years from now customers would be paying $20 more a month under Aqua compared with BCWSA.

The News of Interest (NOI) e-newsletter features content curated from articles published in local newspapers and other sources. 

The July 2022 issue of NOI topics include: Tax Increase Referendum Approved for NAS, Further Delays for LDR Trail! CRSD Raises Tax, 5G Ordinance Moves Forward, More…

Access the complete issue...

Tax Increase Referendum Approved for NAS, Further Delays for LDR Trail! CRSD Raises Tax, 5G Ordinance Moves Forward, More… 

This is my personal summary of the July 13, 2022, meeting of Newtown Township Board of Supervisors (BOS). This is not a complete nor an official summary.

Agenda Items

• Request by Newtown Ambulance Squad to Raise EMS Tax
• Joint Zoning Council Meeting Report by John Mack
• Lower Dolington Road Multi-Use Trail Update
• Sycamore Street Pedestrian Safety
• Brixmor Traffic Study
• A/V System Upgrade
• June 2022 Police Report
• Snyder Proposes Pro Abortion Resolution
• Official Video
• Detailed Notes

Access the complete summary...

At the request of Supervisor Elen Snyder, the Newtown Board of Supervisors (BOS) agreed at its July 13, 2022, public meeting to vote on a resolution calling on the state legislature to retain abortion rights in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The four supervisors in attendance at the meeting, including Snyder, agreed to the addition to the next agenda. The board's only Republican, Kyle Davis, was absent from the meeting.

As reported in the Newtown Patch: "Last month the far right Supreme Court overturned Roe versus Wade demonstrating its willingness to throw away long held precedent and directly ignore the will of the people who overwhelmingly who back that ruling," said Snyder.

"Just think about that," she continued. "A minority of people pushing their will onto the majority of us and telling one half of the population what we can or cannot do with our very own bodies. It's pretty unimaginable to us here in Pennsylvania and here in Newtown Township as well.

"We are largely lucky where poverty almost doesn't exist in this fairly affluent community. Most women here will be able to deal with an unwanted pregnancy and not have birth forced upon them in cases of rape, incest, fetal abnormality or maternal health. We must protect all women and all circumstances.

"In Pennsylvania we have the right to abortion and we must keep it that way," said Snyder. "Tonight I'm asking my fellow supervisors for a consensus that at our next meeting this matter be put on the agenda to authorize our solicitor to draft an appropriate resolution to be considered for adoption stating that we urge our Pennsylvania lawmakers to retain these rights as they now exist."

Wawa’s beer offering continues to expand in Bucks County, as the company’s presence in the liquor market in Pennsylvania continues to grow.

Wawa began selling beer in 2019, and is slowly expanding its locations with liquor licenses.

Beer is currently available at Wawa at 600 N. West End Boulevard in Richland. The Wawa store, which opens this summer at 639 E Lincoln Highway in Middletown and Bristol-Oxford Valley Road in Bristol Township, has safe keeping licenses, and will open alongside beer sales.

According to data from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, approval for a license is pending at Wawa 3659 N Easton Road in Doylestown.

Wawa’s licenses are in the “restaurant (liquor)” category, and an establishment must have a seating area in its store to sell these products, something that existing Wawa stores must enforce. [See Insights below.]

Wawa CEO Chris Gessens told the Philadelphia Business Journal 10 new beer-selling Wawa stores are planned for Pennsylvania in 2022.

Sean Kelly, press secretary for the PA Liquor Control Board, said that since Act 39 of 2016 came into law, “we’ve seen an increase in the number of grocery stores and convenience stores that have thought about obtaining a liquor license.”

Act 39 replaced more than 35 sections of the state’s liquor code and allowed supermarkets, restaurants and hotels to sell alcohol and malt/beverage beverages.

Will beer be sold at the Newtown Wawa if that project is approved by the BOS? See insights below...

At the July 13, 2022, Newtown Board of Supervisors meeting, Newtown Ambulance Squad (NAS) Chief Evan Resnikoff requested that the BOS authorize the Solicitor to place a referendum on the November ballot to include increased millage allowance in excess of the 0.5 Mill cap permitted by the Second Class Township Code for the ambulance squad.

Mr. Resnikoff supplied some financial information and estimated that a 0.5 Mill increase - bringing the total to 1.0 Mill - will cost the average Newtown homeowner $1.81 per month ($21.80 per year).

Newtown Township (NTT) currently provides $171,000 (about $8.75 per resident) in annual funding to the NAS, whereas Newtown Borough only contributes $10,000 (about $4.45 per resident) annually.

My comment was that the Borough should pay more, especially if the new figure per NTT resident = 2 X $8.75 = $17.50! I’ve heard that the Borough may be balking at paying more, which means that NTT residents would be paying nearly 3X more than Borough residents on a per resident basis if the referendum passes!

Regardless of this, the BOS unanimously approved the authorization for the Solicitor to proceed with placing this referendum on the November ballot.

The letter to PennDOT outlines the projected changes:

“As part of this application, lane widening proposed along the Township maintained roadway will encroach slightly into the State Right-of-Way. Additionally, ADA facilities are proposed along the southern leg of the signalized intersection which are partially located in the State Road Right-of-Way. All other improvements (lane widening, accesses, etc.) are proposed only along the Township Road.”

This design is based on a traffic study and an HOP plan to redevelop the southwest corner of the intersection of Newtown Bypass (SR 0332) & Newtown-Yardley Road/Lower Silver Lake Road with a 5,585 s.f. WAWA Convenience Market with 12 fueling positions. Revisions to the existing traffic signal permit plans are summarized below:

Newtown Bypass (SR 0332) & Newtown-Yardley Road/Lower Silver Lake Road – File #2535

1. Widen east leg.
2. Add westbound right turn lane.
3. Add east leg pedestrian crossing.
4. Revise westbound signal heads.
5. Add westbound right turn overlap phase.
6. Upgrade signal heads #1 and #4 to red arrow.
7. Revise clearance times.

Newtown Bypass Corridor – File #I-0047/I-0048

1. Retime backup timings for Int. #8.

Find all the submitted documents here: https://bit.ly/WawaHopDocs

[Image: These photos were taken on July 13, 2022. They show how the construction materials obstruct access to Raintree/Windemere landscaping. 1 – Netting wraps around bush that is clearly on private property; 2 – Overgrown grass (access denied!); 3 – Netting obviously prevents access to plantings.]

At the July 13, 2022, Newtown Board of Supervisors (BOS) meeting, Supervisor Mack asked the township engineer to explain the delays in the construction of the Lower Dolington Road Trail (LDRT).

Mack noted that even further delays are ahead as the “utility conflict” is resolved. That is, underground cables must be relocated before construction of the trail can begin again. 

More that that, Mr. Mack also voiced his and residents' concerns about "abandoned" construction barriers at the intersection of LDR and Stanford Place/Road (see "Lower Dolington Road Trail Construction Barricades Are a Pedestrian Safety Concern!"; and "Lower Dolington Road Trail Trash Tour").

When the topic of accountability came up, Mr. Mack said "Six feet needed to be held to the fire. The construction company, Lumens (company responsible for moving the underground cable), and Newtown Artesian Water Company," which provided incorrect information that adversely impacted the project.

View the 11-minute video: https://youtu.be/LPyacZEBGFE

At the July 13, 2022, Newtown Board of Supervisors (BOS) meeting, Supervisor John Mack voiced his concern regarding the TENTATIVE August 10, 2022, date for the BOS to vote on the Provco/Wawa plan to build a combination gas station and convenience store on the Newtown Bypass.

Mack's concern was that that date would be at the height of vacation season and not only will he be away on that date but so would many citizens would be interested in attending.

Mr. Mack suggested that the township get Provco/Wawa to agree to extend the expiration date to the end of September so that the hearing can happen after Labor Day when ALL the supervisors and more residents are likely to attend.

Dave Sander, the Newtown Solicitor, noted that he has made several attempts to communicate this request with Atty VanLuvanee who represents Provco/Wawa but to data has gotten no response. He advised the BOS he will try again.

This video clip includes comments from residents of Newtown Township and Newtown Borough.

For more background, please refer to the "Wawa Versus Newtown Timeline".

The Newtown Township Police Department is investigating a theft incident that occurred on Saturday June 25th at 1600 hours.

At least two suspects arrived at the Newtown Athletic Club located at 120 Pheasant Run, Newtown, Bucks County, in a gray, newer model Nissan Pathfinder, unknown registration.

Suspect #1 (walked with a cane) and removed credit cards from a member's locker (The suspect is believed to possess a master key fob) then traveled to Best Buy (Falls Township) Wawa and Target (Middletown Township) and transacted the cards for $ 4057.00 in merchandise including Apple Products, Fuel and food.

Suspect #1 said to the NAC employee that he drove 4 hours to get there.

Suspect #2 transacted the club member's cards and is consistent with the individual involved with similar crimes in multiple states.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Bush at (215)579-1000 or anonymously contact the Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers Toll Free at 1-800-4PA-TIPS (8477) or online at https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=107

Items on the agenda included: Lower Dolington Road Trail Delay, Where's Wawa?, NT Yardley Rd/Bypass Intersection Safety, Newtown Ambulance Squad, Fire Services Agreement, More...

Lower Dolington Rd Trail. Questions answered:

* What’s holding up this project?

* How has the township responded to residents complaints about long abandoned construction barriers causing hazardous conditions, interfering with landscaping, etc.?

* When will these barriers be removed? Should the township pay the contractors to come back and up the mess they left months ago?

* When will this project be completed?

Where’s Wawa? It’s a long story…

Left Turn Signage at Newtown-Yardley Rd/Bypass Intersection. Questions answered:

* Is new, additional signage needed to prevent left turn accidents?

* What did PennDOT think of the idea?

* What did the Newtown traffic engineer have to say about it? You have to read my response…

Newtown Ambulance Squad (NAS) is asking for an additional 0.5 millage Newtown Township tax dedicated to NAS. How much $ is this for the average Newtown homeowner? More...

Newtown Township-Newtown Borough Fire Services Agreement. It’s FINAL! How much will Newtown Borough pay?? More...

[Author: Carl LaVO: carllavo0@gmail.com]

The story revolves around William and Helen Shull, who since the 1930s owned a 113-acre farm off Wrights Road at the headwaters of Newtown Creek.

Everything changed in the 1960s. County government realized something had to be done to harness tributaries to Neshaminy Creek, the county’s central river. Big rains brought big floods to places like Hilltown, New Britain, Chalfont, Doylestown Township, Newtown, Northampton, Middletown, Penndel, Bensalem, Bristol Township and Hulmeville.

Bucks initially condemned a 27-acre chunk of the Shull farm, ending the family’s dairy operation. The Shulls sought a better financial offer. Bucks resisted. Faced with a protracted legal fight, according to Walt, the family decided to sell the entire farm to the county and leave in April 1972. Bucks set aside 86 acres as open space including the rare Shull home and barn.

Meanwhile, the county completed work on the Newtown dam in the late 1970s. “Hidden Lake” formed behind it, inaccessible to the public. (see aerial view)

In 1989, a local homeowners association got the farm added to the National Registry of Historic Places. Research revealed Robert Hillborn founded the farm in 1715 by clearing land and building a cabin. In 1750 Peter Taylor bought the property and enlarged the cabin into a two-story, sandstone farmhouse. A barn was added in 1750.

…there’s been little maintenance [of the property] the past 10-15 years. The barn with its wood peg construction was in a state of collapse. He wishes the county would invest some money in the home or sell it to someone who would better care for it. He and Rich hope the county posts a marker on Wrights Road to note the farm’s preservation and age. So far no action.

James O’Malley, deputy director of the county department of communications, told me last week land preservation “remains a priority” and Bucks “will continue to look for new ways to improve and maintain the land it owns.” He noted there have been no requests for historical signage.

Stay tuned...

Meet Mack This Monday, July 11, 2022,

7:00 - 8:30 PM via Zoom

REGISTER TO ATTEND

Items on the agenda include:

Lower Dolington Rd Trail Update. I will summarize the timeline for this project, which starts in March, 2018, and ends in June 2022. Why has it taken so long to finish this project? What’s holding up this project? How has the township responded to residents complaints about long abandoned construction barriers causing hazardous conditions, interfering with landscaping, etc.? When will these barriers be removed? Should the township pay the contractors to come back and up the mess they left months ago? What’s holding this project up? When will this project be completed? More information:

• Lower Dolington Road Trail Trash Tour (3-minute video)
•  Lower Dolington Road Trail Construction Barricades Present a Safety Hazard! (Blog Post)

Left Turn Signage at Newtown-Yardley Rd/Bypass Intersection. Is new, additional signage needed? An update on the effort to prevent left turn accidents, including a summary of my survey of residents including comments. What did PennDOT think of this idea? What did the Newtown traffic engineer have to say about it? More information:

• Left Turn Sign Needed at Intersection of Newtown-Yardley Road and Route 332

Preview of the July 13, 2022, Board of Supervisors Meeting: The Newtown Ambulance Squad (NAS) is expected to give a report (staff shortages, etc.). 2023 budget season is beginning. Is a tax increase possible? Will Newtown pass a resolution supporting a woman’s right to abortion? (e.g., as in: “Abortion Rights Ordinance in Radnor Township Stops Police From Investigating Abortion Cases”). More TBD...

Proposed Ordinances Reviewed: The Joint Zoning Council (JZC) will meet on Thursday, July 7, 2022, at 7:30 PM (guests may register here). The actions taken by the JZC on following items on the agenda will be summarized at this MMM Zoom meeting:

• Distributed Antenna System (DAS; i.e., small 5G antennas) Ordinance Revisions – Newtown BOS tabled the decision to approve this ordinance after learning about An Expert's Critique of the JMZO 5G Wireless Ordinance. What’s the next step? See highlights from the 2 June 2022 Joint Zoning Council Meeting.
• Electric Vehicle Charging Stations. Draft ordinance proposed. Summary of the discussion. For background, listen to this podcast: “PC Discusses Electric Vehicle Charging Stations.”
• Bill Board Use – JZC proposal. Draft Ordinance for review. See highlights from the 2 June 2022 Joint Zoning Council Meeting.

Comprehensive Plan: Draft Plan Review. What’s the status of corrections and video presentation for residents? What’s the target date for circulation of Plan and presentation? Background: “It’s Time for Newtown Township to Update Its Comprehensive Plan!” and “Comprehensive Plan Resident Survey Results.”

Other Topics Suggested by Attendees (TBD)

Newtown Township, Pa - On Wednesday, July 6th, 2022 at approximately 3:25 pm, Newtown Township Police responded to a report of a suicidal male armed with a firearm at a residence in the Windermere development of Newtown Township.

Upon arrival, police received information that the male had left in his automobile armed with a handgun and was possibly suicidal.

Flash information was broadcasted over the Bucks County Police Radio zones with a description of the automobile. At approximately 3:46 pm, Newtown Police while inside police headquarters, heard the sound of a gunshot outside of police headquarters within the complex and went to investigate.

Newtown Township civilian staff walking along Municipal Drive at the time also heard the gunshot, and observed a male in a vehicle pass them (inbound and outbound), while the male passed and circled the police station lot. The vehicle which matched the initial description, was followed and stopped by Police at Iris Court and Columbine Circle.

A firearm was recovered on the passenger seat by police and the male and vehicle were secured. The male was subsequently arrested and transported to headquarters for criminal processing, and the vehicle was towed and secured at headquarters. No injuries were reported! Investigation continuing.