Board of Supervisors Highlights - August 1 

New Playground Equipment Receives Green Light
Supervisors approved the purchase of equipment for the new playground at Moon Park in the amount of $496,447 at the July 25 workshop meeting. This purchase is through  COSTARS, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's cooperative purchasing program. The program serves as a conduit through which registered and eligible local public procurement units and state-affiliated entities are able to leverage contracts established by the Department of General Services to cost effectively and efficiently identify suppliers with whom to do business.

Stormwater Fee Analysis and Report
The federal Clean Water Act prohibits the discharge of pollutants into waterways without the appropriate permits. Municipalities regulated as a municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) have independent legal obligations related to stormwater management. These obligations are implemented through their MS4 permits with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).  

Meeting the federal and state requirements does not come without a cost, and municipalities including Moon Township, must find new funding sources. Supervisors have approved  a proposal from Lennon, Smith, Souleret Engineering to perform a stormwater service fee analysis and report to determine the most appropriate fee structure for Moon Township. The analysis and report will take several months to complete.


Moon Area Students Attend Odyssey of the Mind World Finals
Supervisors recognized seven Moon Area High School students who traveled to Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa to compete at the 37th annual Odyssey of the Mind World Finals Tournament from May 23-26, 2018.

The tournament hosted over 850 teams from 28 countries and 38 states.  The Problem 3 Division III team of Sarah Ellis, Olivia Estright, Zach Gribben, Jenna Puhalla, Julia Puhalla, Matt Spangler and Nick Ulven competed against 54 teams from 22 states and seven countries and finished in 10th place.

Odyssey of the Mind is a problem-solving competition where students from around the world use their creativity and logic to answer a variety of long-term and spontaneous problems.  The program aims to combine science, technology, engineering, math, and art along with history to provide an exciting way for students to apply scholastic concepts.

Watch the Board of Supervisors Meeting
The Board of Supervisors regular public meeting is held on the first Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Municipal Building. Watch live on M AG-TV, Comcast channel 18 or Verizon channel 37. The meetings are rebroadcast throughout the month on MAG-TV.  Check the website for times. You can also watch a recording online. View the meeting agendas in advance here.
Steer Clear of Raccoon Rabies Vaccine Baits

Over the past 17 years there has been a significant reduction in human and pet exposures to rabies throughout Allegheny County. This is largely due to the efforts of the rabies vaccination program for wild raccoons spearheaded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Wildlife Services (USDA), who the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) partners with for this massive effort. 


This year, employees and volunteers of ACHD and the UDSA will be distributing vaccine-containing baits from August 6 through August 17 across Allegheny County. Baits will be delivered by hand and from vehicles in every municipality of the county. 

The risk of adverse effects to humans and animals due to exposure to the vaccine is minimal, but the public is encouraged to avoid contact with the bait if possible. If a stray bait must be moved, it should be picked up using rubber or latex gloves or a shovel. Please keep your dogs on leashes during this time so that the raccoons eat the baits instead of your pups. 

Click here for more information from the Allegheny County Health Department.

Allegheny County Vacant Property Recovery Program

For a limited time, Allegheny County will be accepting applications to acquire vacant properties at a reduced cost to applicants. Moon Township is one of 56 municipalities to which the program is being offered by the county. The program is designed to acquire blighted, tax delinquent properties and resell them to applicants for a reuse outlined in their application and approved by the township. 

Under the 2018 Side Yard and Blighted Structure Program, the county will waive the standard parcel fee of $3,000 for applicants for side yards to their primary residence and applicants proposing to demolish a blighted structure. The county will reduce the fee to $1,400 for applicants proposing to rehabilitate a blighted structure. All applicants will be responsible for the appraised value of the property, a good faith deposit, and closing costs. Applications must be postmarked by August 31, 2018. 

Up to 60 applications, with a maximum of five per municipality, will be accepted in the order received for consideration. For information or to request an application, please contact the Allegheny County Economic Development department at 412.350.1090 or visit alleghenycounty.us/VPRP .
 
Help Build the New Moon Park Playground

Preserve your child's artwork at the new Moon Park Playground! Purchasing a children's ExpressionArt tile creates a legacy that your child will cherish for a l ifetime. The artwork will be digitized and processed directly onto a 4x4" ceramic tile and set into a wall being built on the playground. 

The cost is $100 each, and the deadline to submit orders and artwork is October 31, 2018. Visit the Moon Township website to download the order form and art submission form or pick up a copy at the Moon Parks & Recreation office at Moon Park, the Municipal Building lobby kiosk, the Moon Township Public Library, or Robin Hill. Please contact Amy Ottaviani with any questions: 412.262.1703 ext. 402 or [email protected].

Property Tax Information

2018 Township of Moon Property Taxes
We are now collecting the 10% Penalty amount until the end of this calendar year for the Township of Moon Property taxes.  Please remember, according to Pennsylvania state law, the property owner is responsible for the property tax regardless of whether or not a statement was received.

2018 Moon Area School District Property Taxes
Moon Area School District property tax statements were mailed by July 1, 2018.  The two percent discount collection began on July 1 and continues through August 31, 2018.  If you choose the option to pay four installments, the first installment MUST be received in the tax office no later than August 31. You cannot send random amounts for installments. If you wish to accelerate your payments, you can double the installment amounts but that's all. Coupons for the remaining three installments (due in September, October and November) will be mailed to the property owner. Postmarked mail is always accepted, but please remember, it must show the post mark on the envelope.  If you wish to receive a paid receipt, whether it's the individual installment payments or the final summary of all payments, please send a self-addressed stamped envelope. The cost of printing, postage and envelopes prohibits my office from sending these as a courtesy and not all taxpayers request receipts.  

How to Make Payments
Property owners may make payments in the following ways:

1. Online at  moontaxoffice.us   . When paying online, you must click the word "verify" after filling out your property's block/lot located in the upper left hand corner of your statement. You cannot change the amount for the period we are currently collecting. 
 
Please note that installment payments cannot be made online nor can non-real estate per capita taxes be sent to renters only. 

2. In person at the property tax office. Office hours are listed at the bottom of your property tax statement. Be sure to check the office website for holiday closings and other useful information.

3. By mailing your payment and statement to the address below. If you would like a stamped receipt, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Change of Address
If a property owner's mailing address needs updated or changed for whatever reason, please contact me at the Moon Township tax office at 412.299.7446 as well as county treasurer John Weinstein at 412.350.4100, as soon as possible.

Please  visit my website  for more information, including office hours, holiday closings, and other useful information.  

CATHERINE L. TRESS, C.P.T.C.
Moon Township Tax Collector
Moon Township Community Center
1700 Beaver Grade Road #300
Moon Township, PA 15108
Phone: 412.299.7446 
Fax: 412.299.7420
moontaxoffice.us

Friday Fun Nights Continue through August
7:30 p.m. (movies at dusk)
Moon Park Amphitheater

The Friday Fun Night series offers a season of summer entertainment including a variety of music, performances and movies.  Bring your blankets and chairs and enjoy Friday fun under the stars at the Moon Park amphitheater. These events are free and open to the public. Free popcorn and drinks available. 

August 3  -  My Little Pony  (PG)
August 10  -  Coco  (PG)
August 17  -  Wonder  (PG)
August 24  -  Duquesne University Tamburitzans
August 31  -  Ghostbusters  (PG)

Friday Fun Nights are sponsored by Heritage Valley Health System and Family Chiropractic Center. 

Electronics Recycling Day
Saturday, August 4
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Municipal Building

Moon Township's Environmental Advisory Council 
hosts electronics recycling days in partnership with JVS Environmental. These events collect electronic items only, including printers, copiers, computers, laptops and televisions. Only one TV per vehicle will be accepted. Other items, such as appliances containing FREON and fluorescent lighting, will be collected for a fee. Recycling collections are open to Moon Township residents only. Proper ID is required.

Waste Management At Your Door Recycling Program

Waste Management offers a residential curbside special materials pickup. The "At Your Door Special Collection" program allows most Moon Township residents to easily and safely dispose of household materials.

There are three ways to schedule a collection:


     1. Online at www.WMatYourDoor.com
     2. Call 800.449.7587
     3. Email [email protected]

After scheduling your collection date and time, a Waste Management representative will provide you with information and instructions for preparing your collection. More information on the program and a list of accepted materials can be found through the program's website at www.WMatYourDoor.com or by calling a representative at 800.449.7587.
Time Out in Nature for Caregivers and Care Recipients
Saturday, September 29
9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Robin Hill Park

Family caregivers and their care recipients are invited to enjoy some time out with nature-based educational and therapeutic respite activities in the beautiful surroundings of Robin Hill Park. A guided nature walk and peer support session will be facilitated for caregivers while their care recipients enjoy their own nature activities and movement therapy also guided by program facilitators. The session ends with caregivers and care recipients coming together for a group horticulture activity focused on mindfulness and positivity. This program is for ages 5-99 and care recipients may sign up for continued sessions on October 6, 13 and 20. For more information, visit hopegrows.net or call 412.369.4673. This Hope Grows Dual Respite Projectâ„¢ program is free for all participants. Registration is required.
 
Presented by Moon Township/Community Engagement in partnership with programming by Hope Grows; and funded by UPMC for Life.

Lunchtime Concerts at Robin Hill 
Third Wednesday of the Month
12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Gazebo at Robin Hill Park

Stop by Robin Hill Park for some free music. The concerts begin at noon on the third Wednesday of every month through September. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and relax under a shady tree. There is no charge to attend.  Hot dogs, snacks and water will be available for purchase. Here's the line up through the rest of the summer:

August 15 -  D ick Tady Orchestra (polka)
September 19 - Dixie Spirit (dixieland)

The Lunchtime Concert Series is sponsored by MedExpress.
Moon Township VFC Car Cruise
Sunday, August 26
11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Moon Park

Check out all the collector cars at the annual Moon To wnship Volunteer Fire Company Car Cruise. Enjoy the DJ and a live band.

If you want to show off your wheels, come to the park and pick a spot to settle in. The cruise is open to all classes of cars, trucks, motorcycles and specialty vehicles. The gate opens at 7 a.m.

The event is free to attend, but make sure to show your support by visiting the food booths sponsored by the firemen and the ladies' auxiliary. All proceeds benefit the Moon Township Volunteer Fire Company.


Moon Wizarding Festival

Saturday, September 8
11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Moon Park

Witches, Wizards and Muggles! Please join us for the first Moon Wizarding Festival. This amazing event will feature artisans, crafters, music, games, Quidditch, crafts, food, drink, costume contests, trivia tournaments, and much more! Save the date - this is going to be bigger than the Quidditch World Cup! Click here to get your free ticket.
Senior Connection Socials
Wednesdays
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Carriage House at Robin Hill

Come and enjoy fun and friendship every Wednesday! Open to anyone 55 and older. Join us for complimentary beverages, coffee, snacks, popcorn and conversation. Many activities to suit many interests. Lunch is also available for purchase. No registration. Drop by and stay all day!

Moon Township Farmers' Market
Wednesdays, June - September
3:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Municipal Building

Be sure to stop by the Moon Township Farmers' Market throughout the summer and see what good things they have to offer, including the freshest produce; meats; dairy; baked goods; wine; coffee and tea; plants and flowers; antiques; and arts and crafts. Give yourself a night off from cooking and take home dinner from one of the prepared foods vendors. 

The market takes pride in being a traditional producer-only market where all vendors must grow or make at least 75 percent of their own products for sale. All vendors meet strict health and safety guidelines. The market accepts cash, debit and credit cards, and snap benefits. West-Aircomm Federal Credit Union is the exclusive sponsor for the 2018 season. Be sure to visit their booth for sustainable giveaways and learn about their program that gives children, youth and teens a free coupon to spend on fruits and vegetables.
 
New Shows Join the MCA-TV Schedule

If you've tuned in to MCA-TV recently, you may have noticed some new shows in our lineup.  The fun and informative Yinz Brewin'? focuses on home brewing; Half Hour, Full Moon provides updates on Moon Area School District issues and events; and Ink Shrink  teaches how to draw caricatures. You also may have noticed more special programming featuring township events like the 5K Glow Run & Walk, the Independence Day celebration, and the Friday Fun Night concerts by Pink Noise and the West Hills Symphonic Band. Thanks to all our volunteers who take time out of their schedules to produce and film these events to be enjoyed by all our viewers. To see when these programs air, v isit mca-tv.org.
 
In This Issue ...
Supervisors Meeting Highlights
Steer Clear of Raccoon Rabies Vaccine Baits
Vacant Property Recovery Program
Playground Fundraiser
Property Tax Reminders
Friday Fun Nights
Electronics Recycling Day
WM at Your Door Program
Caregivers Respite Program
Lunchtime Concerts
MTVFC Car Cruise
Moon Wizarding Festival
Senior Connection Social
Farmers' Market
New Shows at MCA-TV
Quick Links
  
Community Calendar
Board of Supervisors
Workshop Meeting
Wed., August 29
6 p.m.
Municipal Building

Board of Supervisors 
Regular Public Meeting
Wed., September 5
7 p.m.
Municipal Building

Find Moon Township public meeting times, township events and parks programs on the  calendar page of the Moon Township website.

Don't forget to like us on Facebook for more township updates!

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Submit a Question or Concern Online
Submit a question, comment or concern to Moon Township officials through the  Citizen Request System.  

This feature allows residents to submit their concern and track its resolution through ongoing updates ensuring a timely response from Moon Township staff. 

A link to the system can be found under Quick Links on the Moon Township
  home page .
Tune Into Moon

Moon Community Access Television
Comcast channel 14
Verizon  channel 35
  
Moon Area Government Television
Comcast channel 18
Verizon  channel 37
Swift Reach 911
Stay informed of community emergencies or important information with Moon Township Police Department's
Swift 911 phone outreach system.   

 

Sign up at 

moonpolice.us

Home Alone Monitoring

Never feel alone with Moon Township Police Department's Home Alone Monitoring.

This system automatically telephones a resident once or twice a day depending on their needs.  

 

Any citizen in need may contact the police at 

412.262.5000.

Questions About Moon Township?

Send your
questions or comments to Christine Ree, Communications Director, at
Moon Township
Messenger


Stay updated on seasonal township news with the latest edition of the Moon Township Messenger quarterly magazine, available in any township office or online at moontwp.com.