Township Corner

by Trustee Janet Jankura

This is the time of year when we receive numerous pieces of unsolicited mail, texts and calls. From political ads to fundraisers to roof-replacement solicitations, we are inundated. The township has done something good to reduce uninvited visitors to our homes.

We received numerous complaints from residents reporting door-to-door sales. So, our wonderful administrator did research with nearby municipalities and drafted a resolution to remedy this issue. In our September meeting, the trustees approved Resolution 14-2026 to establish regulations for transient vendor solicitations and the procedures for obtaining a transient vendor solicitation in Richfield Township.

The resolution would make vendors register with the township and pay a fee for a permit. The administrator would let safety forces dispatch know when there is an active permit. Residents can sign up for the “Do Not Knock Registry” that NOPEC keeps. The vendors would have to abide by that registry and not go to any residences or businesses that have a “No Soliciting” sign.

The new directive regulates the time, place and way in which these vendors may sell, offer for sale or solicit orders for future delivery of goods and services. This measure is necessary for the immediate preservation of public health, safety and general welfare. Generally, operating hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with no solicitations on Saturdays, Sundays or holidays. Residents may ask to see the vendor’s permit and if they do not have one, can contact police dispatch for enforcement. There are penalties for violations by vendors, such as fines and revocation of permits.

While this resolution does not prohibit door-to-door solicitation by nonprofit organizations seeking donations and political candidates campaigning for office, it does decrease the pesky solicitations by transient vendors.