Foster Township residents were reminded to participate in the 2020 Census during Monday’s regular meeting of the Foster Township supervisors.

Supervisor Chairman George Hocker made the reminder, noting the importance of all residents being counted as part of the effort.

Hocker also noted that tensions are high lately in regard to mask wearing and reminded township residents to be courteous to others. Regardless of one’s opinion on the mask wearing requirements currently in effect, Hocker reminded residents to be patient and considerate of others. He also reminded individuals that the guidelines issued by Pennsylvania Department of Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine clearly states that those with health issues are not required to wear a mask — and no one is permitted to question those health issues.

“Be courteous in public, the same as you would like people to be to you,” Hocker said. “We don’t need to be at each other’s throats.”

Foster Township Police Chief Tom Munn noted that there has been an incident in Foster Township where a customer became irate when asked to wear a mask and threw items toward a clerk, breaking the plexiglass shield on the counter. This incident led to a citation, as it caused damages. Munn reminded residents that private businesses are privately owned, and anyone who is frustrated or feels like they don’t need to comply with the mask order can choose to visit another store.

“We are all trying to get through this together,” Munn said.

Supervisor Gus Crissman spoke on behalf of the three supervisors, noting that they wish the Foster Township Police Department to know that the supervisors stand behind them and support them in their efforts during this time fraught with tension due to the pandemic, mask concerns and also the effort to defund police in some areas of the nation.

“We have your back. We are behind you 100%,” Crissman said.

Foster Township Police patrolled 6,312 miles during the month of July, handling 307 complaints. The police handled seven motor-vehicle accidents and 11 criminal investigations. Munn reported that 31 citations were issued during the month as well.

In other business, the supervisors approved the hiring of a part-time police officer and a one-year agreement with New Wave Energy Corp. and Columbia Gas.