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Officials: Clark has limited authority on recent drone sightings; residents urged to report to federal channels
Summary
Council members discussed residents' reports of unexplained drones. Business Administrator Mr. Uhlerick and the mayor said federal agencies are investigating, noted there are over 1,000,000 licensed drones nationally, and recommended reporting sightings to the FBI hotline.
Councilman Toll raised residents' concerns about recent drone sightings and asked what the township can do. Toll said he has been receiving texts and voicemails from constituents and sought an update from the business administrator.
Business Administrator Mr. Uhlerick told the council the township has limited jurisdiction but reported information from intergovernmental calls: "there are over 1000000 licensed drones in the country," and federal agencies, including the FBI and Department of Homeland Security, are involved in efforts to identify sightings. Uhlerick said additional radar resources are being used and that there remain unanswered questions about timing and origins of the recent reports.
The mayor also advised residents to use federal reporting channels, noting "there's an FBI hotline number" and that local police should be called for immediate suspicious activity. Council members agreed the township lacks the authority to address the origin of the sightings and urged residents to follow federal guidance and report incidents to the FBI if they believe there is a threat.
What happens next: The business administrator said federal hearings and further intergovernmental briefings are expected; the council will pass along any updates from representatives and federal agencies.
