TOWNSHIP OF LOWER ALSACE SUPERVISORS’ MEETING AGENDA
March 31, 2022
James D. Oswald, Supervisor, Chair
John Theodossiou, Supervisor
Todd M. Weikel, Supervisor
Michael A. Setley, Esq. Township Solicitor
Don Pottiger, Manager/Secretary-Treasurer
I. CALL TO ORDER- 6:30 P.M.
Pledge of Allegiance to the flag
II. PRESENTATIONS
None.
III. PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS
IV. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
Motion to approve the minutes of the March 10, 2022, Lower Alsace Township Supervisors’ Meeting.
V. SUPERVISOR LIAISON REPORTS
A. Road Department – Supervisor Oswald.
B. Central Berks Regional Police Commission – Supervisor Theodossiou.
C. Lower Alsace Fire Company – Supervisor Theodossiou.
D. Lower Alsace Ambulance Association – Supervisor Weikel.
E. Antietam Valley Recreation Commission – Supervisor Weikel.
VI. SOLICITOR’S REPORT
A. Solicitor’s report to be presented.
VII. ENGINEER’S REPORT
A. Engineer’s report to be presented – Presented at the March 10, 2022, Supervisors’ meeting.
VIII. BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS REPORTS
A. Planning Hearing Board:
1) The most recent meeting of the Planning Commission was held on January 5, 2022. No new meetings of the Planning Commission have occurred, nor have any meetings been scheduled at this time.
B. Zoning Hearing Board:
1) The most recent meeting of the Zoning Hearing Board was held on January 31, 2022. No new meetings of the Zoning Hearing Board have occurred, nor have any meetings been scheduled at this time.
C. Antietam Valley Recreation Commission – no report.
IX. TREASURER’S REPORT / LIST OF BILLS
A. Motion to accept the February 28, 2022, Treasurer’s reports – Presented at the March 10, 2022, Supervisors’ meeting.
B. Motion to approve the payment of the list of bills as presented – Presented at the March 10, 2022, Supervisors’ meeting.
X. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS SUBMITTED FOR APPROVAL
A. Central Berks Police Department
1. February 2022 report – Presented at the March 10, 2022, Supervisors’ meeting.
B. Central Berks Regional Codes Enforcement Department
1. February 2022 report – Presented at the March 10, 2022, Supervisors’ meeting.
C. Sewage Enforcement Officer
1. February 2022 report – Presented at the March 10, 2022, Supervisors’ meeting.
D. Zoning and Building Code Officer
1. February 2022 report – Presented at the March 10, 2022, Supervisors’ meeting.
E. Lower Alsace Township Fire Company
1. No report.
F. Lower Alsace Ambulance Association
1. No report.
XI. OLD BUSINESS
A. Discussion on potential project for use of American Rescue Plan Local Funds – to be discussed over the next upcoming meetings.
1) Request from Fraternal Order of Police – Central Berks Regional Police Department.
2) Contribution request for funds to help pay for the new storage facility for Central Berks Regional Police Department to be used for storage of evidence (mainly vehicles).
3) Consideration for contributions to Lower Alsace Fire Company and Lower Alsace Ambulance Association.
4) Fixed asset considerations from Township Road Crew.
5) Pole building structure at salt shed for storage of Township equipment (plows, leaf box, etc.).
6) HVAC replacement.
7) Roof replacement at salt shed and Township building.
8) Telephone upgrade.
9) Security improvements to reception area.
10) External security improvements to external areas at Township building.
11) Upgrade of generator to provide power for all of Township’s needs in case of a widespread power outage.
12) Expansion of sidewalks to provide safer pedestrian walkways in high traffic areas.
B. Review and discussion of 2022 Road Paving Project proposed bid plan. Discussion of advertisement of bid upon approval of the bid plan.
C. Discussion of whether the Township can and should approve a noise ordinance, as per a request from the Reading Liederkranz, that would alleviate the requirements which the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board operates under, and a discussion on if and how the Township can enforce a potential noise ordinance. Solicitor Mike Setley will present his research, findings, and legal opinion.
D. Discussion of issues related to special event permits and the process by which police, fire, and emergency medical services assess the need for their services.
E. Update and review of the status of the rental property recently granted approval by the Zoning Hearing Board at 1383 – 1385 Friedensburg Road.
XII. NEW BUSINESS
A. Review and discussion of recycling program schedule and a request by Eagle Disposal for potential changes to collection schedule.
B. Resident Kris Boyer requested that the Supervisors devise a plan to clean up trash which ends up on Township roads. He mentioned that he had spoken to Supervisor Oswald previously about this issue.
C. Review of special event permits for 1) Easter Dawn Service, 2) Pagoda-Skyline, Inc. Chicken BBQ Fundraiser, and 3) Reading Gravity Racing (2 races), and approval of permits, if application is complete.
D. The presentation of the 2021 Township external audit will be made by Herbein & Company at the April 14, 2022, Township Supervisors’ meeting.
E. Review and discussion of public works projects in progress. Review status of request for proposal for historic wall restoration and repair work.
XIII. FINAL PUBLIC COMMENT
XIV. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Executive session (if needed).
XV. ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 PM on April 14th, 2022.