TOWNSHIP OF LOWER ALSACE
SUPERVISORS’ MEETING AGENDA
September 14, 2023

James Oswald, Supervisor, Chair
John Theodossiou, Supervisor
Todd Weikel, Supervisor
Kelsey Frankowski, Esq., Township Solicitor
Don Pottiger, Manager/Secretary-Treasurer

I. CALL TO ORDER- 6:30 P.M.

Pledge of Allegiance to the flag

II. PRESENTATIONS

No presentations scheduled.

III. PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS

None scheduled.

IV. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES

Motion to approve the minutes of the August 10, 2023, 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 Weikel.

D. Lower Alsace Ambulance Association – Supervisor Weikel.

E. Antietam Valley Recreation Commission – Supervisor Weikel.

VI. SOLICITOR’S REPORT

Solicitor’s report to be presented.

VII. ENGINEER’S REPORT

A. Engineer’s report to be presented.

B. Review of the Township 2023 Road Paving Project.

VIII. BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS REPORTS

A. Planning Hearing Board:

1) The most recent meeting of the Planning Commission was held on November 2, 2022. No new meetings of the Planning Commission have been scheduled at this time.

B. Zoning Hearing Board:

1) The most recent meeting of the Zoning Hearing Board was held on May 17th, 2023. No new meetings of the Zoning Hearing Board have been scheduled at this time.

C. Antietam Valley Recreation Commission – no report.

IX. TREASURER’S REPORT / LIST OF BILLS

A. Motion to accept the August 31, 2023, Treasurer’s reports.

B. Motion to approve the payment of the list of bills as presented.

X. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS SUBMITTED FOR APPROVAL

A. Central Berks Police Department

1. August 2023 report.

B. Central Berks Regional Codes Enforcement Department

1. August 2023 report.

C. Sewage Enforcement Officer

1. August 2023 report.

D. Zoning and Building Code Officer

1. August 2023 report.

E. Lower Alsace Township Fire Company

1. No new report.

F. Lower Alsace Ambulance Association

1. No new report.

XI. OLD BUSINESS

A. Update the status of discussions on potential project for use of American Rescue Plan Local Funds – timeline to be discussed. First allocation to Central Berks Police, Lower Alsace Fire Company, and Lower Alsace Ambulance was approved, and reservation of funds has been set aside. The total revenue of $496,985.88 has $346,985.88 remaining for additional projects.

B. Update the status of any activity related to communications with representatives of Mount Penn Borough related to a discussion of a merger between Mount Penn Borough and Lower Alsace Township. Representatives from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development will be on hand to answer questions on the process. A public meeting to discuss issues is being scheduled. The Supervisors have been given 4 dates from which to choose from late October through middle November. The choices made will be forwarded to Mount Penn Borough Council for the group to choose dates. The location can then be arranged.

C. Update on various discussions on closing Skyline Drive and all access points to vehicle traffic, including timing of closures.

D. Update on the review of animal control services, and communication with both Safety Net Sanctuary and Animal Rescue League on processes and procedures performed by both entities. The Township Manager has spoken with both representatives of Safety Net Sanctuary and the Animal Rescue League on their programs and pricing. A draft contract from Safety Net Sanctuary has been received, and a draft contract from the Animal Rescue League should be forthcoming. Further discussion to be held as part of the budget review process in October and November.

E. Update the status of the use and occupancy permit application for 1383 – 1385 Friedensburg Road. No current changes.

F. Discussion on the bid process to replace the roof at the Central Berks Police Department office. The building is owned jointly by Lower Alsace Township and Mount Penn Borough, which is why the bid process was done by Lower Alsace Township.

G. Motion to approve amending the Township Traffic Ordinance to correct the Speed Limit signs on Service Court to be correctly posted at 25 miles per hour as per the enforceable speed limit.

H. Motion to approve the settlement negotiated by Siana Law on behalf of the Township’s liability insurance carrier to settle a claim filed by a former employee.

I. Review and approval of the preliminary draft 2024 Non-Uniformed Minimum Municipal Obligation calculations for the Defined Benefit Plan.

XII. NEW BUSINESS

A. Discussion of the status of the special event permit applications submitted by Reading Gravity Racing League and Antietam Cart Racing League for various dates on High Street from April through October 2023. Discussion on resolving conflicts on race dated between both applications to take place.

B. Discussion and approval of the approval of a burn permit submitted by the Antietam School District requesting to hold a bonfire at the Antietam School Distract Athletic Field as part of their homecoming event

C. Update on the status of the process for researching the cost and the demand for a Yard Waste Collection program for grass clippings, flowers, and small shrubs. Inquiries have been made, and the Township Manager is awaiting responses from several companies with pricing proposals. This will be discussed as part of the budget meetings in October and November.

D. Bids for the Township Recycling program have been advertised and a reasonable acceptable bid is expected to be awarded at the October meeting.

E. Discussion of the preparation of the 2024 budget.

XIII. FINAL PUBLIC COMMENT

XIV. EXECUTIVE SESSION

Executive session if necessary.

XV. ADJOURNMENT

The next monthly meeting of the Lower Alsace Township Board of Supervisors will be held on October 12th, 2023.