Agenda
John Theodossiou, Supervisor, Chair
Todd Weikel, Supervisor, Vice Chair
Ann Sellers, Supervisor
Don Pottiger, Manager/Secretary-Treasurer
Kelsey Frankowski, Esq., Township Solicitor
I. CALL TO ORDER- 6:30 P.M.
Pledge of Allegiance to the flag
II. PRESENTATIONS
A. No presentations are scheduled at this time.
III. PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS
A. None scheduled.
IV. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
A. Motion to approve the minutes of May 8, 2025, Lower Alsace Township Supervisors’ meeting.
V. ROAD CREW FOREMAN REPORT
VI. SUPERVISOR LIAISON REPORTS
A. Central Berks Regional Police Commission – Supervisor Theodossiou.
B. Lower Alsace Fire Company – Supervisor Weikel.
C. Lower Alsace Ambulance Association – Supervisor Weikel.
D. Antietam Valley Recreation and Community Center – Supervisor Sellers.
E. Antietam School District – Supervisor Sellers.
VII. SOLICITOR’S REPORT
A. Solicitor’s report to be presented. Review list of open items related to township property issues.
B. Discussion on the draft rental registration ordinance.
C. Discussion on research on traffic & truck ordinance.
D. Discussion on research on invasive species and invasive plants ordinance.
VIII. ENGINEER’S REPORT
A. Engineer’s report to be presented.
B. Update on the progress of the Carsonia Avenue Multimodal Grant and project.
C. Discussion of assessing repair work on Township roadways for potential crack sealing and potential for future Road Project additions.
D. Discussion of guidance related to tree issues along Township and State roadways.
E. Review of letter related to the land development plan submission from the Antietam School District.
IX. BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS REPORTS
A. Planning Hearing Board:
1) A meeting of the Planning Commission was held on June 4, 2025, to review and approve a Letter of Compliance for the Lower Alsace Township application for a Pennsylvania Small Water and Sewer Fund Grant in the amount of $144,615, to make stormwater improvements at Crystal Lake / Carsonia Lake.
No future meetings have been scheduled at this time.
B. Zoning Hearing Board:
1) A meeting of the Zoning Hearing Board was to be held on May 21, 2025, on the application for a variance / special exception to allow the property at 3 Eagle Lane to be used as an Air BnB in the R-2 Medium Residential Zoning District. The meeting was not conducted due to several issues which the applicant needed to rectify.
No additional future meetings have been scheduled at this time.
C. Antietam Valley Recreation & Community Center – report has been provided.
D. Recreation Commission of Antietam Valley – no report.
X. TREASURER’S REPORT / LIST OF BILLS
A. Motion to accept the Treasurer’s reports for May 31, 2025.
B. Motion to approve the payment of the list of bills as presented.
C. The external audit of the Township for the year ended December 31, 2024 is in process.
D. The state Auditor General’s office is finalizing their audit of Pension records for the years 2020 through 2024.
XI. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS SUBMITTED FOR APPROVAL
A. Central Berks Police Department
1. May 2025 reports.
B. Central Berks Regional Codes Enforcement Department
1. May 2025 reports.
C. Sewage Enforcement Officer
1. May 2025 reports.
D. Zoning and Building Code Officer
1. May 2025 reports.
E. Lower Alsace Township Fire Company
1. May 2025 reports.
F. Lower Alsace Ambulance Association
1. May 2025 reports.
XII. OLD BUSINESS
A. Update on the status of property on 100 block of Midland Avenue.
B. Update on the status of the use and occupancy permit application for property on 1300 block of Friedensburg Road – ongoing construction and conversion into apartments. All necessary permits have been applied for and approved at this time. Work progresses.
C. Discussion on fence concerns at property in 600 block of Penndale Avenue.
D. Township Manager to provide an update on the status of LSA grant applications for the Lower Alsace Ambulance Association. Letters of Support have been submitted from State Senator Judy Schwank and State Representative Jacklyn Rusnock.
E. Update on the status of consideration of merger with Mount Penn Borough.
XIII. NEW BUSINESS
A. Approval of an award of bid for the 2025 Road Paving Project List to the H & K Group, Inc.in the amount of $209,992.96 in accordance with the recommendation of Great Valley Consultants.
B. Approval of a proposal from Hawk Valley Associates for professional services to assist Lower Alsace Township and Mount Penn Borough in updating their Joint Zoning Ordinance, for a fee not to exceed $7,800. Any change orders for work performed outside of the scope of work stated under this professional services contract must be approved by both municipalities before work commences.
C. Discussion on new state legislation concerning pay rates for township supervisors.
D. Approval of a proposal from Berkshire Mechanical / Denny’s Electric for professional services to assist Lower Alsace Township with necessary repairs to the streetlights on the 600 block of 26th Street. The work includes installation of utility poles and power connection services, for an estimated cost of $11,200.
E. Motion to approve a Resolution authorizing the Township to approve the submission by the Township of a Pennsylvania Small Water and Sewer Program Grant from the Department of Community and Economic Development of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in the amount of $144,615, along with the approval of a letter documenting the Township’s consent to provide the required matching funds of $25,520. The grant is being requested to provide funding for stormwater system improvements at Crystal (Carsonia) Lake
XIV. FINAL PUBLIC COMMENT
XV. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Executive session if necessary.
XVI. ADJOURNMENT
The next monthly meeting of the Lower Alsace Township Board of Supervisors will be held on July 10, 2025.