NEWS – Lower Alsace Township

ANNOUNCEMENTS

MEETING THURSDAY, JANUARY 29 AT 7 PM - PUBLIC MEETING ON MERGER OF MUNICIPALITIES - ANTIETAM HIGH SCHOOL

TO THE RESIDENTS AND TAXPAYERS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF LOWER ALSACE, AND THE BOROUGH OF MOUNT PENN, BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA,

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Supervisors of the Township of Lower Alsace, and the Borough Council of the Borough of Mount Penn, Berks County, Pennsylvania, have scheduled, on January 29, 2026, a joint public meeting to be held at the Antietam School District Mount Penn Primary Center, 201 North 25th Street, Reading, Berks County, Pennsylvania, beginning at 7:00 p.m., prevailing time.

The purpose of this meeting is to hear a presentation from representatives of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development

on the process which will be necessary to take place in merging / consolidating Mount Penn Borough and Lower Alsace Township. Other public meetings will be published as this process moves forward to address public comments and concerns.

Don Pottiger

Township Manager

MEETING TONIGHT - ZONING ORDINANCE REVIEW - 6 PM - MOUNT PENN BOROUGH MUNICIPAL BUILDING

Lower Alsace Township and Mount Penn Borough

Joint Planning and Zoning Assessment Project (2025 - 2026)

Workshop Meeting 8: January 28, 2026 6:00 pm

Article 9: Signs (Sections 901 through 909)

Article 10: Nonconformities (Section 1001 through 1006)

Article 11: Administration and Enforcement (Sections 1101 through 1113)

Article 12: Municipal Enforcement (Sections 1201 through 1205)

Zoning Sub-Committee Meetings (Status and Updates)

Permitted Uses to be Added to Joint Zoning Ordinance
- Section 664: Data Centers (Draft Issued 01-07-2026)
- Section 665: Food Trucks (Draft Issued 11-17-2025)
- Section 666: Medical Marijuana (Draft to be Issued 01-31-2026)
- Section 667: Short-Term Rentals (Draft Issued 01-28-2026)
- Other Uses (TBD)

Joint Zoning Map and Overlay Maps
- Confirm the Limits of the Underlying Zoning Districts on the Joint Zoning Map
- Confirm the Limits of the Overlay Districts on the Joint Zoning Map
- Revisions to be Authorized and Completed as per PAMPC

Workshop Meetings and Project Schedule
- Sub-Committee Meetings: To be scheduled by LAT and MPB
- Workshop Meeting 9: Monday, February 9, 2026 @ 6:00 pm (LAT)
- Workshop Meeting 10: Wednesday, February 18, 2026 @ 6:00 pm (MPB)
- Workshop Meeting 11: Monday, February 23, 2026 @ 6:00 pm (LAT)
- Berks County Planning Commission Review (TBA)
- Planning Commission Public Meetings (TBA)
- Governing Body Public Hearings (TBA)

MISSED RECYCLING COLLECTION DAY!!

In case you were missed or unaware of the rescheduled collection day Tuesday, the contractor WILL be in the Township on THURSDAY to collect!! We only ask that you leave your containers in front of your residence AND that you call the Township office at 610-779-6400 bBEFORE WEDNESDAY AT 4 PM so we can give a list to the contractor!

Thank you for your patience and cooperation!!

Notice - Joint Meeting of Lower Alsace Township and Mount Penn Borough - Discussion of Merger Process

TO THE RESIDENTS AND TAXPAYERS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF LOWER ALSACE, AND THE BOROUGH OF MOUNT PENN, BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA,

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Supervisors of the Township of Lower Alsace, and the Borough Council of the Borough of Mount Penn, Berks County, Pennsylvania, have scheduled, on January 29, 2026, a joint public meeting to be held at the Antietam School District Mount Penn Primary Center, 201 North 25^th Street, Reading, Berks County, Pennsylvania, beginning at 7:00 p.m., prevailing time.

The purpose of this meeting is to hear a presentation from representatives of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development on the process which will be necessary to take place in merging / consolidating Mount Penn Borough and Lower Alsace Township. Other public meetings will be published as this process moves forward to address public comments and concerns.

Don Pottiger

Township Manager

ATTENTION!! RECYCLING TO BE COLLECTED ON TUESDAY!!!

ATTENTION!!! RECYCLING RESCHEDULED FOR TUESDAY!!

This message was just received!! Please share with your neighbors who may not have computer access!!

Recycling collection days will operate on Winter Weather one day delay. Monday Service will be completed on Tuesday.

THANK YOU!!

ATTENTION - DELAY IN RECYCLING COLLECTION ON MONDAY, JANUARY 26th!!

ATTENTION! DELAY IN RECYCLING COLLECTION ON MONDAY!

The Township has just been informed that recycling collection scheduled for Monday, January 26th will be postponed. At this time, there is NO information on a rescheduled collection date. Please keep checking the Township Facebook page or website for further updates as they become known.

SNOW EMERGENCY DECLARED!!

ATTENTION! SNOW EMERGENCY DECLARATION!

A snow emergency has been issued for Lower Alsace Township from Saturday January 24th beginning at 7 PM until Tuesday January 27th at noon. Parking is prohibited on any snow emergency route while in effect. Please remove all cars and equipment from these roads. A snow emergency is declared when a storm is severe enough that it makes plowing certain roads more difficult. clearing at least one side of a road allows not only the plow truck to better clear the road, but it allows helps in avoiding accidents.

Please note - Snow Emergency signs are posted to identify those roads impacted. If a sign is posted ANYWHERE along the road, the snow emergency is in effect for the length of that road. The snow emergency signs may be posted on only one side of the street, so it allows the residents to still have a place to park. We ask for everyone's cooperation during this time. The Township road crew will prioritize these streets to be cleared after the emergency is lifted so normal parking can resume. If you are parked on a snow emergency road, Central Berks Police will make every attempt to contact you. However, the vehicle may be ticketed and towed.

The roads where snow emergency signs are posted are:

Cherrydale Avenue
Columbia Avenue
Harvey Avenue
Marshall Avenue
Melrose Avenue

If you have any questions, please contact the Township office at 610-779-6400 or Central Berks Police using the non-emergency phone number, which is 610-655-4911.

One last item - please look after your neighbors who may be in need of assistance. Whether the power goes off or home heating is impacted, if you have a concern, please contact Central Berks Police so they can contact residents who may need assistance If you see a neighbor's pet left out in the elements, please contact Central Berks Police so they can look into the matter.

Thank you for your consideration during this storm. Stay safe!

NOTE: NEW DAY! AGENDA – LOWER ALSACE TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS’ MEETING – JANUARY 14th, 2026 AT 6:30 P.M.

PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE IN DAY

TOWNSHIP OF LOWER ALSACE

SUPERVISORS’ MEETING AGENDA

January 14, 2026

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 December 11, 2025, Lower Alsace Township Supervisors’ meeting, the minutes of the December 18, 2025 Lower Alsace Township Budget Workshop meeting, the December 31, 2025 Lower Alsace Township Special meeting, and the January 5, 2026 Lower Alsace Township Supervisors’ Reorganization meeting.

V. ROAD CREW FOREMAN REPORT

A. Road Foreman Carl Weikel to present his report.

B. Discussion of roof inspection of both roofs over the Municipal building and the salt shed, and proposal to make minor roof repair to Municipal building identified over garage area.

C. Update current status of the condition of the Butter Lane headwall. Carl will monitor and provide ongoing updates to the Supervisors and Engineer if changes occur.

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. Status of traffic & truck ordinance – No action needed. The matter is being addressed as part of the updated Joint Zoning Ordinance review process.

C. Status of the traffic ordinance regarding electric scooters and other motorized devices – No action needed. The matter is being addressed as part of the updated Joint Zoning Ordinance review process, as well as future legislation and guidance from the County District Attorney’s office and the Pennsylvania state government.

VIII. ENGINEER’S REPORT

A. Engineer’s report to be presented.

B. Update on the progress of the Carsonia Avenue Multimodal Grant and project

IX. BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS REPORTS

A. Planning Hearing Board:

1) The most recent meeting of the Planning Commission was held on December 3, 2025, for a subdivision review.

No future meetings have been scheduled at this time.

B. Zoning Hearing Board:

1) The most recent meeting of the Zoning Hearing Board was held on July 16, 2025.

No 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 December 31, 2025.

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

XI. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS SUBMITTED FOR APPROVAL

A. Central Berks Police Department

1. December 2025 report.

B. Central Berks Regional Codes – Property Maintenance Enforcement

1. December 2025 report.

C. Central Berks Regional Codes – Zoning Code Officer

1. No December 2025 report. Will begin January 1, 2026.

D. Sewage Enforcement Officer – Technicon Enterprises, Inc.

1. December 2025 report.

E. Building Code Officer and Alternate Zoning Officer – Great Valley Consultants

1. December 2025 report.

F. Lower Alsace Township Fire Company

1. December 2025 report.

G. Lower Alsace Ambulance Association

1. December 2025 report.

XII. OLD BUSINESS

A. Update on the status of the review and update to the Joint Zoning Ordinance with the assistance of Hawk Valley Associates.

B. Update on the status of the streetlight repair issues.

C. Update on the status of the application for a Pennsylvania Small Water and Sewer Program Grant from the Department of Community and Economic Development of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for storm sewer repairs to Crystal / Carsonia Lake. No information has been received on awarding of these funds.

D. Discussion on fence concerns at property in 600 block of Penndale Avenue. Township Manager will coordinate with Central Berks Codes to finalize the resolution of this issue.

E. Update on the status of LSA grant applications for the Lower Alsace Ambulance Association. Grant was awarded.

F. Update on the status of consideration of merger with Mount Penn Borough. A joint public meeting has been scheduled to be held on January 29, 2026 with representatives from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development for the purpose of informing residents about the merger process.

G. Discussion and possible adoption of fee schedule for 2026. The schedule was being reviewed by the Supervisors and Central Berks Codes to see if changes were appropriate.

XIII. NEW BUSINESS

A. Presentation and review of the revised draft ordinance allowing the Township to govern and regulate noxious and / or invasive plant species which can damage roadways and resident’s properties.

B. Authorization to advertise the draft ordinance allowing the Township to govern and regulate noxious and / or invasive plant species which can damage roadways and resident’s properties.

C. Discussion of proposals for roof repairs and possible approval of proposal.

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 February 11, 2026.

AGENDA – LOWER ALSACE TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS’ MEETING – DECEMBER 11th, 2025 AT 6:30 P.M.

ATTENTION - Lower Alsace Township Board of Supervisors' Meeting - Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 6:30 P.M.

TOWNSHIP OF LOWER ALSACE
SUPERVISORS’ MEETING AGENDA
December 11, 2025

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 November 13, 2025, Lower Alsace Township Supervisors’ meeting.

V. ROAD CREW FOREMAN REPORT

A. Road Foreman Carl Weikel to present his report.

B. Update on leaf collection.

C. Discussion of roof inspection of both roofs over the Municipal building and the salty shed, and proposal to make minor roof repair to Municipal building identified over garage area.

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. Status of traffic & truck ordinance - will be addressed as part of the updated Joint Zoning Ordinance review process.

C. Status of the traffic ordinance regarding electric scooters and other motorized devices – will be addressed as part of the updated Joint Zoning Ordinance review process, as well as future legislation and guidance from the County District Attorney’s office and the Pennsylvania state government.

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. Update on the status of the Butter Lane road repair work completed by PA American Water Company.

D. Discussion of the plans for the Butter Lane headwall repair or replacement project to be included in the 2026 budget.

IX. BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS REPORTS

A. Planning Hearing Board:

1) The most recent meeting of the Planning Commission was held on December 3, 2025, for a subdivision review.
No future meetings have been scheduled at this time.

B. Zoning Hearing Board:

1) The most recent meeting of the Zoning Hearing Board was held on July 16, 2025.

No 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 November 30, 2025.

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

C. The Township Manager will discuss the draft of the 2026 Lower Alsace Township budget and scheduling for a budget workshop meeting to review draft budget prior to approval in December.

XI. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS SUBMITTED FOR APPROVAL

A. Central Berks Police Department

1. November 2025 reports.

B. Central Berks Regional Codes Enforcement Department

1. November 2025 reports.

C. Sewage Enforcement Officer

1. November 2025 reports.

D. Zoning and Building Code Officer

1. November 2025 reports.

E. Lower Alsace Township Fire Company

1. November 2025 reports.

F. Lower Alsace Ambulance Association

1. November 2025 reports.

XII. OLD BUSINESS

A. Update on the status of the review and update to the Joint Zoning Ordinance with the assistance of Hawk Valley Associates. A schedule of future meetings to be held in 2026 is being finalized.

B. Update on the status of the streetlight repair project and discuss the proposal for 2 streetlights to be installed on Prospect Avenue.

D. Discussion on fence concerns at property in 600 block of Penndale Avenue. Township Manager is working on the resolution of this issue.

E. Update on the status of LSA grant applications for the Lower Alsace Ambulance Association. No information has been received on awarding of these funds.

F. Update on the status of consideration of merger with Mount Penn Borough.

XIII. NEW BUSINESS

A. Presentation and review of the revised draft ordinance allowing the Township to govern and regulate noxious and / or invasive plant species which can damage roadways and resident’s properties. The original draft Ordinance was properly authorized for advertisement at the September 11, 2025, Supervisors’ meeting, but the Ordinance was tabled at the October 9, 2025 Township Supervisors’ meeting. The Solicitor reviewed the document after hearing questions during the public comment period of the meeting and made amendments to the original draft.

B. Authorization to advertise the draft ordinance allowing the Township to govern and regulate noxious and / or invasive plant species which can damage roadways and resident’s properties.

C. Approval of the advertising of the calendar of Township meetings for 2026.

D. Approval of the Township declared Holidays for 2026.

E. Discussion of the status of the Township newsletter.

F. Approval of a contract proposal from Lost & Found Animal Control Services, LLC and Safety Net Sanctuary for animal professional services for the purpose of providing animal control housing services for stray or lost/escaped domestic animals according to the terms agreed to in the contract for a fee of $7,074.

G. Approval of a contract proposal from No Nonsense Neutering for animal professional services for the purpose of providing spay and neuter services for sixty (60) feral cats according to the terms agreed to in the contract. The maximum amount to be billed per this contract would be in the amount of $2,400. If additional services would be required, a new contract would be negotiated and approved.

H. Presentation of a proposal from Bachman’s Roofing, Building, & Remodeling

for roof repair work to be made to a section of roof over the garage area as a result of a leak in the amount of $3,935. Bachman’s Roofing, Building, & Remodeling performed an inspection of both the roofs over the Township Municipal Building and the Township salt shed, and no major issues were identified which would warrant roof replacements.

I. Presentation and review of a proposed Memorandum of Understanding between Central Berks Regional Police Commission, Lower Alsace Township and Mount Penn Borough regarding Zoning Administration Services and appointment of a Zoning Officer for the municipalities.

J. Presentation and review of a proposed Joint Resolution between Lower Alsace Township and Mount Penn Borough regarding conducting a joint public meeting with representatives from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development for the purpose of informing residents about the merger process. This resolution is intended to provide transparency about the process. The meeting dates are being negotiated.

K. Discussion and approval of letter requested by resident regarding personal efforts in a private trap, neuter, and release effort.

XIV. FINAL PUBLIC COMMENT

XV. EXECUTIVE SESSION

Executive session if necessary.

XVI. ADJOURNMENT

A special meeting of the Board of Supervisors will be held on December 31, 2025 at ____ to review, discuss and adopt the 2026 Lower Alsace Township Budget.

The reorganization meeting of the Lower Alsace Township Board of Supervisors will be held on January 5, 2026.

The next monthly meeting of the Lower Alsace Township Board of Supervisors will be held on January 8, 2026.

Agenda - Planning Commission Meeting - December 3rd, 2025 - 7:00 P.M.

Agenda - Planning Commission Meeting

Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at 7:00 P.M.

Lower Alsace Township Municipal Building - 1200 Carsonia Avenue

Planning Commission

“Building a better community”

AGENDA

Wednesday, December 3,2025

1. Call the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

2. Pledge to the Flag

3. Approve Minutes of August 6, 2025

4. Address visitors & reason for attending

1799 Friedenburg Rd – Michael Brossman

For approval of a waiver from the Subdivision and Land Development process from Lower Alsace for a proposed subdivision of the property for a lot which is partially within Exeter Township. The Exeter Township/LAT line traverses through the southern section of the property.

Under Section 502 of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.

The property is located at 1799 Friedensburg Road in the I-1 Zoning District.

5. Adjournment - Next Meeting will be held as needed.