TOWNSHIP OF LOWER ALSACE
SUPERVISORS’ MEETING AGENDA
October 12, 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

A. No presentations scheduled.

III. PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS

A. None scheduled.

IV. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES

A. Motion to approve the minutes of the September 14, 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

A. Solicitor’s report to be presented.

VII. ENGINEER’S REPORT

A. Engineer’s report to be presented.

B. Motion to approve payment #1 to New Enterprise Stone & Lime for the 2023 Road Paving projects in the amount of $127,402.79, which is funded by the 2023 state Liquid Fuels revenues received this year.

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 September 30, 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. September 2023 report.

B. Central Berks Regional Codes Enforcement Department

1. September 2023 report.

C. Sewage Enforcement Officer

1. September 2023 report.

D. Zoning and Building Code Officer

1. September 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 on November 1st for a town hall meeting to inform the residents and elected officials of both municipalities of the process. The presentation is scheduled to begin at 6:00 and will be held at the Antietam School District Primary Center Auditorium, 201 North 25th Street, Reading PA 19606. This presentation is not designed for questions on specific details of a merger, but merely an introduction to the process. Public meetings between the elected officials of both Mount Penn Borough and Lower Alsace Township will be scheduled to discuss all details which must be explored and answered before a ballot question can be put to a vote.

C. Update on various discussions on closing Skyline Drive and all access points to vehicle traffic, including timing of closures, and on the proposal by the City of Reading to install guiderail along Skyline Drive.

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.

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

XII. NEW BUSINESS

A. 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.

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

C. Discussion of the preparation of the 2024 budget. Still waiting on a few key numbers. The first draft will be distributed to the Supervisors as soon as these estimates have been received. The budget will be approved at the December 14th, 2023 meeting.

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 November 9th, 2023.