Prompted by questions from Washington Township resident Peg Stuart, at Thursday's meeting, the Washington Township Board of Supervisors held a discussion concerning state police versus local police coverage in the township. 

            Stuart questioned what the township would do if the state enacted a tax on municipalities to fund the Pennsylvania State Police.  The tax, if ever enacted, would be placed on municipalities with no local police departments. 

            Township Solicitor Dan Becker explained that in his 30 years as an attorney the issue of a tax on municipalities to fund the state police arises frequently.  Becker noted the idea has gone nowhere over the years. 

            Stuart suggested with all the proposed development that might come into the area, a local police force might become necessary. 

            Township Manager Rich Sichler stated that the township's population is roughly 4,200 persons.  However, that number could rise dramatically if several proposed developments come to fruition. 

            Solicitor Becker explained the cost of a local police force is prohibitively expensive.  Additionally, he noted that even if several municipalities create a joint police force, it does not keep the price down.  Becker said, "You would think the economy of scale would come into play, but it does not." 

            Township Chairman Dave Moyer noted a police pension fund is very expensive for a small municipality such as Washington Township to maintain.  Supervisor Tom Powanda related that 40% of state police time is spent in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, two cities that have their own police departments.

            Powanda explained a merger of Colebrookdale and Boyertown police departments will cost Boyertown approximately $1 million dollars.  He also noted Gilbertsville's police department budget is more than Washington Township's budget for the entire year. 

            The Board of Supervisors agreed to continue to discuss the issue from time to time.  However, the supervisors do not foresee any change in state police coverage throughout the year.  

            The Board of Supervisors agreed to advertise a zoning map amendment from high density residential to commercial on a portion of the proposed Edison Walk subdivision located on Route 100.  

            Rich Mingey, a developer who owns several large tracts of land in Washington Township, requested information from the Board of Supervisors on a water connection from Bally Borough to his property located at 1606 Main Street in Washington Township. 

            Solicitor Becker explained Washington Township is in the process of divesting itself of its water authority to Bally.  Approximately 106 residences located in Washington Township receive their water from Bally.  Becker explained the transfer would occur in September of this year. 

            Mingey also reminded the Board of Supervisors that Washington Township has an agreement with Bally for sewer connections that potentially could bring the township a great deal of revenue.  Additionally, it would benefit his property located along Kutztown and Schwenkfelder Roads in Washington Township. 

            Solicitor Becker noted Bally is under a Corrective Action Plan (CAP) from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).  As a result, Washington Township has just 10 Equivalent Dwelling Units (EDUs) for sewer hookups available to it each year from Bally's sewer system.  Becker noted Mingey's questions have sparked some interest in the township.  

            Township Engineer John Weber, LTL Consultants, informed the Board of Supervisors that Berky's Bridge on County Line Road has been removed and the contractor is ahead of schedule for the bridge replacement.  It is expected the bridge will be completed by mid-November.  Weber also noted the township's MS4 permit will be ready for public comment at the end of July.  The MS4 permit requires the township to reduce some of the sediment generated in the township that eventually flows into streams and rivers.

            Moyer announced Eastern Berks Fire Company will hold a chicken barbeque on August 17.  The fire company needs to purchase a rescue engine to replace an older truck. The truck, which is used, is expected to cost $375,000.  Moyer urged residents to be generous.  He said, "Support the fire company.  They keep us safe." 

            Moyer also warned residents of the dangers of fireworks.  He cautioned residents to be extremely careful in handling them. On behalf of the Board of Supervisors, Moyer wished all Washington Township residents a very happy Fourth of July.  

            The Washington Township Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission will hold a joint meeting on Thursday, July 11 at 7 p.m. to discuss the proposed Edison Walk development located along Route 100.  

            The next Washington Township Board of Supervisors meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 25 at 7 p.m.