On Thursday night, a few irate residents of Washington Township requested the Board of Supervisors take some action about campers at Grandview Speedway race track.

            Rudy Kadlecik, a neighbor of the racetrack, informed the Supervisors people are parking their campers on the race track grounds sometimes from Wednesday through Sunday. 

            Although race goers and drivers have parked their campers on the site for years, Kadlecik said lately the behavior of some of the people is appalling.  He noted people urinate and defecate in the open.  Additionally, Kadlecik asserted narcotic use and sales occurs in the parking lot.  Sometimes, fireworks are shot off at 3:30 a.m.  Kadlecik said, "The fireworks are mortars, not poppers." 

            Township Chairman Dave Moyer observed the speedway is good about keeping the races within the time agreed with the township.  However, Moyer said he has heard gunshots at 1 a.m.  Kadlecik agreed with Moyer that he had "no problem with the racing operation."  He said, "You do not know who is staying there.  It is not safe." 

            Township Engineer, John Weber, LTL Consultants, noted although camping on the speedway grounds has gone on for years, it is not a permitted use.  Township Solicitor, Dan Becker, suggested Township Manager, Rich Sichler, inform the Pennsylvania State Police of the illegal activity on the site.  The Board of Supervisors agreed to send a warning letter to the management of Grand View Speedway that activity on its grounds is creating a disruption to the community. 

            In other items, Weber informed the Supervisors the full depth reclamation (FDR) of Lenape Road and a portion of Anthony's Mill Road was begun last Tuesday.  It is possible the contractor might work on Saturday so the FDR process is completed before school begins.  Berky's Bridge replacement is on schedule.  It is expected to be completed in November, 2019.

            The Board of Supervisors adopted its MS4 permit.  The MS4 permit is filed with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).  It is a pollution reduction plan.  There was no public comment concerning the plan.  

            Also, Sichler informed the Supervisors PennDOT is in the process of surveying along Ehst Road and Route 100.  PennDOT will design a system to reduce storm water runoff in the area. 

            He also noted that Kappe Associates designed the township waste water treatment plant years ago.  Representatives from Nuvoda/Kappe will visit the township sewer plant in September.  It has a pilot program that adds granular sludge to the sewer system.  Potentially, if implemented, the pilot program could add capacity to the sewer plant without the necessity to build onto the sewer plant. 

            Solicitor Becker received permission from the Supervisors to hold a staff meeting that includes the township engineer with the developers of the Edison Walk subdivision.  Edison Walk is the former West Tract development located along Route 100.  The developer proposes approximately 320 housing units on the site. The purpose of the staff meeting is to discuss the developer's sketch plan and the rezoning of a portion of land the developer owns along Route 100 from residential to commercial zoning.  Becker explained the developer must pay the cost of the meeting. Additionally, the developer knows the meeting is not in lieu of decisions of the Planning Commission or Board of Supervisors.  

            Regarding the intention of the Boyertown Area School District to close the Pine Forge Elementary School, Moyer recommended residents pay attention to it.  He explained the school district intends to build a new school that would cost an estimated $15 million to $27 million dollars.  Moyer said, "Stand up for your taxes."  He added, "Enjoy the Labor Day Holiday, but be safe with fireworks." 

            The next Board of Supervisors meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 26, 2019 at 7 p.m.  The Washington Township Municipal Authority (WTMA) Water is scheduled for Thursday, September 26, 2019 at 6:30 p.m.