Speeding has become a dangerous issue along County Line Road in Washington Township.  On Thursday night, residents of the newly completed Bally Springs development pleaded with the Washington Township Board of Supervisors to do something about the excessive speed along the road. 

            Recently, there have been several accidents near the development. The residents fear a fatality could occur if the situation is not corrected.  They claim impatient drivers pass stopped school buses as children are being picked up or dropped off from school and asserted that there has been drag racing, late at night, along County Line Road.

            "The most important job of the supervisors is public safety," Chairman Dave Moyer said.

            The supervisor said if the speeding does not stop, the township would consider installing raised crosswalks that would seriously slow down traffic.  When a resident requested more stop signs, township Engineer, John Weber, LTL Consultants, explained stop signs are not designed to control speeding.

            Moyer promised he would attend the next Boyertown School Board meeting to request that school buses drop off children in the development's cul-de-sacs.  As a precautionary measure, the supervisors agreed to install a "Handicap Child" sign along County Line Road. Additionally, the township's moveable speed sign will be placed along the road. 

            Since the municipality has no local police coverage, the Pennsylvania State Police are responsible for patrolling the township.  The state police will be notified by the township of the problem with speeding in the area.

            In other matters, Sewer Engineer Tom Unger, SDS Engineering, informed the supervisors that the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has approved the township's application for a hydrologic rerating of its sewer system.  DEP approval will permit the township to have more capacity at its sewer facility.  The township will have up to an additional 90 Equivalent Dwelling Units (EDUs).  Some of the EDUs will be utilized by applicants who requested an EDU prior to the township's rerating of its sewer plant. 

             "The township now has more capacity without putting any money into the plant," Unger said.

            The cost of an EDU will remain the same at $9,830, including an inspection fee of $130.  It is expected the cost of an EDU will increase if the township ever expands its sewer plant. 

            Washington Township completed the transfer of its Washington Township Municipal Authority/Water (WTMA/Water) to Bally Borough.  The township will keep the WTMA/Water on its books, although it will be inactive.  The WTMA/Water will meet approximately once per year. 

            Moyer, a member of the WTMA/Water, cautioned water customers of the WTMA/Water that Bally might raise its water rates.  Prior to the transfer of the WTMA/Water to Bally, customers of the WTMA/Water paid a slightly lower fee for water service than Bally's water customers. 

            Moyer said, "Bally does a great job supplying water.  If they hold off raising rates now, it will be a bigger rate increase later."

            Newly elected Supervisor Romnie Long was chosen as Chairperson of the WTMA/Water.  Supervisor Tom Powanda was elected as Vice Chairman of the WTMA/Water. 

            Township Solicitor Joan London, Esq., of Kozloff/Stout, informed the supervisors that developer Rich Mingey has signed an agreement to settle three lawsuits with Washington Township. London noted the developer is expected to present development plans to the township planning commission in March. 

            The board discussed, but took no action, on a full-depth reclamation of Wilt Road to Passmore Road. 

            Washington Township resident Dorothy Dornsife was appointed to the township Environmental Advisory Committee for a term of three years.

            Moyer warned residents not to plow snow across a road.  He explained it is very dangerous.

            Moyer suggested residents donate to the Eastern Berks Fire Department. "The fire company is good soil.  If you plant your seed in good soil, it will grow." 

            The next Washington Township Board of Supervisors meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 24 at 7 p.m.