Washington Township Board of Supervisors on Thursday night authorized its solicitor, Joan London, to prepare a draft ordinance requiring rental property owners to file an affidavit showing their properties comply with a township safety ordinance.  The ordinance, if enacted, would require landlords to attest, under penalty of perjury, the affidavit is truthful.  If it is determined the rental property is not in compliance with township safety ordinances, the township could decide to do a physical inspection of the premises.

            Some of the safety requirements that are expected to be incorporated into the ordinance include working smoke detectors, carbon dioxide monitors, and fire extinguishers.  The supervisors stressed the township has no intention to violate any property owner's privacy.  They merely want to insure that all rental properties are safe for tenants who live in them.

            Recently, the township removed $90,350 worth of dead ash trees in the township right of way.  However, the township will not remove a dangerous tree on private property that is leaning on utility wires or is a danger to the public cartway.  If the property owner will not remove a dangerous tree, the township will, at the property owner's expense.  The township will engage a tree removal company to perform the work.  Township employees will not perform the work.

            "The board of supervisors announced its solicitor will draft an ordinance for a policy that will permit the township to charge a property owner for removal of a tree, not in the township right of way, that is a danger to the public or is leaning on utility wires."

            Township Engineer John Weber, LTL Consultants, informed the supervisors that he has drafted an ordinance to amend the current zoning that permits a garage to be considered a parking space.  The new ordinance will require two parking spaces per dwelling unit, exclusive of a garage.  The new ordinance will be forwarded for review to the Washington Township and the Berks County planning commissions.

            Weber noted preparation for the realignment of Barto Road is progressing.  However, he explained he has experienced slow responses from the utility companies near where the realignment of Barto Road will occur.  The full-depth reclamation (FDR) of parts of Washington and Meitzler roads was completed at a cost of $73,995.35.  The work was under budget by approximately $20,000. 

            The township agreed to contribute $23,000 to the PennDOT Route 100 stormwater project along Mill Street. The township agreed to pay $83,695 for the treatment plant influent lift station upgrade.

            The township will apply for tax-exempt status to Berks County for the 26-acre parcel it recently exchanged with Prestige Properties Partners, LLC for 1.56 acres.  The 1.56-acre parcel is expected to have a deed restriction removed in August by the Berks County Court of Common Pleas.  The deed restriction required the 1.56-acre parcel to be used for a public purpose such as a firehouse.

            In other matters, the township purchased a CAT 305-07CR for $93,200. It intends to offer its 1990 Wood Chuck W/C-9HD disc chipper for auction on Municibid with an opening bid of $2,500.  The board of supervisors must approve the sale.

            The township waived a sign permit of $100 for the Eastern Berks Fire Company.  Vice Chairman Dave Moyer urged residents to give generously to the fire company as it intends to construct a new firehouse in the township.  Moyer noted, "The fire company provides good service to our community."

            Dwayne Henne was appointed to the Recreation Committee.  Henne also serves on the Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC).

            Vice Chairman Moyer reminded residents the Fourth of July holiday is coming up.  Moyer noted, "We are Americans. Celebrate the United States and its history.  The United States is still the best country in the world.  Respect your neighbors during the celebrations and be careful of pets."

            The next Washington Township Board of Supervisors meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 27, at 7 p.m.