Last Thursday night the Washington Township Board of Supervisors requested public comment on a proposed ordinance that would require landlords to self-certify that their rental properties were compliant with township safety codes.  The proposed rental ordinance quickly hit a snag when several landlords strenuously objected to the proposed ordinance. They claimed if tenants are not complaining and there are no problems why enact an ordinance?

            The township's reason for the proposed ordinance is a concern for the health, safety, and welfare of tenants in the municipality.  There are approximately 196 rental units spread throughout Washington Township. 

            After listening to the landlords, the supervisors agreed to have township Solicitor Joan London further research the proposed rental ordinance.

            Township resident Dan Stauffer noted, "This is a case of big brother." 

            Stauffer questioned if there are no complaints and no known problems why draft an ordinance that requires a license and can require an enforced inspection of the premises that could require a search warrant? 

            He claimed any existing rental unit is preexisting and not subject to an ordinance.  It is, in effect, "grandfathered." 

            Stauffer said, "It is not good governance to create an ordinance to fix a problem that does not exist."  He added, "What is next, inspection of individual houses?" 

            Stauffer concluded his argument by quoting President Ronald Reagan who said, "One of the scariest sentences is, 'I am from the government and I am here to help you.'"

            The township proposal to require two parking spaces per dwelling unit that does not include a garage as a parking space will be advertised.  It is expected to be adopted at the board of supervisors meeting on August 24th.

            Nick Bieber, of Herbein & Company, presented his audit of township financial affairs to the supervisors. Bieber noted it was a "clean audit" with no problems. 

            The audit showed the primary sources of revenue for Washington Township were real estate taxes, earned income taxes, and transfer taxes on the sale of real estate.  The township tax revenue increased partially due to new development in the municipality and higher property values on real estate sales.

            When a few residents in attendance at the meeting heard of the increase in the township coffers, there was an immediate request to lower the township real estate tax rate of 2.7 mils to offset the high rate of inflation.  

            The supervisors reminded the residents that twice in the last several years the township has lowered its sewer fees.  The supervisors encouraged residents to attend the township budget meeting in the fall.

            Township Engineer John Weber, LTL Consultants, informed the board of supervisors he had a productive meeting with Buck Eye PipeLine concerning the realignment of Barto Road.  An agreement to move equipment at no cost to the township was reached.

            The township will contribute $21,862 to the PennDOT Route 100 stormwater project at Mill Street. 

            The township sold its 1990 Wood Chuck W/C-9HD disc chipper for $11,300.

            The board also discussed a public works garage to be constructed by Gorski Engineering.