The Washington Township Board of Supervisors passed the township's 2024 $4,100,000 budget on Thursday night. 

            The township sewer budget was set at $1,700,000.  The supervisors reduced the township property tax from 2.7 mills to 2.45 mills.  Additionally, the sewer fee was reduced from $300 per quarter to $290 per quarter.  Previously, in 2023 the sewer fee was reduced by $18 per quarter.

            The supervisors agreed to study various sample ordinances that regulate commercial solar farms. If the ordinance is enacted, it would regulate the decommissioning or abandonment of a solar field. 

            Planning commission member Dan Stauffer provided insight into the benefits of solar energy.  Stauffer said health studies noted energy generated from sunlight is not a danger to residences.  Solar energy creates no pollution or emissions. 

            He cautioned the township not to make the ordinance too restrictive in terms of setbacks from property lines.  If setbacks are excessively restrictive, Stauffer observed, it could be deemed a "taking" if the ordinance were challenged in court. 

            Solicitor Joan London stressed the township is not close to the adoption of a solar ordinance. London explained the township should have an ordinance on alternative energy, especially solar farms that impact agricultural land.

            The township adopted an ordinance that restricts speed through residential districts to 25 mph and requires stop signs on residential streets.

            Engineer John Weber, P.E., LTL Consultants, informed the supervisors that repairs were performed on sidewalks and concrete cracks were mended at the Edison Walk subdivision.  However, streets in the development will not be paved until spring, 2024.

            Sewage Engineer Tom Unger, P.E., Systems Design Engineering, agreed to meet with Camp Camino engineers to provide direction for the property's sewer design.  Camp Camino will be located along Schwenkenfelder and County Line roads. 

            Once Camp Camino has final plan approval from the board of supervisors, it will be able to provide a happy camping experience for children with special needs.  The camp will operate during the summer months. It is set in an idyllic pastoral area across from a golf course. 

            Some of the facilities that will be available for the children to use include a splash pool, gymnatorium, basketball court, walking trails, welcome center, and bunk houses.

            A representative of the township recreation committee informed the supervisors that the committee is working on a master plan for the township's parks. The purpose of the master plan is to enable the township to pursue grants.

            The supervisors agreed to all the requests the recreation committee's representative presented.  The recreation committee will be able to seek grants for the improvement of the township's parks.

            The committee recommended the various township park names be consolidated.  It suggested the township update its ordinance to identify prohibited activities in the parks.  The recreation committee also requested to be included when subdivision and land development plans are presented to the township so the committee can provide input on the open space in the plans.

            Vice Chairman Dave Moyer reminded residents, "You received a free gift 2,000 years ago.  It is why we celebrate Christmas.  Don't reject the gift.  It will lead to eternal life."

            The next supervisors meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 25, 2024, at 7 p.m.  The reorganization meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at 5:30 p.m.