The Washington Township Board of Supervisors, at their Jan. 25 meeting, discussed a proposed commercial solar panel ordinance for properties in the township.  The proposed township ordinance will attempt to regulate where fields of solar panels can be located.

            If the proposed ordinance is enacted commercial solar collection fields will be restricted to commercial and industrial zoning districts.  The setbacks for the solar panels will be the same as the setbacks in the zoning district where the solar panels are located. 

            The proposed ordinance will be sent to the Washington Township planning commission and the Berks County planning commission for comment.  Because the ordinance is a text amendment, the Berks County Planning Commission will need at least 30 days to review the ordinance.  It is expected once both planning commissions have commented the board of supervisors will vote to enact the ordinance.

            Washington Township Planning Commission member Dan Stauffer has done a great deal of research on solar panels.  Stauffer informed the supervisors that studies have determined solar panels do not harm the environment.  They harness the sun's heat for energy.  He cautioned the supervisors to not make the ordinance's setbacks so restrictive that solar panel fields are actually excluded. 

            Stauffer noted a field where houses are constructed will never return to a field.  However, a field where solar panels are located can return to a field once the panels are decommissioned after their usefulness is finished.

            He explained houses utilize the emergency services of a municipality and add more children to the schools which usually results in higher taxes.  On the other hand, commercial solar panels provide revenue to a municipality with no demand on a municipality's services. 

            He explained solar panels must be located in a south-facing open field with no shade.  Additionally, there must be an electric substation nearby with 3-phase power in the immediate area.  These requirements eliminate many fields located in Washington Township. 

            Property owners who would permit their fields to hold solar panels must consider that their properties' Act 319 (Clean and Green) tax status could be in jeopardy along with inclusion in the township's Agricultural Security District.

            Corporal Robert Markowski, of the Pennsylvania State Police, informed the supervisors a burglary of a commercial enterprise occurred in the township at 4 a.m. on Nov. 17. Power was cut to the property and $9,100 in lottery tickets were stolen.  Currently, the suspect is under arrest in New Jersey.  The state police recently made two arrests following similar commercial burglaries. 

            Markowski noted that, since the arrests, there have been no more commercial burglaries or residential burglaries in the township.  He informed the supervisors that there are two state troopers assigned to every police call at night.  Markowski related that there is usually a state trooper within an easy commute of Washington Township.

            In other matters, the township will paint white line stripes along Gehringer and Christi roads in an effort to calm traffic. 

            The township hopes to pave all the roads in Victoria Village at the same time.  The township will solicit bids for the work.

            The steel for the public works garage is expected to be delivered on April 19th.  Gorski Engineering will perform the work.

            The supervisors discussed the names of the township parks.  No decision was made concerning the names.

            The Washington Township Municipal Authority/Water (WTMA/Water) held its reorganization meeting on Thursday night before the board of supervisors meeting. Supervisor Romnie Long was chosen as chairperson.  Supervisor Dave Moyer was elected vice chairman.  No business was conducted at the short meeting.

            Township Manager Rich Sichler announced his retirement.  As yet, he has not set a definite date when he will leave his position.  Township Secretary Susan Brown will become the new township manager after a 90-day training period.

            The next supervisors meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 22, at 7 p.m.