On Thursday night, representatives of the all-volunteer Eastern Berks Fire Company and the Bally Ambulance requested the Washington Township Board of Supervisors impose a real estate tax of up to .5 mill for each of the emergency services. If enacted, the total tax increase would be 1 mill. The tax would benefit the fire department and the ambulance.

            Supervisors Chairman Dave Moyer remarked the board would attempt to determine how much a tax would generate for each emergency service. 

            Scott Reitnauer, a member of the Eastern Berks Fire Company, explained a tax would enable the fire company to have a dependable source of income rather than rely on township donations, fundraisers, and subscription drives.  Reitnauer noted subscriptions and fundraisers account for approximately 25% of the fire company's revenue. 

            Bally Ambulance representative Mike Groff suggested that if the township enacted a .5 mill tax for the ambulance, every resident could possibly have a membership. 

            Groff explained that the ambulance's monthly income is just enough to get by.  Currently, fire and ambulance services struggle to keep up with their rising costs.  There is very little money available at the state level for the services.  Many municipalities in the region are implementing a tax to assist emergency services. If the tax imposed is higher than .5 mill for each service a referendum that requires voter participation would be necessary.

            A resident questioned how much township time and expense was utilized when a "Right to Know" request was generated.  Township Solicitor Joan London noted a "Right to Know" request is not a privilege, it is a citizen's right to public information. London observed that the law was well-intentioned but, like many things, had some unintended consequences.  The township cannot charge for its services.  London also noted "Right to Know" requests are not a source of billable hours for her.

            A resident of the township asked about the status of a property located at 1606 Main St. in Bally that is actually in Washington Township.  He informed the supervisors that Bally Borough does not know the status of the property. 

            Township Engineer John Weber, LTL Consultants, explained the property is proposed for a development of townhouses.  Sewer for the development will be provided by Bally.  Both the main entrance and the emergency entrance to the proposed development will be off Route 100.  The current subdivision and land development plan is under township review.

            The township approved the Camp Camino component-3 planning module.

            The supervisors agreed to have London notify Edison Walk developers of the developer's increased cost to expand the township's sewer facility.  The agreement reached between the township and the developer for the plant expansion and purchase of equivalent dwelling units (EDUs) has expired.

            London and Weber will appear on behalf of the township as expert witnesses at the zoning hearing validity challenge to the current township solar panel ordinance.  The zoning hearing is scheduled for Thursday, August 29, at 6 p.m.

            The supervisors made a $87,156 payment for the construction of the new public works building to Blue Scope Construction.  Plumbing work was paid in the amount of $45,191 and electrical work amounted to $16,389.  No decision was made concerning gas or propane for the new public works garage.

            Weber informed the supervisors that the paving of Sugar Maple Road and the reconstruction of Bishop Pine Road were completed. 

            The supervisors discussed the intersection of Barto Road and Old Route 100.  There is no sight distance to the left.  Weber noted it is a significant project to remove the "Y" in the road. 

            Moyer would like a meeting with a PennDOT representative concerning the dangerous intersection.

            Students from Kutztown University will assess the wetlands at Washington Township Park.  While the student assessment is not an official wetland delineation such as was completed years ago, the students' assessment will assist the township by noting how wetlands in the park have changed over time.

            No decision was made on upgrades to the township's phone system.

            Bally Borough Halloween Parade will be permitted to use township roads on Monday, October 21st or on the rain date of Thursday, October 24th.

            Moyer cautioned residents to be careful with fireworks over the Labor Day weekend.  Moyer urged citizens of the township to register to vote by October 21st if they are not registered.  The national election is November 5.

            The next board of supervisors meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 26, at 7 p.m.  If needed, a board of supervisors' workshop meeting will take place on Thursday, September 12, at 7 p.m.