Supervisors threaten to not renew soccer lease

            Washington Township finances are in excellent shape, according to Washington Township Auditor, Nick Bieber, Herbein & Company.  On Thursday night the auditor presented the final audit of 2024 to the board of supervisors.  Bieber assured the supervisors there was no evidence of any fraud in the township finances. Most of the township's revenue, approximately 70%, is provided by real estate property taxes, real estate transfer taxes, and earned income taxes. 

            The township earned $51,000 in real estate transfer taxes in 2024.  A positive result was that the township's revenue exceeded its budget by $172,000.  The new public works building was under budget by $350,000.  Bieber reported that the township sewer fund, that in 2012 was $12 million dollars in debt, was reduced in 2024 to $5.5 million dollars.  The sewer debt will be cleared entirely by 2032.

            The board of supervisors, through excellent financial management, reduced sewer fees that at one point were the highest in the state in 2019, 2023, and 2024.  The sewer fund in 2024 had $900,000 in expenses.  The sewer debt was reduced by $700,000.  The sewer fund maintained a balance on its books of $1,148,000.

            Several years ago, the board of supervisors agreed to lease its soccer field to the Boyertown Soccer Club.  The supervisors agreed to a six-month lease extension until June 2025.  This month the township expected a representative of the soccer club to appear at its meeting to discuss the renewal of its lease, but no representative of the soccer club attended the meeting.  The township is reluctant to extend a lease for more than one year. 

            Additionally, the supervisors are extremely concerned about parking along Victoria Drive that blocks residents' access to their properties.  The township intends to make it a condition of the soccer club lease that the club enforce parking along the road.  If parking is not enforced the township will terminate the soccer club's lease. 

It was noted by a township resident that township taxpayers carry the expense of the park, but cannot use it because of the soccer club's exclusive lease.  The soccer club is required to maintain the fields and pay a small stipend for the use of the fields.

            It was observed that most of the park use is by non-residents of the township.  If a representative of the soccer club does not attend the township workshop meeting on May 8, the soccer club lease will be terminated. Chairman Dave Moyer stressed that the safety of township residents is the first priority of the board of supervisors.  Parking in areas where "No Parking" signs are located is a danger to everyone.

            Township Solicitor Joan London informed the supervisors that an agreement had been reached with Washington CSG1, LLC, concerning a zoning appeal to the Berks County Common Pleas Court.  Washington CSG1, LLC, intends to place commercial solar panels on a 13-acre parcel along Old Route 100. London noted that the agreement will require more buffering on the site.  The commercial solar panels will be placed farther back from the road.

            Representatives of Camp Camino repeated their request to the board of supervisors to allow the camp to construct footers and a foundation for its welcome center and gymnatorium.  Michael Gill, attorney for the camp, offered to post cash instead of a letter of credit or a bond to cover the township expenses to remove the footers and foundation if the project does not proceed.  

            The supervisors are hesitant to allow any building construction until all the proper permits are in place.  Township Engineer John Weber, LTL Consultants, explained he is concerned about setting a precedent that other builders will try to exploit.  It is expected that representatives of Camp Camino will return on May 8, at the township workshop, to further discuss the matter.

            The township will require Hoffman Estates detention basin to be cleaned and repaired by June 30. 

            Work on Route 100 has begun.  There has been slow progress.  Work is being performed at night with milling along the bridge. 

            The township discussed pursuing an ordinance that regulates temporary driveway permits.  Bids for the straightening of Barto Road that were expected to be opened and approved by April 24 will be opened on May 6 to be awarded at the township workshop meeting.

            The supervisors will hold a workshop on Thursday, May 8, at 7 p.m.  The next regular supervisors meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 22, at 7 p.m.