The developer of a 45-unit development in Pennsburg that needs a variance for 11 properties asked council for a break in the fees and the members agreed to issue W.B. Homes a $3,500 discount.

            Council voted to approve a motion to charge the developer $7,500 to seek setbacks on 11 properties for the Deerfield development, located at 704 Montgomery Avenue, to construct decks. Borough ordinance requires applicants to pay $1,000 per property.

            Member Adam Krisko voted against the motion. He said the applicant should be required to follow the law as it is written.

            Initially, a representative from Berks Family Homes requested a fee of $2,500 for all 11 properties. Solicitor Mark Hosterman described that proposal as light. The solicitor said he would recommend a total between $4,000 and $5,000.

            "That's a lot of paperwork," Hosterman said.

            Next month, council will hold a conditional use hearing for the Code Blue Shelter in the borough. Open Link, the organization that oversees the shelter, located at the former parsonage at the intersection of Eighth and Main streets, seeks permission to house women. The hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 14.

            The members voted to deny a request by Open Link to waive the $750 application fee for the hearing. Member Diane Stevens suggested the council could potentially waive permit fees for future projects related to the shelter.

            Council voted to accept the resignation of Matthew Christy, its zoning hearing board chair. Christy was a primary Republican candidate for mayor earlier this year.

            In a text message received later Monday night, Christy wrote that he is resigning to focus on his career as a caregiver. He also explained that by stepping away, he could prevent allegations against him of bashing other borough employees online from lingering.

            "I have enjoyed my time on the zoning board and I wish them success going forward," Christy wrote.

            In June, council filed a six-page civil lawsuit against the board following its May 13 decision allowing Pennsburg Mart, LLC, located at 738 Main St., to maintain "games of chance" at the business. The lawsuit described the decision as arbitrary, capricious and an abuse of discretion as a matter of law that "is not supported by substantial evidence."

            The members voted unanimously to appoint Stacie Beth DeAngelis, of Seminary Street, to its planning commission. Member Keith DeAngelis recused, saying he didn't want to vote for his wife to avoid a conflict of interest.

            The council will begin deliberations on next year's budget later this week. The members agreed to meet on Tuesday, Sept. 23, to start the process.

            In September, the Upper Perk Police Department responded to 746 total incidents. That includes 249 public services, 139 vehicle investigations and 129 traffic details. The officers issued 100 traffic citations, made eight felony arrests, responded to four reportable and three non-reportable accidents, according to information presented by Chief Joe Adam. It states that they also handled two parking complaints, one false fire alarm at a business and issued one non-traffic citation.

            The officers responded to 10 crimes, including five shoplifting and assault/harassment/stalking each, two borough ordinance violations and two other offenses, one DUI, one theft and one trespassing.