Kent D. Morey

The meeting commenced with an Executive Session. Key discussions included the approval of 3% pay increases for the four staff members for the year 2026. The Treasurer's Report detailed the payment of December water and sewer bills, which included significant amounts paid to WBWA, RAWA, GenServe, and RRAA. In Finance Committee matters, a sewer Certificate of Deposit (CD) matured, and the interest earned for 2025 on both sewer and water CDs was reported. The Project Committee discussed the Airport's ongoing sewer plant upgrades and terminal renovations. The Engineer provided updates on pump stations, noting that cranes were ordered for PS#7 & 8, and a starter motor replacement was pending for Pump Station 1. Bids were opened for the Stinson Dr. depressed manhole project, and the Authority moved to award the contract to Barrasso Excavation. The Solicitor reported that the LBA Agreement changes were finalized and pending signature at the next meeting, as were documents for the Penske District Services Facility. Under New Business, the Board agreed to a six-month review for an account requesting to purchase another EDU after a sub meter replacement. Finally, the Board addressed a water main break that occurred on December 4, 2025.

The Planning Commission meeting focused primarily on a revised sketch plan for a property located at the southeast corner of West Leesport and Route 183, owned by Riverfront Federal Credit Union. The proposal involves subdividing Lot 125-B into two smaller lots (125-B-1 and 125-B-2). Lot 125-B-1 is intended for development as an automated bank teller drive-thru, including five off-street parking spaces. A significant portion of the discussion concerned proposed access points, specifically a full 2-way ingress/egress point and a second access point onto West Leesport Road, in light of regulations prohibiting direct access onto Route 183. C2C Design Group was advised to place the project on the agenda for the next Board of Supervisors Meeting.

Key discussions during the meeting included the approval of the consent agenda and the acceptance of the Treasurer's Report subject to audit. Resolutions were approved concerning a stop sign ordinance for Ziegler Road, which converted an intersection to a 4-way stop, and approval to advertise a new Street Opening Ordinance to replace the outdated 1974 version. The Supervisors received a report regarding the Berks County Industrial Development Authority's (BCIDA) proposal to donate 26 acres of flood plain property to the Township, which will be reviewed later. Public Safety matters involved accepting a police officer's resignation effective January 4, 2026, and approving the hire of a new police officer starting February 2, 2026. Approval was also granted to send two Sergeants to the Cody Connect Conference. Under Planning, a motion carried to reject the Bernville Business Center plan if the applicant does not request an extension before January 13, 2026. The zoning permit fee for Leesport Borough's proposed shed was waived. The Board accepted the bid from Berks Fire and Water for the first phase of the maintenance garage ceiling replacement. Finally, the 2026 General Fund Budget, which includes a 0.56 mill increase, was approved, as were the 2026 meeting dates.

The key discussion topics for this meeting included the approval of the consent agenda items, such as accepting the finance report subject to audit and approving the payment of bills. Significant agenda items involved the discussion and potential approval of the 2026 Tax Resolution, Uniform and Non-Uniform Pension Ordinances, and Street Opening Ordinances and related fees. Reports were expected from the Township Manager, Fire Company (including a discussion on the Knox Box Program), EMS, Emergency Management, and Police Department. Police agenda items included accepting a resignation, approving the acceptance of an LSA 2024 Grant for a police vehicle, and actions regarding the sale and purchase of a police vehicle. Planning/Zoning discussions covered municipal and stormwater agreements related to the BCTC Storage Building and the Reading Regional Airport GLPI Hangar, as well as a discussion on potential variances for the Riverfront Federal Credit Union Project. The Administration section included approvals related to ratifying revised pension worksheets, accepting resignations from Planning Commission, Solid Waste Commission, and Administration, and discussing at-will employee salaries. A conditional use hearing was set for February 3, 2026.

The meeting addressed water and sewer bills, with motions to pay the presented amounts. The sewer loan was reported as paid off. Discussions covered reinvesting a sewer CD and updates on the RRAA Tenant Advisory Committee Report. The board discussed purchasing gantry cranes for pump stations and televising sewer laterals to identify the source of industrial rags. Updates were provided on various development projects. The board also addressed a billing issue with RRAA and reviewed the LBA agreement. Additionally, the board discussed a customer request for a late fee reversal and accepted the 2026 BTMA Board Meeting Date Schedule.