Kim Auman

The meeting commenced with a call to order and pledge of allegiance, followed by the 2026 reorganization agenda items. Key actions included the nomination and election of the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary/Treasurer, and Roadmaster for 2026. Appointments were authorized for the Vacancy Board Chairperson, various Board/Commission Members (Municipal Authority, Zoning Hearing Board), and the Township Solicitor and Labor Counsel for 2026. Compensation rates were established or authorized for Supervisors, non-uniformed and uniformed employees, Zoning Hearing Board members, and police officer overtime. Resolutions were adopted setting salaries for the Township Manager and Acting Police Chief, establishing a Schedule of Fees, eliminating Police Pension Plan member contributions for 2026, appointing a voting delegate for the PSATS Conference, and designating the audit firm and tax collectors for the upcoming year. Furthermore, agreements related to the Walters Park LLC and C&B Development LLC land development plans were authorized for signature. The resignation of a Part-Time Officer was accepted, and authorization was given to consent to the inclusion of a parcel in an Agricultural Security Area. New Business also included authorizing bid documentation for 2026 Roadwork Projects and soliciting proposals for the Walters Avenue Bridge Replacement Project, as well as promoting a Probationary Officer to Full Time Officer status.

The South Heidelberg Township Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan aims to guide the Township's vision for its park and recreation system over the next ten years. It focuses on creating sustainable and accessible recreational opportunities across various ages and interests. Key areas include developing park and recreation facilities (including trails and open space), programming, administration and personnel, maintenance, and financing. The plan emphasizes fostering community connections, promoting environmental best practices, ensuring equitable access, and enhancing the overall quality of life for residents through well-maintained parks and diverse programs.

The meeting, designated as a Reorganization and General Business Meeting, focused heavily on administrative appointments and setting financial parameters for the upcoming year, 2026. Key actions included the nomination and election of the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary/Treasurer, and Roadmaster for 2026. Appointments and reappointments were authorized for several roles, including the Township Solicitor, Labor Counsel, Sewage Enforcement Officers, and members of the Municipal Authority, Planning Commission, and Zoning Hearing Board. Financial resolutions were adopted to set Supervisor salaries, establish hourly rates for road work, define various 2026 fee schedules (including Zoning Hearing Board and Conditional Use Hearing filing fees), and set compensation rates for employees, including the Township Manager and Acting Police Chief. The board also authorized the renewal of the Treasurer's Bond, designated fund depositories, ratified the Uniformed Employee Labor Agreement, and set the schedule for 2026 monthly meetings. New business involved authorizing signatures for development agreements related to Walters Park LLC and C&B Development LLC, authorizing the preparation of bids for 2026 roadwork, soliciting RFPs for the Walters Avenue Bridge Replacement Project, accepting a part-time officer's resignation, and promoting a probationary officer to full-time status.

The meeting included discussions and actions on several key items, including the adoption of the 2026 budgets for the General Fund, Hydrant Fund, Fire Services Fund, and Ambulance Fund. Resolutions were adopted for the 2026 tax rates, hydrant tax rates, and street light tax levy. The board also considered requests for waivers/modifications related to the Ethos West and Ethos East Preliminary Land Development Plans. Additionally, actions were taken regarding the Ethos West and Ethos East Preliminary Plans, and the hiring of a part-time plow operator. The board received various reports, including those from the Library, Recreation Board, Western Berks Fire, Township Manager, Public Works Manager, Police Chief, Township Engineer, and Township Solicitor. The Township Treasurer's Report was received and accepted, and the payment of bills was authorized.