Michael Heydt

The meeting involved the reorganization of the Board of Supervisors, including the election of the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson for the year 2026. Key organizational appointments for 2026 were made, such as the Township Manager/Secretary/Treasurer, Police Officers, Solicitor, Conflict Counsel, Engineer, and various officers for Sewage Enforcement, Planning Commission, Vacancy Board, and Park and Recreation Committee. Salary resolutions for the Township Manager and non-uniformed employees were adopted, and the list of observed township holidays for 2026 was authorized, with an amendment changing Primary Election Day to General Election Day. Furthermore, the Board established Township Depositories and authorized signatories, set Fire Marshall appointments, determined the mileage reimbursement rate for personal vehicles, made decisions regarding pension contributions (waiving member contributions), appointed an Animal Control Services Contract, and agreed to join the Berks County UCC appeals Board.

Key discussions during the meeting included the adoption of the 2026 Fee Schedule resolution and the authorization for the Township Manager to attend the PSATS Conference as the voting delegate. The board also adopted the in-car camera policy. In police matters, the board approved the purchase agreement for a new 2026 Ford Interceptor and the purchase of four new AED machines, agreeing that budgeted items exceeding the approved amount require individual approval. A motion was passed to approve the financial report, ratify lists of bills, and file them for audit. The motion to enter into an Intermunicipal Agreement with BMMA was tabled until the February meeting.

Prior to the meeting, an executive session was held to discuss a possible litigation matter. Key discussions during the public session included the adoption of the 2026 Budget and the corresponding Resolution 2025-21 Tax Milage Rate, despite public inquiry regarding a tax increase. The Board authorized the Township Manager to advertise the 2026 meeting schedule and adopt the new Douglass Township Employee Handbook, effective January 1, 2026. Several items were authorized for sale on Municibid, and the sale of extra portable radios to Amity Fire Company was approved. The Police Department's joining of the Federal Surplus Property Program for 2026 was approved. The Solicitor reported approvals for Resolution 2025-22 (84 Lumber Land Development Final Approval) and Resolution 2025-23 (Salvetti Minor Subdivision Final Approval), along with the approval of a Sewer Connection Agreement for 298 Douglass Drive and authorization to advertise an amendment to the Code Enforcement Ordinance. The financial report, including lists of bills, was approved.

The resolution focuses on amending the fee schedule for Douglass Township, covering various administrative, building/construction, sanitary sewer, highway department, park and recreation, and zoning hearing fees. It includes specific costs for services such as mailing, photocopies, returned checks, certifications, duplicate tax bills, late fees, copying records, sanitary sewer specifications, subdivision and land development ordinances, township maps, zoning ordinances, Act 537 plans, blueprints, building and construction fees, sanitary sewer tapping and connection fees, highway department services, junkyard registration, road occupancy permits, Act 46 verification, subdivision and land development plan review fees, park and recreation pavilion rental, and zoning hearing fees for variances, special exceptions, curative amendments, procedural challenges, and conditional use hearings.

The resolution focuses on amending the fee schedule for Douglass Township, covering various administrative, building/construction, sewer, highway department, park and recreation, and zoning hearing fees. It includes specific costs for services such as mailing, photocopies, certifications, sewer taps, winter services, road occupancy permits, subdivision and land development plan reviews, park pavilion rentals, and zoning variances.