Sewer rates going up for 2019 in Amity Twp.
Township residents who have public sewer connections recently received their first-quarter sewer bills, which includes a $2 quarterly rate increase to $112.
Supervisors’ Chairperson Kimberly J. McGrath said at a recent meeting that the additional sewer revenue will fund standard sewer upgrades.
Quarterly rates increased in 2018 from $100 to $110.
In other business, the supervisors unanimously approved preliminary plans for Speedway, LLC, 1028 Benjamin Franklin Highway (Route 422) to locate diesel gas pumps on the eastern side of the current building.
Construction would also include widening the driveways to accommodate large tractor trailer trucks entering and exiting the site.
Attorney Michael J. Gavin representing Speedway, said the new layout plan is designed to “keep the trucks moving and not create stacking of large trucks on the site.”
He added that the diesel pumps can be filled while they are dispensing fuel.
Board members also waived the landscaping requirement, per a recommendation from the Amity Police Department regarding safety issues.
Police said also that the lack of landscaping will make it easier to patrol the area at night.
Speedway’s new layout will result in truck headlights directed at the commercial sites across the highway, instead of being directed at the residences.
Supervisor Kevin Keifrider was absent from the meeting.
The board has until Jan. 31 to decide how it will pay for the stray animals that are taken to the Animal Rescue League of Berks County, Cumru Township, by township residents.
Municipalities can choose from two options for 2019: either a $2 per capita fee based on the 2010 census, or a “fee for services rendered.”
Amity’s 2010 population of 15,000 would result in a $30,000 fee, versus the League’s estimate of a $1,500 baseline fee, plus an additional $14,000 to $16,000 per
year.
Board members budgeted $15,000 for animal control “of some sort” in 2019.
“The concerns are still accountability if tax money is funding their operation,” said township Manager Troy Bingaman.
The League had sent in October new fee agreements to all Berks County municipalities indicating that it is losing $1.1 million a year in the stray animal shelter services that it provides. McGrath said the League will send to the township in July a three-year “stray animal” contract.
In the meantime, the board unanimously approved to purchase a microchip scanner for $150 to $200.
Amity Police will be able to scan stray animals for microchips and then return them to their owners, whereby eliminating the League, and reducing the fee it can charge back to the township.