EXETER TWP., Pa. – At Monday night’s meeting of the Exeter Township Board of Supervisors, the supervisors took initial actions to fill a vacancy and bring the board to full strength.
Chairperson George Bell said he believed the board must move as quickly as possible so that the supervisors can reopen the 2026 budget to address the million dollar-plus deficit.
The board needs to first fill a vacancy created after Vice Chair Amanda Johnsen won election both a six-year term and a two-year term. Since she chose to serve six years until 2032, another person is needed to be supervisor for two years.
During Monday’s meeting, the board authorized advertisements on the township website and social media for submission of letters of interest to fill the term, with a submission deadline of Monday, Jan. 19. Interviews will take place Jan. 20 to Jan. 23. This would allow a new supervisor to be sworn in at the board’s Jan. meeting.
Opposition to proposed water rate increase
A Pennsylvania American Water Company official said residents could see a rate increase, but the company is planning to invest in upgrades at local facilities.
In a matter of significant resident interest, at the request of Johnsen, the supervisors authorized the township to prepare and submit a formal response to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, opposing Pennsylvania American Water’s proposed rate increase. Residents who wish to speak at the hearing must submit a formal request by Jan. 13.
Town hall for new emergency services center
The Exeter Township Board of Supervisors approved an ordinance to borrow up to $12 million to fund a new fire and emergency services building.
Also, the supervisors approved the date, time and advertisement of a town hall meeting to discuss the proposed emergency services center — another topic of heightened interest among many residents. The meeting is scheduled for Jan. 28 at 6 p.m., in the auditorium at Reiffton School, located at 4355 Dunham Drive in Reading. Citizens may submit questions in advance of the meeting by emailing the township manager.
2026 community events
The supervisors approved the 2026 event schedule for parks and recreation. Community members can mark their calendars for the following dates:
Easter Egg Hunt: March 21, at Trout Run Sport’s Complex.
Halloween Hayride and Maze, Oct. 16 and Oct. 17, at Trout Run Sport’s Complex.
Festival of Lights, Dec. 6.
Santa Tour, starting Dec. 7, and ending Dec. 10, with a rain date of Dec. 11.
Basketball court upgrades
The supervisors approve scheduling the resurfacing of the basketball courts at Pineland Park using Keystone Sports Construction as the contractor.
Larry Piersol, public works director, said he is hoping to get on the company’s schedule to get the work completed before the start of the Glenn Hoover Summer Basketball Program. The quote is for $34,799.91 for the resurfacing of both courts, and was listed in the “park improvements” in the 2026 budget.
Vehicle scrapping
In addition, the supervisors approved a motion to authorize the scrapping of two vehicles, with any funds received to be placed in the Equipment Fund.
Piersol explained the vehicles have been out of service and used for parts for other township vehicles. The use of the parts for other vehicles has resulted in significant savings for the township, he added.
Police, fire appointments
The board approved a resolution appointing Stephen Powell as chief of police. They also signed off on appointing Deputy Chief Steve Schaeffer to the board of chiefs of the Berks County Emergency Response Team.
Schaeffer was sworn in to his new position, as were fire department officers Justin Shaffer, deputy chief; John Painter Jr., lieutenant; Michael Wysolmerski, lieutenant; and Josh Young, sergeant.
Eminent domain
The supervisors approved a motion to authorize Solicitor Chad Schnee to initiate eminent domain proceedings concerning an access road to Exeter Plaza. This road was overlooked when the Plaza plans were approved in 1989.