Fire Department, Ambulance and Police Announce Community Events; Resident Raises Traffic, Scooter Concerns

Representatives from local emergency services updated the council on community events and operational items at the Sept. 12 meeting.

Jared Renshaw of the Western Berks Fire Department showed a short PowerPoint describing operational obstacles and said the department is beta-testing Crew Force software. He announced the department will host its annual Fire Prevention Week Open House on Oct. 5, 2024, at the Wernersville station. Police Chief James Oxenreider reviewed his August activity report and said the department will hold a Trunk-or-Treat on Halloween in coordination with the Western Berks Fire Department in Sinking Spring.

During public comment a resident from Maria Avenue told council drivers were running the three-way stop at Maria Avenue and Huron Drive and asked whether the borough imposes fines similar to a neighboring municipality that posts fee amounts on stop signs; the resident also asked about electric scooters and whether there are street rules for them. Chief Oxenreider responded that there are no specific scooter rules recorded in the minutes.

Councilor Denise Stine reported she participated in interviews for a paid firefighter position at Western Berks and said test results have not yet been returned; no hiring decision has been recorded in the minutes.