Monthly Business Meeting

Supervisor Shultz initiated discussion on proper meeting conduct. The board established rules requiring residents to raise their hand before speaking and prohibiting interruptions. Solicitor Warshawsky was appointed parliamentarian by a 5:0 vote to advise the Chairman and ensure orderly proceedings, including enforcing a 3-minute public comment limit.

Chairman Bechtel noted a correction: Jim Long Junior had been incorrectly listed as Jim Long Senior in the public comment section. Ken Hoover motioned to accept the minutes with this correction; approved 5:0.

Ken Hoover motioned to approve the paid interim bills as presented, seconded by Gary Shultz, carried 5:0. Carol Eppley motioned to approve the unpaid bills as presented, seconded by Gary Shultz, carried 5:0.

PC Chairman Fred Ford reported no official business before the Planning Commission at the August 2 meeting. Members reviewed Section 4 of the SALDO, with plans to review Section 5 at the September meeting.

Solicitor Warshawsky reported no response to his July 20, 2010 collection letter demanding $5,317.20 in outstanding engineering and legal fees from Mr. Bistline. The board agreed to have Chairman Bechtel contact Mike Bistline personally to discuss the matter, with follow-up at next month's meeting.

Solicitor Warshawsky reported that Gary and Donald Lenker received the pre-nuisance letter regarding debris on Pawnee Lane and would contact Roadmaster Dale Shoop to schedule a meeting. Chairman Bechtel and Ken Hoover agreed to attend the meeting along with Mr. Baer. If the response is unsatisfactory, further action would be decided at the next meeting.

Solicitor Warshawsky reported that the Scheidler nuisance matter will be presided over by Magisterial District Justice Johnson, who will determine whether Scheidler is in violation of the Township's Nuisance Ordinance. The hearing is unlikely to occur before next month's meeting.

Solicitor Warshawsky reported that Township counsel Tony Sherr was unable to postpone the trial date, which remains scheduled for August 23, 2010. Sherr recommended that all board members attend if possible.

Roadmaster Dale Shoop reported the 2010 paving project, including line painting, was complete and came in $7,000 under estimate. Liquid fuel monies would be used to cover both the paving and line painting costs.

Dale Shoop reported individuals had volunteered to help with mowing and park maintenance. Insurance agent Tom Troutman confirmed no issues with volunteers using Township equipment. The board agreed to grant Shoop latitude in utilizing these volunteers; Solicitor Warshawsky noted this was an administrative action requiring no formal motion.

Dale Shoop reported that he and Mr. Heim would be meeting with a PennDOT representative the following day to discuss Heim's application for a Highway Occupancy Permit for Fuhrman Road. No action was taken.

Dale Shoop reported that all work to bring the meeting room up to code was complete and the Township needed an occupancy permit with a $204 application/inspection fee. Linda Stopfel motioned to set room capacity at 75 people and authorize acquiring the permit; approved 5:0.

Dale Shoop reported that Ms. Matter expressed interest in donating a parcel that could provide Park access via Buffalo Park Road. Bill Krenz from the Master Site Plan Committee noted ongoing discussions with Ms. Matter. Jim Eppley suggested timing the acquisition to use the land value as matching funds for a future grant. Friends of Ft. Halifax Park offered to take temporary possession if needed; Krenz indicated it was premature to involve the Solicitor until further discussions with Ms. Matter.

Chairman Bechtel reported that Tom Wilson contacted him after last month's meeting about the need for board attendance at the August 5 PennDOT meeting regarding right-of-way issues at the 225/147 traffic light. An interim decision was made with approval from 3 Supervisors for Bechtel and Ken Hoover to attend.

Dale Shoop reported the PennDOT snow removal agreement for plowing Powells Valley Road was up for renewal, with the annual amount increased to $3,840 for the 2010-2011 season. Ken Hoover motioned to approve; carried 5:0.

Solicitor Warshawsky presented a resolution supporting Twin Valley Conservation's petition to DEP for a stream designation upgrade for Powells Creek, as discussed at the previous meeting. Gary Shultz motioned to adopt the resolution; carried 5:0.

Solicitor Warshawsky presented a resolution and promulgation for the official adoption of Dauphin County's Emergency Operations Plan, following the board's decision to adopt it at the previous meeting. Ken Hoover motioned to approve; carried 5:0.

Chairman Bechtel reported that Dauphin County Commissioners requested a municipal representative for the planning committee for the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. Bechtel asked Bonnie Freeman to serve as the representative and she agreed.

Chairman Bechtel noted that HARA's August meeting is a joint meeting of authority members and municipal representatives to develop the 2011 budget. Solicitor Warshawsky cautioned that if a quorum of supervisors attended, they should avoid discussions that could serve as a precursor to agency business decisions. Gary Shultz volunteered to attend.

Solicitor Warshawsky reported the Harns converted their Chapter 7 bankruptcy to Chapter 13, entitling the Township to submit a proof of claim for possible reimbursement of $11,177.30 owed as of May 5, 2010. Linda Stopfel motioned to have Warshawsky proceed with filing the proof of claim; carried 5:0.

Solicitor Warshawsky reported the DONCO-HAWASA agreement had no apparent relevance to Masser's water tower run-off issue. Chairman Bechtel noted Masser was more concerned about DONCO's proposed development impacting his property and wants those concerns addressed during final plan approval. Warshawsky noted the water authority is responsible for the current run-off since they own the property.

Linda Stopfel reported she was unable to find alternative funding sources, but noted laptop prices had dropped and NAS quoted approximately $650 for a suitable laptop. EMC Charlie Bisking agreed to obtain a detailed quote with needed software and hardware for next month's meeting. Bisking also reminded the board that all NIMS testing must be completed by August 30, 2010 for grant eligibility.

Gary Shultz noted no completion date had been established for the barn clean-up. Linda Stopfel reported that Carl Dickson was waiting for cooler temperatures but committed to completing it no later than the end of October.

Linda Stopfel reported Carl Dickson offered to provide prisoners to clean out the two Park rental units if the Township provided a dumpster. Dale Shoop requested immediate authorization to rent a dumpster to remove carpet from the Farmhouse, noting fees were based on tonnage not duration. Stopfel motioned to approve; carried 5:0.

Gary Shultz noted there had been no discussion about the Yeager building since Mr. Yeager vacated it. The board agreed to have Secretary Ferguson research property management companies to handle rental responsibilities on behalf of the Township.

Gary Shultz reiterated his interest in developing an ethics policy for all Township representatives and sought board support. The board agreed to have Secretary Ferguson contact PSATS and other local municipalities to obtain sample policies for consideration.

Gary Shultz reported that Alice Trowbridge from Larson Design reviewed park development plans and he was pleased with the direction. DCNR's Monica Hoffman indicated their legal counsel was still reviewing the farming question and could not comment. DCNR and CPC expressed confidence in future funding availability and willingness to assist. A public meeting is planned for early October with the date to be advertised.

Chairman Bechtel reported on the meeting with PennDOT regarding the traffic signal at Route 147/225, which was found to be located on private property outside public right-of-way. Solicitor Warshawsky explained PennDOT originally installed the signal and indicated a condemnation proceeding under eminent domain would likely be required, with responsibility for the proceedings and restitution to be determined. PennDOT agreed this should not impede Halifax Commons' HOP approval and was reviewing its files.

Carol Eppley reported on correspondence regarding House Bill 2431 and Senate Bill 1357, which would consolidate local municipalities and/or institute county oversight. Linda Stopfel noted that the deadline to voice formal opposition by resolution had already passed.

Chairman Bechtel raised Jerry Kissinger's request from public comment for guidance on his neighbor's Mile-a-Minute plant encroaching on his property. The board decided to have Roadmaster Dale Shoop meet with Mr. Masser personally to notify him of the concern and attempt to reach an amicable resolution.

Ken Hoover motioned to adjourn at 10:03 PM, seconded by Linda Stopfel; carried 5:0.