Monthly Business
Executive session held November 4, 2024 6:00 p.m. to 6:55 p.m.; November 11, 2024 6:05 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. — Not stated
Summary
The Halifax Township Board of Supervisors held their monthly business meeting on November 11, 2024, with all five supervisors present: Chairman Kenneth Bechtel, Brad Bruner, Randy Paul, Steve Schreffler, and Scott McBurney. The nearly three-hour session covered significant infrastructure spending, introduced a new ambulance tax for 2025, and advanced the township's annual budget toward adoption. Two executive sessions were held prior to the meeting, on November 4 and November 11.
Pole building contract awarded for $148,500: Rocky Mountain Contractors, LLC won the bid for a new 60×100 pole building, undercutting Dutchman Contracting's bid of $223,913. The board also directed staff to get a quote for insulating the structure. A separate bid from Rocky Mountain for a 50×30×14 wash bay at $151,750 was tabled until December — the only bid received for that project.
New ½-mill ambulance tax approved for 2025: To help sustain Halifax EMS, the board unanimously voted to add a ½-mill ambulance tax to the spring real estate tax bill, creating a new charge for township property owners beginning next year.
2025 budget sent to public advertising: The board approved the proposed 2025 budget for the required 20-day public advertising period, with two amendments: $3,349 for the Upper Dauphin Council of Governments' per-capita contribution ($1.00 per resident), and an adjustment to accommodate Halifax EMS funding.
Nuisance enforcement escalated at 194 Kinsinger Road: The board voted to file a formal judgment in the Court of Common Pleas against the property at 194 Kinsinger Road for violating Ordinance 2013-8, citing the storage and accumulation of junk materials.
Matamoras Road sight distance problem to be addressed: After an inspection by Engineer Alex Greenly and Roadmaster Matt Roland revealed that previous property owners had illegally tied into the township's drainage pipes at the Gregory Noell property, the board approved HRG's proposal to resolve the resulting sight distance hazard.
North River Trail project continues with student volunteers: The board approved a partnership with Dauphin County Technical School for students and their instructor to continue work on the North River Trail as a service project, and conditionally authorized equipment storage in the Wagon shed pending proof of liability insurance. A memorial dedication was also noted, honoring Mike Decker's community service with a deck built at Fort Halifax Park.
Floodplain violation letter sent to vacation rental: Engineer Alex Greenly reported that a letter was sent to River Edge Vacation Rentals, LLC at 165 Black Shoulder Lane regarding potential violations of the township's floodplain regulations.
Planning Commission updates: The commission continued work on updating development terminology and revising the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO). Kevin Heigle presented preliminary plans for a Dunkin' Donuts, Rise Street Beverage, and a pizza shop at the former Sheetz location. CAE Self Storage owner Jeff Roma presented revised phased plans that differ from previously approved plans.
Who was there
Kenneth Bechtel (Chairman/Supervisor) · Brad Bruner (Supervisor) · Randy Paul (Supervisor) · Steve Schreffler (Supervisor) · Scott McBurney (Supervisor) · Bruce Warshawsky (Solicitor) · Alex Greenly (Engineer, HRG, Inc.) · Matt Roland (Roadmaster) · Sara Glace (Secretary/Treasurer)
Meeting business
SECRETARY/TREASURER REPORT
Two bids were received: Dutchman Contracting, LLC at $223,913.00 and Rocky Mountain Contractors, LLC at $148,500.00. The Board voted 5-0 to award the 60 x 100 Pole Building to Rocky Mountain Contractors at $148,500.00, with a request to obtain a quote to bubble wrap the building.
One bid was received from Rocky Mountain Contractors, LLC at $151,750.00. The Board voted 5-0 to table the award of the Wash Bay until next month.
The Board approved paid interim bills and current unpaid bills through November 11, 2024, both passing 5-0. Meeting minutes for the October 14 Regular Meeting were approved 4-0-1, with Supervisor Bruner abstaining due to absence. Budget meeting minutes for October 21 and October 28 were each approved 5-0. The financial report was placed on file for audit.
EMC REPORT
Chief Tim Neiter was not present but submitted a written report for October 2024.
PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
The Planning Commission continued discussing updating terminology including development and revising SALDO. Kevin Heigle, representing Rise Street Beverage, presented potential plans for a Dunkin Donuts, Rise Street Beverage, and a Pizza Shop at the former Sheetz location. Jeff Roma of CAE Self Storage presented revised phased plans differing from the previously approved plans.
ENGINEER REPORT
HRG Engineer Alex Greenly presented his report dated November 8, 2024, covering October 2024 services. The Board voted 5-0 to reduce the John Costa Pole Structure amount from $9,071.00 to $4,549.00.
SOLICITOR REPORT
Solicitor Warshawsky submitted his report dated November 6, 2024, covering services during October 2024. The report was placed on record.
ROADMASTER REPORT
Roadmaster Matt Roland reported that fall mowing has been completed throughout Halifax Township, potholes were filled, and fall service will continue with trucks and equipment being prepared for winter.
FRIENDS OF FORT HALIFAX REPORT
Vicky Vitolo reported on a memorial dedication held November 3, 2024, honoring Mike Decker's community service with a deck built at Fort Halifax Park. The Board voted 5-0 to approve continuing the North River Trail Project with Dauphin County Technical School students and instructor as their service project, and voted 5-0 to conditionally approve storing the school's equipment in the Wagon shed for two weeks pending a Certificate of Liability.
NUISANCE REPORT
The Board voted 5-0 to send a standard letter and file a Judgement with the Court of Common Pleas against 194 Kinsinger Road for violation of Halifax Township Ordinance 2013-8 due to storage and accumulation of junk materials on the property.
OLD BUSINESS
Keiffer Road had no discussion or action. Supervisor McBurney reported submitting a $50,000 PA DCED Grant application for Fort Halifax Farmhouse & Barn and filing the 3rd Quarterly Report. The Board voted 5-0 to approve an HRG proposal to resolve the sight distance problem on Matamoras Road, where a drainage issue was found at Gregory Noell's property caused by previous owners tying into township drainage pipes. Stormwater Management Plan small project provisions will be addressed through modifications to allow increased impervious cover. CAE Storage Units financial security will not change since most stormwater work is in Phase 1. PennDOT sent a letter regarding North River Road speed limit studies taking up to 60 days, with the item deferred to January.
NEW BUSINESS
Chad Zimmerman of Dawood and Kevin Ricker attended regarding Sycamore Ridge's Traffic Signal Maintenance Agreement. Upper Dauphin COG requested $1.00 per person ($3,349.00 for Halifax Township) be included in the 2025 budget. The Board approved the 2025 Budget for 20-day advertising with two amendments: one for the COG request and one for Halifax EMS, both passing 5-0. A half-mill Ambulance Tax was added to the Spring Real Estate Tax to support Halifax EMS (5-0). The Traffic Signal Maintenance Agreement Resolution was approved 5-0. The Developer's Agreement for Anderson's was approved 5-0. HRG Engineer Greenly noted a floodplain violation letter was sent to River Edge Vacation Rentals, LLC regarding 165 Black Shoulder Lane.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:41 p.m. on a motion by Supervisor Bruner, seconded by Supervisor Paul, passing 5-0.
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