Monthly Business
Executive session held 6:00 p.m. to 6:40 p.m. — personnel
Summary
The Halifax Township Board of Supervisors held its final monthly business meeting of 2024 on December 9, with all five supervisors present: Chairman Kenneth Bechtel, Brad Bruner, Randy Paul, Steve Schreffler, and Scott McBurney. An executive session on personnel matters preceded the public meeting. The agenda was dominated by year-end fiscal actions — adopting the 2025 budget and tax resolutions — alongside infrastructure projects, nuisance enforcement, and continued investment in Fort Halifax Park.
- 2025 budget adopted and tax resolutions approved: The board unanimously adopted the 2025 budget, the 2025 Tax Resolution, and an Emergency Tax Resolution. A Supplemental Appropriations Resolution was also approved to close out the 2024 fiscal year.
- Pole building contract amended to $177,000: The board amended its contract with Rocky Mountain Contractors, LLC for the township's 60×100 pole building, adding bubble wrap insulation, 16-foot walls, and 14-foot garage doors. A revised quote for the 50×30 wash bay with matching upgrades was requested and deferred to the January 13, 2025 meeting.
- $50,000 state grant secured for Fort Halifax: Scott McBurney reported that Halifax Township was approved for a $50,000 PA DCED grant for the Fort Halifax Farmhouse & Barn and public railroad crossing project. The board also expressed interest in pursuing a PA DCED grant for Matamoras Road.
- SALDO amendment hearing scheduled for February 10: The board authorized advertising for a Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance amendment hearing. The Planning Commission is also developing updates to the Stormwater Management Ordinance and a new Sign Ordinance, and has accepted the Kings Storage Facility and Hale Land Development Plan for review.
- Nuisance enforcement escalating at 194 Kinsinger Road: Solicitor Bruce Warshawsky reported that a second MDJ judgment was transferred to the Court of Common Pleas and a third nuisance letter was sent. If violations are not corrected by the January 13 meeting, the township will pursue enforcement action in Common Pleas court.
- Nuisance letter authorized for 49 Pawnee Lane: The board voted to send a formal notice for storing more than three unregistered vehicles in violation of Nuisance Ordinance 2013-8. Separately, the property at 3371 Peters Mountain Road was noted to have made significant improvements, avoiding a nuisance letter.
- Fort Halifax Park activities: The board authorized a school visit to Fort Halifax Park for a presentation by Vicki Vitolo of the Friends of Fort Halifax. Vo-Tech students are clearing the North River Trail of invasive species, and the Central Pennsylvania Conservancy has identified locations of a rare green dragon plant along the trail. During public comment, resident Michael Brewer spoke about the park's importance to the community.
- Church safety signs approved on Routes 147/225: The Valley Evangelical Covenant Church received approval to install signs within the PennDOT right-of-way to address motorist safety concerns.
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)
Public comments
Meeting business
SECRETARY/TREASURER REPORT
Supervisor McBurney motioned, seconded by Supervisor Paul, to amend the approval of the 60 x 100 pole building to Rocky Mountain Contractors, LLC to include bubble wrap, 16' walls, and 14' garage doors for $177,000.00. Motion carried 5-0.
The Board requested a new quote from Rocky Mountain Contractors, LLC to amend the wash bay bid to include 16' walls and 14' garage doors. Discussion was deferred to the January 13, 2025 meeting.
Supervisor McBurney motioned, seconded by Supervisor Paul, to approve paid interim bills through December 9, 2024. Motion carried 5-0.
Supervisor Schreffler motioned, seconded by Supervisor Paul, to approve unpaid bills through December 9, 2024. Motion carried 5-0.
Supervisor Paul motioned, seconded by Supervisor Schreffler, to approve the November 11, 2024 regular meeting minutes. Motion carried 5-0.
PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
The Planning Commission met December 2, 2024, addressing the SALDO Ordinance final draft, a stormwater management ordinance update presented by Alex Greenly of HRG, Inc., review of two sign ordinances, acceptance of Kings Storage Facility for review, and the Hale Land Development Plan revision. Supervisor McBurney motioned, seconded by Supervisor Bruner, to approve advertising for a SALDO Amendment Hearing on February 10 at 6:00 p.m. Motion carried 5-0.
ROADMASTER REPORT
Roadmaster Matt Roland reported that pipes were extended and material added to Lower Middle Road, a pad for the pole shed was constructed, and tree trimming was completed on township property. Report submitted by Matt Roland, Ryan Malone, and Colton Warfel.
FRIENDS OF FORT HALIFAX REPORT
Vicki Vitolo reported that Dauphin County Vo-Tech instructor Kent Brady and students are clearing the North River Trail of invasive species, and Brennan Ka'aihue of Central Pennsylvania Conservancy flagged areas with the rare green dragon plant at the north end of the trail. Supervisor Schreffler motioned, seconded by Supervisor Paul, to allow Halifax science teacher Dina Taucher and students to visit Fort Halifax Park on December 12, 2024 for a presentation by Vicki Vitolo. Motion carried 5-0.
NUISANCE REPORT
Solicitor Warshawsky reported that the second 2024 MDJ judgment was transferred to the Court of Common Pleas and a third nuisance letter was sent inviting the property owner to the December 9 meeting. If the nuisance is not corrected by the January 13, 2025 meeting, enforcement action will proceed in the Court of Common Pleas.
Supervisor McBurney motioned, seconded by Supervisor Bechtel, to send a nuisance letter to 49 Pawnee Lane for violation of Nuisance Ordinance 2013-8, Section 2A(4) regarding more than three unregistered vehicles not sheltered or enclosed. Motion carried 5-0.
OLD BUSINESS
Supervisor McBurney advised that Halifax Township was approved for a PA DCED Grant in the amount of $50,000.00 for the Fort Halifax Farmhouse & Barn/Public Railroad Crossing/CPC project.
NEW BUSINESS
Supervisor Bruner motioned to dispense with the reading, carried 5-0. Supervisor McBurney then motioned, seconded by Supervisor Paul, to approve the Supplemental Appropriations Resolution for the 2024 Budget. Motion carried 5-0.
Supervisor Schreffler motioned to dispense with the reading, carried 5-0. Supervisor Schreffler then motioned, seconded by Supervisor McBurney, to approve the 2025 Tax Resolution. Motion carried 5-0.
Supervisor McBurney motioned, seconded by Supervisor Paul, to approve the 2025 Budget Adoption. Motion carried 5-0.
Supervisor Bruner motioned, seconded by Supervisor Paul, to approve sending variance letters to property owners affected by Halifax Township's pole building. Motion carried 5-0.
Supervisor Bruner motioned to dispense with the reading, carried 5-0. Supervisor Schreffler then motioned, seconded by Supervisor Paul, to approve the Emergency Tax Resolution. Motion carried 5-0.
Supervisor Schreffler motioned, seconded by Supervisor Paul, to approve signs that The Valley Evangelical Covenant Church wishes to place on State Route 147/225 PennDOT right-of-way for motorist safety concerns. Motion carried 5-0.
ADJOURNMENT
Supervisor Bruner motioned, seconded by Supervisor Paul, to adjourn the meeting at 9:35 p.m. Motion carried 5-0.
This page is an automated summary of official township records. For the authoritative version, always refer to the original document.