Monthly Business
Summary
The Halifax Township Board of Supervisors held their monthly business meeting on October 13, 2025, with all five supervisors present: Chairman Kenneth Bechtel, Brad Bruner, Randy Paul, Steve Schreffler, and Scott McBurney. The nearly two-hour session covered solar energy regulation, a major park infrastructure project estimated at over $778,000, two development agreements, and ongoing nuisance property enforcement.
Solar Ordinance changes moving forward: Acting on a Planning Commission recommendation, the board unanimously voted to advertise amendments to the Solar Ordinance that would reduce required fence height around solar installations from 8 feet to 6 feet and require opaque slats in fencing where a solar lot is adjacent to residential use.
Fort Halifax Park railroad crossing — $778,867 project: The board approved a DCED grant application ($100 fee) to help fund proposed modifications to the Fort Halifax Park private at-grade crossing at Norfolk Southern. The estimated total project cost is $778,867. A September site meeting with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, DCNR, and PUC had addressed the related boat launch.
$23,486.02 in fire relief funds donated: The full 2025 Volunteer Fire Relief allocation was approved for donation to the Halifax Fire Department.
Keiffer Road partial closure advertised: The board approved advertising an ordinance to vacate and close a portion of the southern end of Keiffer Road near its former intersection with Armstrong Valley Road, with the right-of-way reverting to adjoining landowners.
King's Developer's Agreement and Sycamore Ridge Easement approved: Both land development items passed unanimously.
Nuisance property updates: A hearing for 3371 Peters Mountain Road is set for November 18, 2025. Owners of 63A Price Road were directed to post additional "No Trespassing" signs and continue cleanup to prevent break-ins.
Tax administration: The board directed letters be sent to the Halifax Fire Department, Halifax Area Ambulance and Rescue Association, and Halifax Area Water and Sewer Authority about unclaimed property with the state Treasury. Melinda Warfel was asked to research the cost of sending EIT tax notices to residents through Keystone Collections.
Dead trees in right-of-way: Resident Steve Helt raised concerns about dead trees in the township right-of-way; Roadmaster Matt Roland was directed to obtain removal estimates.
Who was there
Kenneth Bechtel (Chairman) · 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)
Public comments
Meeting business
Secretary/Treasurer Report
Supervisor Schreffler motioned, seconded by Supervisor Paul, to approve the paid bills through Monday, October 13, 2025. Motion carried 5-0.
Supervisor Schreffler motioned, seconded by Supervisor Paul, to approve the unpaid bills through Monday, October 13, 2025. Motion carried 5-0.
Meeting Minutes
Supervisor McBurney motioned, seconded by Supervisor Schreffler, to approve the Monday, September 8, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes. Motion carried 5-0.
Planning Commission Recommendation
The Planning Commission recommended amending the Solar Ordinance to reduce the required fence height from eight feet to six feet and to require opaque slats in fencing when a lot subject to the Solar Ordinance is adjacent to residential use. Supervisor Paul motioned, seconded by Supervisor Schreffler, to advertise the proposed changes. Motion carried 5-0.
Roadmaster Report
Roadmaster Matt Roland reported that boom mowing and shoulder grading were done throughout Halifax Township, crack sealing was completed, a grease interceptor was installed, and the street sweeper was rebuilt. Report also submitted by Ryan Malone and Colton Warfel.
Nuisance Report
Solicitor Warshawsky advised the Board that a hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 8:30 a.m.
The Board requested that the owners of 63A Price Road put up additional "No Trespassing" signs and continue cleaning up the property to prevent individuals from breaking in.
Administrative
Supervisor McBurney motioned, seconded by Supervisor Schreffler, to donate $23,486.02 in 2025 Volunteer Fire Relief Money to Halifax Fire Department. Motion carried 5-0.
The 2026 estimated Liquid Fuels allocation is $179,420.79.
Supervisor Bruner motioned, seconded by Supervisor Paul, to accept and approve the advertisement of the Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission meeting dates for 2026. Motion carried 5-0.
The Board directed the Secretary to send letters to Halifax Fire Department, Halifax Area Ambulance and Rescue Association, and Halifax Area Water and Sewer Authority notifying them of unclaimed property with the Pennsylvania Department of Treasury. Melinda Warfel was asked to check on the cost of sending EIT tax notices to residents from Keystone Collections. The Board also requested a website notice reminding employers about the Local Services Tax exemption for employees earning under $12,000. Melinda Warfel reported meeting Tyler James, representing Halifax Area School District, regarding several Keystone Collection claims.
Old Business
Supervisor McBurney motioned, seconded by Supervisor Schreffler, to approve the advertisement to adopt the Keiffer Road Ordinance, which would vacate and close a portion of the southern end of Keiffer Road in the vicinity of the former intersection with Armstrong Valley Road in favor of the adjoining landowners. Motion carried 5-0.
Discussion covered a September 15, 2025 meeting with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, DCNR, and PUC at Fort Halifax Park regarding the boat launch. The total estimated cost for proposed modifications to the Fort Halifax Park Private At-Grade Crossing at Norfolk Southern is $778,867.00. Supervisor Schreffler motioned, seconded by Supervisor Paul, to apply for a DCED Grant with a $100.00 application fee to help cover costs. Motion carried 5-0.
New Business
Supervisor Paul motioned, seconded by Supervisor Bruner, to approve the King's Developer's Agreement. Motion carried 5-0.
Supervisor Schreffler motioned, seconded by Supervisor Bruner, to approve the Sycamore Ridge Easement Agreement. Motion carried 5-0.
This page is an automated summary of official township records. For the authoritative version, always refer to the original document.