Monthly Business
Summary
The Halifax Township Board of Supervisors held its monthly business meeting on December 8, 2025, running from 7:00 to 9:02 PM. All five supervisors were present: Chairman Kenneth Bechtel, Brad Bruner, Randy Paul, Steve Schreffler, and Scott McBurney. The meeting covered a wide range of township business, with key actions on land use ordinances, a road vacation, equipment procurement, and early steps toward a regional EMS authority.
- Sign Ordinance tabled indefinitely: After the Planning Commission reviewed the draft ordinance with Mike Gensemer of Building Underwriters of PA, Inc., the board voted unanimously to table the sign ordinance until further notice. The solicitor's firm, Cunningham, Chernicoff & Warshawsky, will review the ordinance for inconsistencies once a cost estimate is provided.
- Amended Solar Ordinance adopted: The board unanimously approved an amended solar ordinance updating township regulations on solar energy installations.
- Portion of Keiffer Road vacated: Supervisors approved Ordinance 25-15-2025 vacating and closing a portion of Keiffer Road for the Shoop property (5-0). Resident Jim Snyder asked during public comment which section of the road was being affected.
- Alkota steam pressure washer purchased for $8,504.30: After reviewing three quotes, the board approved purchasing an Alkota steam unit for the Road Department's wash bay and separately voted to fund the remaining balance.
- Conditional subdivision approval at 421 Million Dollar Road: The board approved a letter committing to approve a subdivision at 421 Million Dollar Road pending engineer Alex Greenly's review for compliance with the township's Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance.
- SPAAR rocket launches approved at Fort Halifax: The South Penn Association for Amateur Rocketry was granted permission to use Fort Halifax for launches on four Saturdays in 2026: May 9, June 27, July 25, and September 19.
- EMS Authority planned for Upper Dauphin County: Chairman Kenneth Bechtel reported that a COG study on keeping emergency services in the area has led to plans for a joint EMS Authority covering Millersburg and Halifax Township. No formal action was taken.
- Property encroachment complaint: Resident Christopher Gilmore alleged the Road Department encroached on his property to divert water that causes road problems in winter, claiming the township destroyed his property. The township holds a 16.5-foot right-of-way; no action was taken.
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) · Matt Roland (Roadmaster) · Sara Glace (Secretary)
Public comments
Meeting business
Secretary/Treasurer Report
Supervisors approved paid and unpaid bills through December 8, 2025 (motions by McBurney/Paul and Schreffler/Paul, both 5-0). November 10, 2025 regular meeting minutes were approved (motion by Paul/McBurney, 5-0). Financial report was placed on record for audit.
EMC Report
Chief Tim Neiter was present and provided a November 2025 report. The board voted 5-0 to dispense with the reading of the 2025 Dauphin County EOP Resolution (motion by Bruner/Paul), then voted 5-0 to approve the resolution (motion by Schreffler/Paul).
Planning Commission Recommendation
The Planning Commission discussed the Sign Ordinance with Mike Gensemer of Building Underwriters of PA, Inc., who advised that L&I follows Appendix H of the IBC Code. The commission voted to have Cunningham, Chernicoff & Warshawsky review the ordinance for inconsistencies pending a cost estimate. The board voted 5-0 to table the Sign Ordinance until further notice (motion by Paul/Schreffler).
Roadmaster Report
Three quotes were presented for a Steam Jennie for the wash bay. The board voted 5-0 to approve the purchase of an Alkota unit for $8,504.30 (motion by Schreffler/Paul), then voted 5-0 to fund the balance (motion by McBurney/Schreffler).
Nuisance Report
Solicitor Joe Kanfer advised the board that a complaint was filed regarding 3371 Peters Mountain Road but no court date has been provided yet.
Administrative
The board voted 5-0 to approve advertising for the Budget Adoption Meeting, scheduled for Monday, December 15, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. (motion by Schreffler/Paul).
The board voted 5-0 to approve the Amended Solar Ordinance (motion by McBurney/Paul).
Chairman Bechtel reported on the COG meeting held at the Halifax Township Building on November 20, 2025. The COG study focused on keeping Emergency Services in Upper Dauphin County. Bechtel advised that an EMS Authority would be established for Millersburg and Halifax Township.
Old Business
The board voted 5-0 to approve the Vacating and Closing Portion of Keiffer Road Ordinance 25-15-2025 in Halifax Township for Shoop (motion by Bruner/Paul). During public comment, Jim Snyder had asked which portion of Keiffer Road was being vacated and closed.
Supervisor McBurney reported he applied for a DCED grant to help cover the expense of making the railroad crossing public. Discussion focused on finding a broker for Fort Halifax.
New Business
The board voted 5-0 to approve SPAAR to use Fort Halifax for rocket launches on May 9, June 27, July 25, and September 19, 2026 (motion by McBurney/Schreffler).
Jon Leslie asked the board about stormwater management requirements if he reduced disturbed impervious coverage to 9,837 square feet, seeking a Stormwater Management Exemption. HRG engineer Alex Greenly agreed to re-review the plan.
The board voted 5-0 to approve a letter stating that upon review by HRG engineer Alex Greenly for compliance with the Halifax Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, the board will approve a subdivision for 421 Million Dollar Road (motion by Bruner/Paul).
This page is an automated summary of official township records. For the authoritative version, always refer to the original document.