Monthly Business Meeting

Supervisor Hoover motioned to approve the minutes of March 14, 2011 as written, seconded by Supervisor Eppley. Motion carried 4-0.

Supervisor Stopfel questioned the fuel bill for equipment and trucks and noted she will not attend the PSATS Convention grant writing session, with PSATS reimbursing the Township $100.00. Interim bills and April bills were each approved 4-0 on motions by Supervisor Hoover. Supervisor Stopfel asked about the business licenses and permits line item; Chairman Bechtel explained the unused/uncollected amount represents the budgeted amount not met.

Fred Ford reported the Planning Commission recommended forming a committee to review the Recreation Plan. Supervisor Hoover motioned to appoint Mark Reed, Flo Mallonee, and Donna Rode as committee members, seconded by Supervisor Eppley. Motion carried 4-0.

Christian Daghir, attorney for the Sewer Authority, explained a federal and PA DEP mandate requiring a larger chlorination system and requested a Land Development Plan exemption. Tom Wilson stated he was not opposed but requested an as-built plan and reimbursement of engineer review fees. Supervisor Stopfel motioned to approve the exemption, amended per the Solicitor to reflect the reasons in the Glace letter of April 7, 2011, the as-built plan requirement, and fee reimbursement. Motion carried 4-0.

Tom Wilson reported on the Matamoras Subdivision Plan financial security request, noting construction is not complete and modifications require increased security; the request to reduce security was denied 4-0, with the Solicitor to draft a letter to Mr. Jorich. For Halifax Ambulance, Tom's site inspection recommended reducing financial security while maintaining an amount for outstanding signage issues; Supervisor Eppley motioned to reduce per Tom's recommendation, carried 4-0.

The Solicitor reported on several matters: the Harman Stove Subdivision bond reduction process was clarified; the Linda Stopfel litigation has preliminary objections filed with the court; outstanding fees from Mr. Nightwine and Mr. Bistline are being pursued. For Fort Halifax Park damage, repairs estimated at $460.00 will be paid by Nationwide Insurance and done by Jim Long; the Board approved executing the release 4-0. The Board voted 4-0 to comply with the Office of Open Records decision on Norma Shearer's Right-to-Know appeal. Resolution #11-6-2011 for the Sewer Extension Accu Mold was adopted 4-0. Resolution #11-7-2011 establishing Right-to-Know fees of $5 for certification and $0.10 per page for hard copies was adopted 4-0.

Spring Cleanup is scheduled for May 13-14, accepting tires at $2 each. Dale Shoop obtained pickup truck replacement prices of $40,806.00 and $37,460.00 from two GMC dealers for the 1994 Chevy with nearly 100,000 miles that cannot pass inspection again; the Board tabled the decision. Supervisor Eppley motioned to get bids on saw logs from park trees with proceeds going to the Fort Halifax Account, carried 3-1 with Supervisor Hoover opposed. A second motion to get three bids on all remaining wood also carried 3-1. The 2011 Liquid Fuel appropriation was noted at $127,480.98.

Resolution #10-8-2011 adopting the Emergency Operation Plan (EOP) was approved 4-0. Charlie Bisking identified the need for new EMC deputies; Supervisor Hoover motioned to appoint Tim Lighter and Brad Bruner as EMC deputies, carried 4-0.

Bonnie Mahoney from Larson Design presented the Master Site Plan for Fort Halifax Park, with completion expected by end of September 2011. A public meeting is scheduled for May 12 at the Halifax High School cafeteria. Alice Trowbridge discussed potential funding partners including gaming money, a long-term railroad crossing for pedestrians and vehicles, and a management structure template provided to the Board.

Auditor Brad Bruner read the elected auditors' recommendations. The Board commended Boy Scouts for constructing new picnic tables at the park, with Supervisor Stopfel planning a press release. Supervisors Stopfel and Eppley will meet with Tom Troutman to review annual EMC insurance coverage. The Secretary was authorized 4-0 to set up internet banking for electronic fund transfers between accounts.

Supervisor Stopfel motioned to authorize a $15.00 fee for Raymond Maus to attend a tree tender program workshop for sycamore trees to be planted at the park, seconded by Supervisor Eppley. Motion carried 4-0.

Chairman Bechtel asked the Board to review the Tri County Planning Commission Memorandum of Understanding for discussion at the May meeting; he will speak with Tim Reardon about it. Dale Shoop informed the Board he wishes to semi-retire as Roadmaster; Supervisor Hoover motioned to authorize Dale to continue in a diminished capacity at $1,000/month gross wages, 41.5 hours/month, using his own truck with minimal gas card use, with dental and vision coverage, through February 1, 2012. Motion carried 4-0.

Upcoming meetings announced: Planning Commission meeting May 2 at 7 p.m., Township Meeting May 9 at 7 p.m., Planning Commission Workshop April 18 at 7 p.m., and Master Site Plan public meeting May 12 at the Halifax High School cafeteria.