Monthly Business Meeting
Summary
The Halifax Township Board of Supervisors held its monthly business meeting on June 13, 2011, at 7:00 PM with all five supervisors present: Chairman Kenneth Bechtel, Gary Shultz, Linda Stopfel, Carol Eppley, and Ken Hoover. Stormwater drainage dominated public comment, with two residents raising runoff concerns, and the board addressed a range of land development, infrastructure, and park management items. Corey Stazewski was introduced as the township's new Roadmaster. All votes were unanimous at 5-0.
Mildred Lebo Trust subdivision plan conditionally approved — The board granted six SALDO waivers covering preliminary plan procedures, wetland delineation, street widening, curbing, sidewalks, and contour intervals, then approved the plan contingent on financial security, a revised $2,500 estimate for a Stabilized Construction Entrance, Dauphin County Conservation District review, stormwater management compliance, and a maintenance agreement.
Valleys Regional Comprehensive Plan formally adopted — The board waived the full reading and voted to adopt the regional comprehensive plan resolution.
Grant procedure policy tabled after contentious discussion — Gary Shultz moved to adopt a policy requiring board awareness before grant applications are filed. Linda Stopfel argued the policy could deter grant writing and suggested instead setting aside matching funds. Resident Bonnie Freeman echoed concerns about discouraging grant writers. Chairman Kenneth Bechtel maintained the board should know about applications and matching fund obligations before they are submitted. Carol Eppley moved to defer the matter to July.
Fellowship Drive paving project put on hold — A 475-foot liquid fuels paving project estimated at $18,000 was deferred pending a July decision by the Halifax Sewer and Water Authority on a proposed sewage project in the same area that could tear up newly paved road.
Stormwater complaints referred for investigation — Albert Wentzel raised drainage problems at Third and Maple, prompting a directed site visit by Dale Shoop and Roadmaster Stazewski. Mike Sweigard described ongoing runoff from the Lenker Development onto his farm; Chairman Kenneth Bechtel reported personally observing water flowing from Massers across the Sweigard property during a rainstorm and said the engineer will review the stormwater plan when submitted.
Ft. Halifax Park: fish habitat application and unauthorized campsite — The board approved filing a PA Fish Commission Technical Assistance Program application for fish habitat enhancement and bank stabilization. Separately, after an unauthorized campsite was discovered on the east side of the creek, the board directed its removal and authorized Brad Bruner to produce six new signs (three park rules, three no-unauthorized-vehicles). Roadmaster Stazewski will serve as the contact for park violations, with authority to call State Police if needed.
Matamoras subdivision developer cited for violation — Engineer Tom Wilson determined the developer's work did not match the submitted plan. Solicitor Bruce Warshawsky was directed to send a notice to remedy deficiencies and increase the developer's letter of credit.
Township vehicle decisions — Roadmaster Corey Stazewski was authorized to research a replacement pickup truck, and the board approved advertising the 1994 truck with plow for sale. Employee Ramie was approved for mileage reimbursement at $0.51 per mile for use of his personal truck after his assigned township pickup was found to have a rusted-through frame and gas tank straps.
Who was there
Kenneth Bechtel (Chairman/Supervisor) · Gary Shultz (Supervisor) · Linda Stopfel (Supervisor) · Carol Eppley (Supervisor) · Ken Hoover (Supervisor) · Bruce Warshawsky (Solicitor) · Tom Wilson (Engineer) · Corey Stazewski (Roadmaster) · Dale Shoop (Township Official) · Carolyn Nye (Secretary/Treasurer)
Public comments
Meeting business
SECRETARY/TREASURER REPORT
Supervisor Hoover moved to approve the interim bills, seconded by Supervisor Shultz. Motion carried 5-0.
Supervisor Shultz moved to approve the current unpaid bills. Motion carried 5-0.
Both sets of minutes were approved as written. Supervisor Hoover moved to approve the May 9 minutes and Supervisor Shultz moved to approve the May 20 minutes. Both motions carried 5-0.
PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
The Board approved multiple SALDO waivers for the plan, including modifications to preliminary plan procedures, wetland delineation, street widening, curbing, sidewalks, and contour requirements. The plan was then approved contingent upon providing financial security, revising the estimate to show $2,500 for a Stabilized Construction Entrance, DCCD review, stormwater management, and the maintenance agreement. Both motions carried 5-0.
ENGINEER REPORT
Engineer Tom Wilson reported the developer is in violation of the SALDO based on his inspection, which determined the work was not done per the submitted plan. The Solicitor will send Mr. Jorich a notice to remedy the deficiency and increase the Letter of Credit.
SOLICITOR REPORT
The Solicitor will send a letter to Mr. Bistline outlining his obligation for outstanding fees related to the Bistline Plan.
ROADMASTER REPORT
Dale Shoop presented the liquid fuels project report. Fellowship Drive is sited for 475 feet of paving at approximately $18,000, but the Board decided to wait for the Sewer and Water Authority's decision on a proposed sewage project before proceeding, per Fred Ford's recommendation. Matamoras Road needs widened as a two-year project, and Triangle Manor requires drainage before paving. Corey Stazewski was introduced as the new Roadmaster. A Hickory Hills homeowner complained about a drainage issue from a township drain that will need correction and possibly an easement.
ADMINISTRATIVE
The Board clarified that the nuisance complaint policy requires an individual to either voice the complaint at a public meeting or submit it in writing with a signature. The record is subject to the right-to-know law.
OLD BUSINESS
Supervisor Stopfel moved to waive the reading of the resolution, carried 5-0. Supervisor Shultz then moved to adopt the resolution, seconded by Supervisor Stopfel. Motion carried 5-0.
Supervisor Shultz moved to approve the grant procedure policy. During discussion, Supervisor Stopfel raised concerns about deterring the grant-writing process and suggested setting money aside for matching funds. Bonnie Freeman commented on difficulty finding experienced grant writers. Chairman Bechtel stated he opposes grants being applied for without the Board's awareness. Supervisor Eppley moved to defer the discussion until next month. Motion to defer carried 5-0.
Supervisor Shultz discussed the need for a new pickup truck, including its use for inmate work crews. The Board authorized Corey Stazewski to research vehicle options and pricing (motion carried 5-0) and approved advertising the 1994 truck with plow for sale (motion carried 5-0).
Dale Shoop reported a nuisance violation on the Masser property based on his site visit. He was assigned to photograph the property and provide the pictures to the Solicitor, who will respond to a letter from Mr. Masser's attorney regarding the nuisance.
NEW BUSINESS
Chairman Bechtel gave an overview of the June 2 site evaluation at Ft. Halifax Park for fish habitat enhancement and bank stabilization. Supervisor Stopfel moved to proceed with the TAP application with the Fish Commission, carried 5-0. Supervisor Eppley will assist in preparing the application.
Ramie's township pickup truck is unusable due to rusted gas tank straps and frame. The Board approved reimbursing Ramie at $0.51 per mile for use of his personal truck on township business (motion carried 5-0). The Solicitor noted mileage reimbursement is only reportable income if it exceeds the IRS rate. Contact will be made with Tom Troutman regarding insurance coverage, and Ramie must keep a daily log for reimbursement.
Based on a report from Norma Shearer, Corey Stazewski and Dale Shoop investigated and found an unauthorized campsite on the east side of the creek at Ft. Halifax Park. The Board instructed them to remove the items and store them at the Township building. Supervisor Stopfel moved to have Brad Bruner make three park rules signs and three no-unauthorized-vehicles signs, carried 5-0. Corey Stazewski will be the contact for park rule violations and will call State Police if necessary.
Following Norma Shearer's suggestion to recognize Boy Scouts contributing to the park, Supervisor Stopfel moved to authorize the secretary to research certificates for presentation to individuals making contributions to the Township. Motion carried 5-0.
ADJOURNMENT
Supervisor Hoover moved to adjourn, seconded by Supervisor Eppley. Motion carried 5-0.
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