Monthly Business Meeting

Dale Shoop explained the paving bill from Handwerk Materials exceeded the original $107,000 bid due to additional materials needed for low spots on Bunker Hill Road and extra paving on Camp Hebron Road, noting liquid fuel money is authorized for this work. Supervisor Eppley moved to approve the bills totaling $170,373.08, seconded by Supervisor Ruff; motion carried 5-0.

Supervisor Eppley moved to approve the June 9, 2008 minutes as written, seconded by Supervisor Ruff; motion carried 5-0. Chairman Shearer requested the secretary sign off on the minutes with "Respectfully Submitted By Carolyn Nye."

The applicant requested a time extension on the plan. The secretary was authorized to send a letter stating the applicant must comply with deficiencies per K & W memos of October 4, 2006 and July 3, 2008 before an extension will be considered. The plan is believed to expire in August 2009.

The Board granted a 90-day time extension (Ruff/Hoover, 5-0), waived the preliminary plan requirement (Eppley/Ruff, 5-0), modified the wetland assessment requirement to allow a letter from a qualified individual indicating absence of jurisdictional wetlands (Hoover/Eppley, 5-0), and waived sidewalks (Shultz/Eppley, 5-0). The applicant raised concerns about stormwater management financial hardship; the Planning Commission recommended rethinking the stormwater approach and submitting new information.

Tom Wilson reported that a June 11 meeting discussed connecting the Lenker Estates Development into the proposed sanitary sewer extension, which would require DEP authorization. The assessment would study converting the Lenker treatment plant into a pumping station connecting to the Sewer and Water Authority treatment plant, at an approximate cost of $1,800. The Board deferred further discussion to the August meeting when Justin Kuhn will attend in place of Tom Wilson.

Supervisor Eppley moved to accept the Deed of Dedication for a portion of the Parmer Drive roadway, seconded by Supervisor Ruff; motion carried 5-0.

Supervisor Ruff moved to authorize the Solicitor to send a second letter regarding the Harn nuisance, seconded by Supervisor Eppley; motion carried 5-0.

Supervisor Eppley moved to authorize the Solicitor to send a second notice that the violation has not been cured, seconded by Supervisor Shultz; motion carried 5-0.

David Getz outlined the abandonment process: advertisement for a public hearing, 10 days prior written notice to adjacent property owners, a vote, and filing at the courthouse. Solicitor Steve Dzuranin suggested the statute calls for a draft or survey of the road. Dale Shoop noted liquid fuel maps might be helpful. The Board agreed the Solicitor should move forward; the portion involved is 9/10 of a mile.

Chairman Shearer explained this resolution allows the Township to apply for grant money in connection with the Regional Comprehensive Plan. Supervisor Eppley moved to approve the resolution, seconded by Supervisor Shultz; motion carried 5-0.

Dale Shoop reported all park boundary monuments were installed as of the prior week. Two violators still have not removed all junk, and the 30-day cleanup period is approaching. The Solicitor will provide language for the secretary to send another letter under Township letterhead.

Supervisor Hoover moved to approve the building permit application for Heidi Kerstetter, seconded by Supervisor Eppley; motion carried 5-0.

Dale Shoop reported the Halifax Ambulance Association wants to build a 45 x 90 addition and requested the Township waive the land development plan requirement. Supervisor Eppley moved to deny the waiver request, seconded by Supervisor Shultz; Supervisor Hoover opposed, motion carried 4-1.

Supervisor Ruff moved to appoint Bob Artman as representative to the Valleys Regional Comprehensive Plan, seconded by Supervisor Eppley; motion carried 5-0.

Chairman Shearer reported the Upper Dauphin Income Tax Office annual meeting is set for July 21 at 7:00 p.m. at the Millersburg Borough Office, noting this meeting has not taken place since 2005. From June 30, 2006 to April 9, 2007 there was no one heading the office; Custer and Faust, formerly auditors, are now assisting as advisors. Thirteen municipalities and four school districts are invited; Supervisors Shearer and Eppley stated they will attend. A new auditor will be appointed for fiscal years 2007-2008, and COG recommended both a financial and operational audit.

Eileen Snyder asked if monuments would be placed on the north and east ends of the park property; Chairman Shearer stated the boundary is clearly marked. Eileen reported the farmer's truck was parked on her property again that spring; Dale Shoop will talk to the tenant farmer. She also asked about a buffer zone between her property and the park and how long farming will continue; Chairman Shearer stated both issues relate to the Master Site Plan, and Supervisor Ruff believes two years of farming remain.

Florence McGuire asked for status on the proposed tenant lease, rent and utility arrearages, Wayne Township's outstanding worker's comp pro-rata share, the reimbursement policy for unattended workshops, and Buffalo Park Road. Supervisor Ruff stated the lease is unsigned and the Mannings have concerns, including not having seen electric/oil bills since January. Chairman Shearer stated the Township is working on these matters, Buffalo Park Road will be addressed in the Master Site Plan, and affirmed the reimbursement policy's hardship clause.

Corin Teeter spoke about safety concerns along South Route 147. Supervisor Ruff moved to send a letter to PennDOT requesting a review of the area and consideration of reducing the speed limit and other safety measures from the traffic light south past the Lenker Development, seconded by Supervisor Eppley; motion carried 5-0. Board members were asked to submit any modifications to Corin's letter within 3-4 days.

Supervisor Eppley moved to authorize a study between Lehman Road and Route 225 not to exceed $3,900, seconded by Supervisor Ruff. Supervisor Shultz expressed concern about the cost given PennDOT might not approve it. Tom Wilson clarified this is a vehicular restriction study (not weight limit, which applies to bridges) assessing road curvature and sight distances. Supervisor Ruff will check if Reed Township will cost-share. The motion was tabled; Tom Wilson will do a brief $200 assessment in the interim to evaluate potential for meeting restriction criteria.

An individual requested to lease approximately 10 acres of overgrown field on the park property between the creek and Fuhrman Drive. Supervisor Eppley moved to authorize advertising for bids, seconded by Supervisor Shultz. Supervisor Ruff expressed concern about how this might affect the Master Site Plan; discussion also addressed requiring written proof of access. Supervisor Ruff opposed; motion carried 4-1. The Solicitor will provide advertisement language to the secretary.