Monthly Business Meeting
Executive session held September 9, 8:35 PM to 9:30 PM — litigation
Summary
The Halifax Township Board of Supervisors held its monthly business meeting on September 14, 2009, called to order at 7:00 PM by Chairman Norma Shearer. Four of five supervisors were present — Norma Shearer, Linda Stopfel, Carol Eppley, and Ken Hoover — with Gary Shultz absent. The meeting, which ran until 8:37 PM, was marked by pointed public exchanges over township personnel matters, including a publicly read resignation request and resident questions about the hiring process for a new secretary, alongside land development enforcement and a new environmental ordinance initiative.
Resignation request read aloud during public comment: Jim Eppley asked Supervisor Carol Eppley to read an email from Donna Rode requesting his resignation from the Planning Commission and Fort Halifax Master Site Plan Committee. Eppley acknowledged a misdemeanor conviction and six months probation stemming from an incorrectly completed Financial Statement, but argued the matter was resolved and questioned its relevance to his volunteer roles. Supervisors Shearer and Stopfel voiced support for him remaining.
Meeting recessed on a 3–1 vote amid tense public comment: Linda Stopfel moved to recess at 7:18 PM after extended back-and-forth during public comment. The motion passed with Shearer, Stopfel, and Eppley voting yes; Ken Hoover voted no. The meeting resumed at 7:25 PM.
Residents pressed the board on the secretary hiring process: Donna Rode questioned why only the Secretary position was being advertised and not the Treasurer, whether the role would be full- or part-time, and where the office would be located. Solicitor Steve Dzuranin clarified the secretary is an appointed position. Residents Colleen Smith and Carolyn Nye separately raised questions about interview participation and resume submission procedures.
Matamoras Subdivision developer ordered to correct deficiencies: Engineer Tom Wilson reported that the subdivision developer had proceeded with construction without contacting the township or county. The board unanimously approved sending a formal letter with K&W Engineers' list of outstanding items directing the developer to correct the errors.
Hazardous waste ordinance referred to Planning Commission: Linda Stopfel, citing discussions with county and state officials and concerns about property values and public health, moved to task the Planning Commission with developing a scope of work for a potential hazardous waste ordinance. The motion carried unanimously. Solicitor Dzuranin separately urged that a Wind Turbine Ordinance be put in place proactively, noting "you can't wait until it's needed."
Engineering fee process reformed for land development applicants: In response to concerns raised by Brad Bruner, Engineer Tom Wilson described a new procedure where K&W Engineers will provide applicants an upfront cost estimate to be escrowed during plan review, with any balance reconciled afterward.
River Ridge Mobile Home Park granted time extension: The board unanimously approved extending the planning deadline for River Ridge Mobile Home Park to November 10, 2009.
Cedar Shopping Center intersection project update: Donna Rode reported that Cedar Shopping Center plans to proceed with the Rts. 147/225 intersection project once PennDot approves the Highway Occupancy Permit, and reassured neighboring property owners they would not lose land under the current PennDot plan.
Who was there
Norma Shearer (Chairman/Supervisor) · Linda Stopfel (Supervisor) · Carol Eppley (Supervisor) · Ken Hoover (Supervisor) · Tom Wilson (Engineer (K&W Engineers)) · Steve Dzuranin (Solicitor) · Dale Shoop (Roadmaster) · David Hoover (Secretary/Treasurer)
Public comments
Meeting business
1
Jim Eppley addressed an email from Donna Rode requesting his resignation, stating the legal issue was resolved with a misdemeanor and six months probation; Norma Shearer and Linda Stopfel supported him. Brad Bruner asked about engineering fee changes; Tom Wilson said K&W Engineers will provide initial estimates to be escrowed during plan review. Colleen Smith asked whether engineering estimates would be UCR and competitive (Tom Wilson confirmed), and whether grant writing was part of Hoover Financial Services' responsibilities (Norma Shearer said no). Carolyn Nye raised a question about resume submission for the secretary position. A recess was taken from 7:18 to 7:25 PM.
2
Paid interim bills and unpaid current bills were approved unanimously after Ken Hoover requested clarification on two bills. The August 10, 2009 business meeting minutes were approved unanimously. Linda Stopfel confirmed the Mountain Road ordinance would be advertised and acted upon in October. The August Financial Report was accepted.
3
Jim Eppley reviewed the report. A time extension for River Ridge Mobile Home Park to November 10, 2009 was approved unanimously. The Wind Energy Facilities scope of work is expected to be presented at the October Board of Supervisors meeting.
4
Tom Wilson reported the Matamoras Subdivision applicant proceeded with construction without contacting the Township or County. K&W Engineers submitted a letter of outstanding items on September 4, 2009. The Board unanimously approved sending a letter to the developer to correct the errors.
5
Solicitor Steve Dzuranin reviewed his report. Todd Etzweiler asked about the Casner property; Dzuranin said Mr. Casner has yet to be found. Colleen Smith asked about the Matamoras Subdivision location, which is at the Wayne Township line on Matamoras Road.
6
Dale Shoop reviewed his report. He confirmed attendance at the September 16, 2009 Wise/Mahoney hearing was not necessary per Solicitor Dzuranin. Shoop requested that new flood plan maps be reviewed by the Planning Commission and Tom Wilson when received, and agreed to work with the Planning Commission on this. Public newspaper notification will be required when maps are received.
7
Postcards were mailed September 1, 2009 inviting residents to public meetings on September 15 and September 28. Norma Shearer provided a report of items completed to date to Secretary/Treasurer David Hoover for copies.
8
Donna Rode raised questions about the Hoover Financial Services contract and the secretary position advertisement, including scope, full-time vs. part-time status, and office location; Solicitor Dzuranin clarified the secretary is an appointed position. Rode also reported Cedar Shopping Center will continue its project at the Rts. 147/225 intersection upon PennDot HOP approval. Linda Stopfel noted Rudi Erb will receive a $2,000 grant and will not need the Township's $1,000 donation for the Price Road cleanup, and that Darren Mauser's Eagle Scout project is approximately $300 short. Norma Shearer's motion to move the "Welcome to Halifax" sign to near Engle Rissinger's property was approved unanimously.
9
Mike Bistline asked to be removed from the agenda regarding SALDO/Plan Review. Linda Stopfel proposed a Hazardous Waste Ordinance citing real estate devaluation and health/safety concerns; the Board unanimously approved referring it to the Planning Commission for a scope of work. Solicitor Dzuranin noted a Wind Turbine Ordinance must be in place before it is needed. Jerome Kissinger asked about septic work bidding at Fort Halifax Park and Reed's diesel fuel; Dale Shoop said Masser was chosen without bidding due to an emergency and Reed's is the only local diesel fuel delivery company.
10
Ken Hoover motioned to adjourn at 8:37 PM. Linda Stopfel seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
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