Monthly Business Meeting

Supervisor Eppley motioned to approve bills totaling $23,445.29, seconded by Supervisor Shultz. Dale Shoop noted the Verizon bills were backwards, and Supervisor Ruff asked about a water pressure tank that Dale said was in the lunch room and needed replaced. Motion carried 5-0.

Supervisor Ruff motioned to approve the minutes as written, seconded by Supervisor Eppley. The Solicitor requested a correction on page 2 under the Engineer's report to remove the word "public" before "meeting." Motion carried 5-0.

Supervisor Ruff reported the park loan via M&T Bank shows a mortgage balance of $226,314.70 and a checking account balance of $97,149.03 for additional borrowed money. The checking account earns interest equal to the mortgage rate, with YTD interest of $956.53. The Township anticipates receiving $20,000 to apply to the account.

K&W Engineers reviewed Mountain Road between SR 147 and SR 225 regarding potential vehicle restrictions due to the tight S curve west of SR 225. Supervisor Ruff motioned to authorize K&W to complete the study, seconded by Supervisor Eppley. Supervisor Hoover opposed the cost; Supervisor Shultz said the initial study looked favorable to continue. Motion carried 4-1. Supervisor Ruff will deliver copies to Reed Township.

Supervisor Hoover motioned to authorize a study to include Lenker Estates in the Act 537 Plan, seconded by Supervisor Shultz. Supervisor Ruff felt older residences should be served first. Justin Kuhn explained the plan could be written so that after determining remaining EDUs, the Authority could connect Lenker Estates with a proposed expansion. Motion carried 5-0.

The Solicitor reported the Flight Source land development plan terminates in August 2009, and Mid Penn Bank notified the Township that the letter of credit is about to expire. Supervisor Ruff motioned to authorize the Solicitor to send a letter to Mid Penn Bank regarding the expiration, seconded by Supervisor Eppley. Motion carried 5-0.

The Township received a letter from Word of Life Chapel regarding dedication of Fellowship Drive. Supervisor Ruff motioned to authorize the Solicitor to respond to Word of Life Chapel and include Steve Dzuranin's June 4, 2008 letter to Attorney Radebaugh, seconded by Supervisor Eppley. Motion carried.

Supervisor Shultz motioned to authorize the Solicitor to send a letter to Wayne Township regarding their Worker's Compensation pro-rata share, seconded by Supervisor Ruff. Motion carried 5-0.

The Kauffman litigation fine goes to the benefit of the Township. The Manning lease has been signed by both parties and needs the Secretary's attestation. Mike Decker reported Mr. Casner may be living with his mother in Enola; Melinda Warfel asked to be notified of any address found for tax purposes. Patton Tire reported they are removing tires as money allows, with a September meeting deadline. Dale Shoop will investigate Mike Bistline's stormwater complaint at 3652 Peters Mountain Road adjacent to Patton Tire.

Supervisor Hoover motioned to approve building permit applications for Karen Kahler for a shed and Robert Reese for a pole barn, seconded by Supervisor Ruff. Motion carried 5-0.

Eastern Industries was initially awarded the bid for oil and chip on Matamoras and Price Road. Dale Shoop recommended postponing the project until next year due to additional paving costs this year and road conditions. Eastern Industries agreed in writing, and Dale contacted residents along these roads to inform them of the delay.

Two estimates were received for insulating the farm house, from S&T Insulation and American Aluminum. Supervisor Hoover motioned to authorize Dale to proceed with the lowest cost option, seconded by Supervisor Shultz. Motion carried 5-0.

Dale received an estimate of $1,166 for the Sycamore Allee sign and noted a deposit is needed to proceed. Supervisor Ruff motioned to authorize Dale to go ahead with the sign, seconded by Supervisor Eppley. Supervisor Hoover opposed. Motion carried 4-1.

Dale reported the tenant house needs cleaned out before insulation work can begin, as items remain from the Mannings' niece and a previous tenant. A small dumpster costs $175 plus tonnage. Supervisor Eppley motioned to authorize renting the dumpster, seconded by Supervisor Shultz. Motion carried 5-0.

Dale met with Eric from the Dauphin County Soil Conservation District about the Gypsy Moth spraying program. Residents must submit applications by August 15 to request spraying for next year. Dale's role is to coordinate spray blocks and serve as intermediary between residents and the County. He signed up the park property due to Gypsy Moth problems there.

PennDOT responded that the stormwater inlet box issue is the Township's responsibility. Dale reported a catch basin needs replaced at a cost of $480, requires equipment the Township doesn't have, and a flagger will be needed. Dale will check into PennDOT's policy and report back.

Supervisor Shultz reported that more estimates are being solicited for underground electrical service at the park. The Township used the Mannings' electricity for park functions in May and July. Supervisor Hoover motioned to pay the Mannings' total May and July electric bills of $176.20, seconded by Supervisor Ruff. Mike Decker suggested comparing year-over-year usage; Supervisor Ruff noted the Mannings were advised they could file a PUC claim. Supervisor Shultz opposed. Motion carried 4-1.

Extensive debate over the change of voting precinct #1 from the Township building to the Middle School. Supervisor Ruff stated supervisors have no authority over voting districts, which is a County matter, and that Steve Chiavetta of the Bureau of Elections expressed concerns about the current location's size and lack of handicap parking. Multiple residents opposed the change. Melinda Warfel said Chiavetta told her the request originated from Norma Shearer and Linda Ruff. Supervisor Hoover motioned to send a letter to the County Commissioners requesting the precinct be changed back to the Township building, seconded by Supervisor Shultz. Supervisor Ruff opposed, calling it inappropriate. Motion carried 4-1.

Mike Decker presented his EMC activity report including the 2008 Notification and Resource Manual for Board review. He also raised concerns about condemned buildings like the Casner property; the Solicitor will consult with Steve Dzuranin about a condemnation ordinance. Supervisor Ruff motioned to authorize mileage reimbursement to Mike Decker for EMC training, seconded by Supervisor Hoover. Motion carried 5-0.

Supervisor Ruff motioned to authorize a $200 donation to the Halifax Volunteer Home Care and to table the SUN Home Health & Hospice donation request until more information is received, seconded by Supervisor Hoover. Motion carried 5-0.

An Agricultural Security Workshop is scheduled for September 23 at 7:00 p.m. Supervisor Ruff shared information about a program offering up to $10 million in tax credits for sustainable farming practices. Lorie Mauser announced the Halifax Boy Scouts secured sponsorship for the Lykens Valley Minstrels on November 22-23 at Williams Valley High School, with $5 tickets to help pay off a trailer. Chairman Shearer reported the farm lease discussed at the last meeting will not be pursued because the land owner will not authorize access.

Supervisor Hoover motioned to adjourn at 9:30 p.m., seconded by Supervisor Eppley. Motion carried 5-0.