Monthly Business

Supervisors approved paid interim bills (motion by McBurney, second by Paul, 5-0), current unpaid bills (motion by Paul, second by Schreffler, 5-0), and minutes from the July 13, 2015 meeting (motion by Paul, second by McBurney, 5-0). The financial report was reviewed with no comments and placed on file for audit.

Chairperson Flo Mallonee reported the Planning Commission met August 3, 2015 and addressed questions from a buyer on Million Dollar Road regarding placing a modular home on a superior wall basement, including driveway and stormwater management concerns. The Commission also accepted plans from Flight Source for review and announced upcoming work to update the SALDO, including separating stormwater and permit processes into a separate ordinance.

Steve Roe presented Engineer Tom Wilson's report dated August 5, 2015 on Wilson's behalf. No action was taken. Chairman Bechtel raised questions about Sheetz curbing and whether a waiver is needed, which was tabled until the next meeting.

Solicitor Bruce Warshawsky presented his report dated August 5, 2015. He delivered an $882 check to the Township for professional fees from the Charles Paulvir bankruptcy. Updates included: UDITO litigation parties reaching consensus on how to proceed; a pre-nuisance letter to be sent regarding free-roaming chickens; a motion (5-0) to execute the Sheetz HOP resolution contingent on engineer memo satisfaction and agreements; a motion (3-2) to extend cleanup time for the Masser/Smeltz nuisance; a motion (5-0) directing Mr. Lenker to address vegetation on the DONCO dirt pile; Armstrong Valley Winery noise levels found below nuisance level; and nuisance letters authorized for Farhat Excavating (4-1) and Cedar Halifax Land LLC (4-1) for overgrown vegetation.

Roadmaster Corey Stazewski presented his July 2015 report. The Board waived the building permit fee for Halifax Area Recreation Authority to run electric to the shed on McClellan Road (motion by Paul, second by McBurney, 5-0). Stazewski was directed to get quotes for line painting on newly paved roads, reported the traffic light would be repaired by week's end, and discussed purchasing a new pay loader to replace the one in service since 1988. The road mower is in poor condition but expected to last through the current mowing season.

The SEO Report for July was submitted and made part of the records. No further discussion.

Secretary Wendy Wentzel proposed a social media page for residents; supervisors decided to gather resident feedback first. She also proposed a newsletter for residents unable to attend meetings; supervisors asked her to research bulk mail permit and printing costs. The 2014 Liquid Fuels Audit was completed with a clean record.

Attorney Christian Daghir spoke on behalf of Emory Eyster (116 N. 5th Street), who placed a decorative rock at the corner of N. Fifth and Maple Streets near a utility pole to prevent vehicles from encroaching on his property, an issue for 45 years. A motion to place markers at the rock location was defeated 3-2. The Board agreed to let the rock remain while the engineer and roadmaster inspect the site and develop a design and cost estimate for rounding the curve, replacing curbing, and repaving.

The ordinance had been approved for advertising and adoption at the August 10 meeting but was not advertised in time. It will be advertised for adoption at the September 14, 2015 meeting.

Fred Ford, Chairman of the Halifax Sewer and Water Authority, requested the Township send two representatives and optionally the solicitor to the Authority's August 18 meeting to discuss what the Township wants in the ordinance. The main concern was the short timeframe property owners have to hook on after notification, given the financial burden. Chairman Bechtel agreed to attend and share the Township's concerns.

After discussion, the Board voted 5-0 (motion by McBurney, second by Paul) to post proposed ordinances on the Township website when they are advertised in the newspaper for adoption, noted as drafts. A resolution for posting draft minutes had been enacted previously.

Discussion was held regarding holding tanks in the flood zone and flood plain. The Board unanimously decided to have the Planning Commission review and consider changes to the holding tank requirements.

Resident Chad Lebo raised concerns that Middle Road cannot handle the increased traffic volume caused by the PennDOT Route 147 detour for rock fence replacement. He requested speed limit reductions to 25 mph, yellow line painting, and improvements to blind corners below his house. The Board acknowledged the road needs review; a meeting was scheduled for Wednesday with Roadmaster Stazewski, Steve Roe, and Lebo to assess the area. A traffic study would be required to reduce the speed limit.

The Department of Environmental Protection emailed concerns about the Scott Corsnitz property and drain problems along Camp Hebron Road, specifically regarding covered pipes. The Township has an existing agreement with Corsnitz to replace the pipes and is aware of the situation. The Conservation District reported no problems. DEP asked Corsnitz to halt earth moving until their report is complete.

The last gypsy moth spraying was in spring 2009. Dauphin County will spray in spring 2016, paying 50% of qualified acres with no federal funding this time. The remaining cost of $28–30 per acre (from a total of $56–60 per acre) would be split between landowners and the Township. The Board voted 5-0 (motion by Paul, second by Bruner) to opt into the program, with residents paying their fair share above the County's contribution.