Monthly Business Meeting

Interim and current bills were approved unanimously on a motion by Ken Hoover, seconded by Gary Schultz. The October 12, 2009 business meeting minutes were approved unanimously on a motion by Linda Stopfel, seconded by Carol Eppley. The October Financial Report was accepted after Secretary/Treasurer David Hoover explained new items on the balance sheet.

Jim Eppley reviewed the report. The Planning Commission recommended a 30-day extension for the River Ridge Mobile Home Park application, approved unanimously. The Strohecker Plan was reported as withdrawn. The Planning Commission completed scopes of work for a Wind Energy Ordinance and the board unanimously authorized the Solicitor and Engineer to provide cost estimates to complete it.

Jim Thiele recommended reducing the Charles Paulvir financial security agreement from $10,784.95 to $5,346.00, approved unanimously. The River Ridge Sewage Planning Module exemption was also approved unanimously. FEMA reported no changes to the township's flood plain areas; the board unanimously authorized K&W Engineering to prepare readable flood plain maps for public review, advertise the comment period, and respond to FEMA on the township's behalf within 30 days. A suggestion by Dean Miller to post flood plain maps on the website was tabled due to time and cost concerns. Chairman Shearer noted Tom Wilson has been attending Dauphin County Stormwater Management meetings on behalf of the township at no cost.

Solicitor Steve Dzuranin recommended approval of a two-year time extension for the Flight Source Land Development Plan, expiring August 23, 2011, which passed unanimously. A revised Fire Department Agreement with a term of 6/1/2009 to 5/31/2010 and automatic one-year renewals was approved unanimously. The full release of financial security for the Kerstetter and Chubb Subdivision Plan was also approved unanimously.

Dale Shoop reported he has been unable to find anyone willing to remove vehicles from the Harn property and has not been able to contact Mr. Harn. Dump clean-ups on Price Road and Middle Road were completed, with deer fencing scheduled for Price Road to prevent future dumping. Line painting on Matamoras Road, McClelland Road, and Parmer Drive was scheduled for November 10. Linda Stopfel inquired about electrical work at Fort Halifax Park, which Dale confirmed was underway.

Chairman Shearer reported that a summary of the public participation meetings has been posted on the township website. An open house is scheduled for December 9 at 7 PM at Halifax Elementary School to share meeting results.

Donna Rode declined the agenda request regarding the Secretary Position. Bob Artman, the township's representative on the Dauphin County EIT Committee, reported on committee meetings, describing them as a review of the act. Skip Memme from Derry Township was elected committee Chairman and Michelle Shuler from Lower Dauphin School District was elected Vice Chairman. The committee decided to reissue RFPs for a Solicitor with a 30-day response time due to controversy surrounding the initial appointment process.

Jake Gruver and Dean Miller presented plans for Armstrong Valley Vineyard & Winery at 212 Rutter Road, expecting to open publicly in 2011. Chairman Shearer discussed invasive weeds Kudzu and Mile-a-Minute and a Dept of Agriculture eradication program. Fire Relief Funds of $21,221.86 were unanimously approved for 100% distribution to Halifax Fire Department. Linda Stopfel raised the unenforced 1991 Landlord/Tenant Ordinance, with Melinda Warfel reviewing its history; the board will review it. The Planning Commission was unanimously authorized to investigate a billboard ordinance. The 2010 budget was authorized for advertisement, available for review through December 14. Shanemarie Ferguson was unanimously offered the Secretary position at $25,000 in compensation contingent on a background check, and her registration for a $95 Municipal Secretary training webinar was also approved.