Monthly Business Meeting

Executive sessions were held August 27 (9:00 a.m.–12:25 p.m.) and September 8 (5:45–6:52 p.m.) for personnel matters. The Board voted 4-0 to initiate a sign-in/sign-out procedure for supervisors and the public during business hours and after hours at the township building. The procedure includes the Planning Commission but excludes Dale, Ramie, and Carolyn.

The Board approved payment of bills totaling $15,192.57 for August 27 and September 8 (4-0). Minutes of the August 11, 2008 meeting were accepted as written (4-0). No comment was made on the August financial report.

Jim Eppley provided the Engineer and Solicitor copies of the Deed of Dedication for the Danner Subdivision Plan. The Board waived Section 404 (Minor Subdivision preliminary plan requirement) 4-0, then granted conditional approval of the Linda C., Matthew C. and Emilianne L. Danner Final Subdivision Plan contingent upon K&W Engineers' August 27, 2008 memo items 2-6 (4-0).

The Board approved a time extension for the Halifax Plaza Final Land Development Plan to March 10, 2009 (4-0). A second motion was approved 4-0 providing that if the applicant does not agree to March 10, the extension will be to March 9, 2009.

The Board voted 4-0 to reject the B2 Partners Condominiums Final Land Development Plan due to B-2's failure to meet all comments specified in K&W Engineers' memorandum dated August 29, 2007.

Jim Eppley gave a status update on Buffalo Park Road issues and the procedures that will need to be followed once a consultant is hired for the Master Site Plan to determine if the road is usable as a park entrance.

Chairman Shearer noted that DONCO Construction is using a lower construction cost on building authorization forms in June 2008 ($60/sq. ft.) compared to December 2007 ($70/sq. ft.). The Board voted 4-0 to authorize the Solicitor to send a letter to Mr. Lenker requesting an explanation for the decreased construction cost.

The Solicitor recommended the Engineer review the cost estimate for the Flight Source Land Development Plan to determine if additional security should be required. The Board voted 4-0 to authorize the engineer to review the cost estimate.

The Board voted 4-0 to authorize the Solicitor to file a district justice action against Clifford and Katherine Harn for a nuisance violation.

Supervisor Ruff spoke to Mr. Boyer at Patton Tire Company, who said the pile would be gone in a couple of weeks. Ruff will monitor the situation for three weeks and advise the Solicitor. If the nuisance is not abated by then, the Solicitor will send a letter and proceed with district justice action.

The Solicitor recommended against township cleanup of the Casner property due to no remaining equity after mortgage and liens. Melinda Warfel contacted Jim Hoffman at Dauphin County Tax Claims, who flagged the account to obtain an address. The Solicitor will continue efforts to locate Mr. Casner, including contacting Tax Claims and potentially checking driving license records through State Police.

The Solicitor stated that to move forward with abandoning Tobias Road, the road must be precisely identified through a survey. The Board voted 4-0 to authorize K&W Engineers to provide an estimate on the survey cost and report back next month.

The Board approved a building permit for a storage shed for Charles Cichy (4-0). Dale reported he will order road salt at $67.92/ton ($13,584.00 total) under the state contract. Dale obtained an estimate of $5,887.00 from Art Lower for underground wiring from the pole at the river to the house and well at the rental property; two more estimates are needed since the cost is between $4,000 and $10,000.

SEO Mike Brown's August 8 visit to the brick farmhouse at the park property found kitchen sink water running into a floor drain in the basement and out onto the lawn, which must be corrected to run into the septic system. Dale will contact a plumber to fix the problem.

Chairman Shearer reported the Regional Comprehensive Plan is moving forward with commitments from Halifax Borough, Wayne Township, Jefferson Township, Rush Township, and Halifax Township. The Board voted 4-0 to authorize a group advertisement of the ordinance for the Intermunicipal Cooperation Agreement and to set a hearing date with public comment.

Chairman Shearer reported 14 municipalities are ready to sign the UCC Joint Board of Appeals agreement. The Board voted 4-0 to advertise the ordinance and agreement for public review and Board consideration at the October 13, 2008 monthly meeting.

Chairman Shearer reported a significant tax distribution problem by the Upper Dauphin Tax office over the past two years, attributed to a new computer program that caused overpayments to school districts and municipalities. The tax office has made recommendations to correct overpayments, with further COG discussion planned at their next meeting.

Supervisor Ruff spoke with Jim Fascinelli of Restorations Unlimited, who had provided a bid in May 2008 and suggested sealing the barn roof for now. The Solicitor recommended getting a scope of work from a contractor and proceeding with the bidding process. Dale will work on obtaining the scope of work.

Budget meetings were scheduled for October 7 at 6 p.m., October 8 at 10 a.m., and October 15 at 5 p.m. Announcements included the Planning Commission meeting October 6, township meeting October 13, Chow Down fundraiser for Ft. Halifax Park on September 13, a Stormwater Management workshop October 29, and Sue Helm's public hearing on an emergency medical facility September 25 at Kevin's Place.

Supervisor Ruff moved to adjourn at 8:45 p.m., seconded by Supervisor Eppley; motion carried 4-0.