Monthly Business Meeting

Supervisor Paul motioned to approve paid interim bills through October 12, 2015 (carried 4-0), current unpaid bills (carried 4-0), minutes from the September 3 special meeting with Sheetz (carried 4-0), and minutes from the September 14 regular monthly meeting (carried 4-0). The financial report was reviewed with no comments and placed on file for audit.

Chairperson Mallonee reported the Planning Commission's recommendation to approve Armstrong Valley Winery's Stormwater Management Plan contingent upon the O&M Agreement and financial security. The Board approved the plan 4-0 with a retroactive requirement that any future stormwater management adding 1,000 feet or more of coverage would trigger a land development plan. Mallonee noted the Planning Commission will also work on SALDO revisions related to stormwater.

Engineer Steve Roe provided a brief overview of the K&W Engineering report dated October 1, 2015. No action was taken and the report was made part of the permanent records.

Solicitor Bruce Warshawsky presented his report dated October 7, 2015. The DONCO dirt pile issue has been abated. He requested the Roadmaster report on standing water at Quail Commons. No action was taken on the Lenker Estates dirt pile. The Farhat property has been mowed and that issue is abated.

Chairman Bechtel reported the Township is not eligible for the USDA Farm Service Agency program since it is a political subdivision. No further action was taken.

Supervisor Steve Schreffler and Engineer Steve Roe attended a September 21, 2015 meeting in Swatara Township for Phase II of the NDRC program. Dauphin County has applied for $130,000,000, with $104,000,000 allocated to disaster-proof the county using a Rural, Urban & Suburban approach requiring at least 50% benefit to low-to-moderate income populations. In upper Dauphin's rural area, $5.7 million for Lykens Glen Flood Plain Enhancements and Lykens Borough improvements has been submitted. Supervisor Schreffler will contact Mike Musser about whether Lehman Road qualifies for the $25,000,000 in unallocated funds.

The Township received a PSATS ballot to vote for two trustees with only two candidates listed. The Secretary was instructed to mail the ballot marking both candidates.

David Feidt presented on FEMA's Community Rating System, noting Dauphin County received funding to help municipalities with flood insurance applications. Halifax Township has 113 properties in the flood plain, 11 flood insurance policies, and $7,000 in total premiums. Entry at class 8 would yield a 10% discount saving policyholders $514 per year. Engineer fees need to be researched; the item was placed on next month's agenda.

The Township received noise complaints about the Winery. Permit Officer Corey Stazewski visited on September 25, 2015 and recorded decibel levels exceeding the 65 dB limit twice. Owners Dean Miller and Jake Gruver stated they will add additional noise meters and that entertainment has moved inside the barn since October 1, 2015. The Board acknowledged the violation but took no action.

Kyle Lehman disputed an invoice for services after his stormwater management final inspection. Engineer Steve Roe explained the Conservation District reported erosion downstream, and his inspection found the rip rap was not in compliance — altered and overgrown with grass, causing sheet flow. Lehman claimed no displacement occurred. The Board voted 4-0 to confirm the invoice is due and payable by Lehman, requiring site correction within 60 days, with the Township waiving the final inspection fee after a passing reinspection.

The Board voted 4-0 to distribute $22,284 in Fire Relief funds: $7,428 to the Halifax Area Ambulance & Relief Association and $14,856 to the Halifax Fire Department.

The Township received a call regarding Halloween decorations at a residence on S. 4th Street. The Board discussed the matter but took no action.

Supervisor Bruner motioned and Supervisor Paul seconded to adjourn the meeting at 8:35 pm. Motion carried 4-0.