Monthly Business Meeting

Mandy Shadle requested permission to use Fort Halifax Park for a wedding ceremony on September 16, 2017, including photographs using the barn as a backdrop. Supervisor Paul motioned, seconded by Supervisor Schreffler, to approve the request; motion carried 4-0.

Supervisors approved paid interim bills through August 14, 2017 (Paul/McBurney, 4-0), current unpaid bills as of August 14, 2017 (McBurney/Schreffler, 4-0), and the July 10, 2017 meeting minutes (Paul/McBurney, 4-0). The financial report was placed on file for audit.

EMC Neiter reported on the grant application from gaming monies to purchase a portable radio and supporting equipment for the Roadmaster. An interview was conducted July 31, and the next step is writing a report detailing the $12,000 request for communication equipment. Neiter also thanked Halifax Township for their support with the annual fireworks.

Supervisors approved waivers 1 and 2 of Engineer Gally's August 22, 2017 report (McBurney/Schreffler, 5-0), a waiver of Section 5.513.5 for street trees (McBurney/Schreffler, 5-0), and conditionally approved the plan subject to compliance with Engineer Gally's August 14, 2017 report comments B-2, B-12, B-14, B-17, B-20 and Section C comments 1-5 (Paul/Bruner, 5-0).

Supervisors approved five waivers per Engineer Gally's August 14, 2017 report (Bruner/Schreffler, 5-0) and conditionally approved the plan subject to compliance with multiple comments from that report, including a requirement for a note of indemnification to the Solicitor's satisfaction regarding basin A (McBurney/Bruner, 5-0). A letter was also authorized to Tri-County Planning Commission to forward comments to the applicant.

Supervisors approved four waivers from Engineer Gally's August 7, 2017 report plus a waiver of Section 604.2, with a plan note stating the proposed well is for agricultural use and must comply with SALDO Section 604.2 if converted for human consumption (Bruner/Paul, 5-0). The plan was conditionally approved subject to comments C-19, C-36, and D-42 through 45 (McBurney/Bruner, 5-0).

Engineer Gally provided an overview of his July 28, 2017 report on engineering services performed during July. The report was placed on record.

A Quit Claim Deed will be executed for the 0.93-acre strip directly west of the railroad, subject to the railroad's right-of-way. After discussion, Supervisor Bruner motioned, seconded by Supervisor Paul, to approve execution of the Quit Claim Deed; motion carried 5-0.

The Conservation District found no violations at 53 Oak Avenue. Supervisor Schreffler motioned, seconded by Supervisor Bruner, to send the Township Engineer to inspect and report back to the Township; motion carried 5-0.

Solicitor Warshawsky reported that the revised Tobias Settlement Agreement and deeds will be recorded. 502 N. 2nd Street has been cleaned up. Quail Commons roads must be inspected to the Township Engineer's satisfaction before road dedication. For John and Sandy Brown, capping was done August 11, 2017, and the cesspool closing must be supervised, with an agreement expected for the next meeting.

Roadmaster Stazewski submitted his July report for the record. He reported that tar and chipping has been completed, paving will be done in September, and the top coat for Middle Road will be completed in September.

Chairman Bechtel announced the Township received two emails indicating positive West Nile Virus test results from two separate testings, both found near the Sewage Treatment Plant. He advised residents to take precautions by wearing long sleeves, long pants, and using mosquito repellant.

Supervisor Bruner motioned, seconded by Supervisor Schreffler, to approve the name Lily Lane for the private access of Scholl Road. Motion carried 5-0.

Dane Snyder was present and supported surrendering all Fort Halifax artifacts to the State for curation. He requested to be appointed as Artifact Supervisor. The Board asked Snyder to prepare a list of proposed activities and share it with the Solicitor for the next meeting so a Resolution can be prepared. The Curation Agreement will also be reviewed at the next meeting.

Supervisor Bruner motioned, seconded by Supervisor Schreffler, to send a second prenuisance letter regarding Pawnee Lane. Motion carried 5-0.

Mr. and Mrs. Herb, property owners, were present to discuss a shed constructed without a permit in the flood plain. After lengthy discussion, they were instructed to obtain a property survey to determine the flood plain boundaries and whether the structure could be relocated. It was suggested they seek a DEP Chapter 105 permit. The item will return on next month's agenda.

Roadmaster Stazewski spoke with the Mayor of Halifax Borough and reported that both municipalities will work through issues at the brush area for the remainder of the year and will work out a schedule for next year.

Supervisors waived the reading of the Resolution (Bruner/McBurney, 5-0) and then approved the Resolution Authorizing the Acceptance of a Deed of Dedication for Road Purposes for Lenker II Estates (Bruner/Schreffler, 5-0).

After discussion, an Act 537 committee was formed consisting of Supervisor Paul, Supervisor McBurney, and Engineer Gally, with instructions to report back to the Board with their progress.

Supervisor Paul motioned, seconded by Supervisor Bruner, to approve the Stormwater Management Exemption form to be completed by landowners and submitted with a $10 fee, attached to the Building Permit Application. Motion carried 5-0.

Supervisor Bruner motioned, seconded by Supervisor Paul, to opt out of participation in the LUCA (2020 Census Local Update of Census Addresses Operation). Motion carried 5-0.

Supervisor Bruner motioned, seconded by Supervisor Schreffler, to opt into the 2018 Gypsy Moth Spraying Program and to collect costs from landowners directly. Spraying will cost as much as $50–$60 per acre. Motion carried 5-0.

Supervisor Schreffler motioned, seconded by Supervisor Paul, to conditionally approve the Prouse Stormwater Management Plan with the condition that Engineer Gally's comments 1-3 from his July 24, 2017 report are met. Motion carried 5-0.

Supervisor McBurney motioned, seconded by Supervisor Paul, to grant a Stormwater Management Plan exemption as recommended by Engineer Gally's report dated July 25, 2017. Motion carried 5-0.

Supervisor Schreffler motioned, seconded by Supervisor McBurney, to grant a Stormwater Management Plan exemption as recommended by Engineer Gally's report dated July 25, 2017. Motion carried 5-0.

Discussion took place about providing an exemption for active military personnel from paying per capita taxes. Chairman Bechtel suggested Supervisor McBurney take this matter to the Halifax Area School Board. No formal motion was made.

Emergency repair was authorized by DEP and a permit issued. The Township received an estimate of $88,994.76 from Handwerk for the repair. Supervisors approved using reinforced concrete pipe (Paul/Schreffler, 5-0) and approved taking $70,000 from general funds with the remainder from Liquid Fuels (McBurney/Schreffler, 5-0).

Supervisor Bruner motioned, seconded by Supervisor Schreffler, to adjourn at 10:09 p.m. Motion carried 5-0.