Monthly Business Meeting

Supervisor Shultz motioned to authorize a meeting with a DCED representative to explore and analyze township operations, including office procedures, personnel, and employee responsibilities. Motion passed 5-0.

Supervisor Hoover motioned to approve bills totaling $53,261.83. Motion passed 5-0.

Supervisor Ruff motioned to approve the September 8 minutes as written. Motion passed 5-0.

Supervisor Shultz motioned to renew the General Fund CD with Halifax National Bank. Motion passed 5-0.

The Rex Nightwine Subdivision Plan was accepted for review by the Planning Commission.

Supervisor Eppley motioned to increase the cost of financial security for the Flight Source Plan by 10% ($5,571.39). Motion passed 5-0.

Supervisor Hoover motioned to authorize K&W Engineers to proceed with the abandonment procedures for Tobias Road per their outlined terms. Motion passed 5-0.

Chairman Shearer reported that Reed Township has agreed to a 50/50 split of the cost for the Mountain Road study, which involves the entire road.

Supervisor Shultz motioned to grant Patton Tire an extension until the November board meeting to clean up tires, with legal action to be taken if cleanup is not significantly diminished by then. Motion passed 5-0.

Roadmaster Dale Shoop will check the Scheidler property and provide an update to the Board.

Supervisor Hoover requested an update on Fellowship Drive. Solicitor Steve Dzuranin noted that a letter was sent to attorney Robert Radebach on June 4, 2008 outlining the issues involved.

Dale Shoop reported that sycamore tree signs will be installed later in the week. Discussion of a new truck was deferred to the November budget meeting. Materials left by previous tenants at the park property are available to the public. Dale also reported on illegal dumping sites identified by Twin Valley Conservation (formerly PACWA), with Rudi Erb as a contact person.

The final meeting on the sewer extension proposal was held the prior week with SEO Mike Brown present. The schedule was set: public review October 31 through November 30, public comment hearing at the December 8 meeting, Board vote at the January 12 meeting, and submission to DEP the following day.

The Valleys Regional Comprehensive Plan will be advertised in the October 21 edition of the Upper Dauphin Sentinel and voted on at the November 10 meeting.

Chairman Shearer noted the effective date of the UCC Appeals Board agreement is October 1, 2008, based on the first two municipalities that passed the ordinance. Supervisor Ruff motioned to approve both the ordinance and the agreement. Motion passed 5-0.

After discussion on how to scope the barn repair work, Supervisor Shultz motioned to authorize K&W Engineers to develop a scope of work to be sent to structural engineers for a report assessing the barn's structural integrity. Supervisor Ruff abstained; motion carried 4-1.

Marty Sowers of Light-Heigel gave a brief overview of their intent to update the fee schedule to include additional charges, such as repetitive travel to building sites to discuss permit requirements with applicants.

Supervisor Ruff motioned to split the $22,455.26 Volunteer Fire Relief Association check evenly between the Halifax Fire Company and the Halifax Area Ambulance Association. Motion passed 5-0.

Supervisor Hoover motioned to approve Ag Security Resolution #04-2008. Motion passed 5-0.

Florence McGuire asked Solicitor Steve Dzuranin to clarify the "other charges" provision in the new tenant lease. The Solicitor explained it covers anything else tenants owe the Township, and that charges accrued under the old lease (pre-August 1, 2008) remain subject to old lease provisions.

Supervisor Ruff motioned to authorize a $125.00 donation to the Twin Valleys Lions Club Halloween Parade. Motion passed 5-0.

Supervisor Hoover motioned to charge tenants Robert and Sharon Manning a minimum of $50 per month for four months to address utility arrears, with the Board to re-evaluate after four months about increasing the payment amount. Supervisor Ruff abstained; motion carried 4-1.

The Township received a letter from Auditors Custer and Faust declining to audit the Township's financial records. The matter will need to be addressed at a later date.

Supervisor Ruff reported the County has agreed to provide Dave Bitting to perform electrical work at the tenant house, with the County paying his salary and the Township supplying materials and equipment.

Announcements included: Planning Commission meeting November 3 at 7:00 p.m., Township meeting November 10 at 7:00 p.m., Halloween Parade October 22 (rain date October 23), COG meeting Thursday at Lykens Township. An update was given that student Brenna Minnick is recovering at home after a school bus collision. Loretta Prouse announced public meetings on October 14, 15, and 16 regarding a new Human Services building on Rt. 209.