Planning Commission
Summary
The Halifax Township Planning Commission met on February 1, 2010, at 7:00 PM with all five members present: Jim Eppley, Fred Ford, Jerry Hile, Bob Artman, and Ted Weaver, along with engineer Tom Wilson, solicitor Bruce Warshawsky, and township secretary Shanemarie Ferguson. What began as a routine 36-minute session ended dramatically, with three of the five commission members announcing their resignations over frustrations with how the Board of Supervisors had treated the commission's work.
- Leadership change: Jim Eppley stepped down as chairman and nominated Fred Ford to replace him, approved unanimously. Fred Ford then appointed Bob Artman as Vice Chairman (also 5-0); solicitor Bruce Warshawsky confirmed Artman could serve as both Vice Chairman and Secretary.
- River Ridge Mobile Home Park conditionally approved: The commission voted 5-0 to recommend the Board of Supervisors grant conditional approval of the preliminary/final land development plan, contingent on financial security based on a certified construction cost estimate, DEP approval of a sewage plan revision module, a PennDOT highway occupancy permit for driveway modifications along SR-0225, and a license to operate a mobile home park.
- Hazardous Waste Ordinance paused: The proposed ordinance was placed on hold pending compliance with Act 24 (the Appalachian Trail Act). Board of Supervisors Chairman Ken Bechtel reported that single-use zoning provisions raised legal concerns and recommended waiting for consultant input, noting no penalty for missing the August 2010 deadline.
- Three members resign: Jim Eppley, Jerry Hile, and Ted Weaver announced their resignations, citing the dismissal of former solicitor Steve Dzuranin without regard for its impact on the commission. Eppley stated they "no longer wished to dedicate time and effort that appears to be of no consequence to the township." Bob Artman urged the Board of Supervisors to advertise the vacancies, interview applicants, and fill at least one seat with a licensed engineer.
- Public comment: Former Supervisor and Chair Norma Shearer expressed disappointment at the departures, praising the resigning members' dedication and service "beyond expectation."
Who was there
Jim Eppley (Planning Commission Member (Chairman)) · Fred Ford (Planning Commission Member (appointed Chairman)) · Bob Artman (Planning Commission Member (appointed Vice Chairman and Secretary)) · Jerry Hile (Planning Commission Member) · Ted Weaver (Planning Commission Member) · Tom Wilson (Engineer (K&W)) · Bruce Warshawsky (Solicitor) · Shanemarie Ferguson (Township Secretary)
Public comments
Meeting business
Approval of Minutes
Chairman Jim Eppley announced he would no longer serve as Planning Commission Chairman and declined his reappointment. Jerry Hile motioned to approve the January 4, 2010 minutes as presented, with notation of Eppley's response to the reappointment motion; Bob Artman seconded and the vote carried 5:0.
Jim Eppley motioned to appoint Fred Ford as Planning Commission Chairman, seconded by Ted Weaver (5:0). Fred Ford then motioned to appoint Bob Artman as Vice Chairman, seconded by Ted Weaver (5:0). Solicitor Bruce Warshawsky confirmed there was no prohibition against Bob Artman serving in a dual capacity as both Vice Chairman and Secretary, and Artman's dual role was confirmed.
Old Business
Applicant's engineer Tony Trost reported progress on outstanding items from the K&W memorandum dated December 2, 2009. Jerry Hile motioned to recommend the Board of Supervisors grant conditional approval contingent upon: financial security based on a certified construction cost estimate, DEP approval of the sewage plan revisions module, PennDOT HOP for private driveway modifications on SR-0225, and a license to operate a mobile home park. The motion was seconded by Jim Eppley and carried 5:0. Eppley thanked Michael Bistline for his professionalism working with the Planning Commission and K&W Engineers.
Announcements
Chairman Fred Ford announced the Hazardous Waste ordinance would be placed on hold until Act 24 (Appalachian Trail Act) requirements are met. Board of Supervisors Chairman Ken Bechtel reported on an Appalachian Trail Act meeting he attended with Supervisor Gary Shultz, noting concerns about single-use zoning legality and a recommendation that affected municipalities wait for consultant input before acting, as there was no penalty for missing the August 2010 deadline. Jim Eppley distributed a statement expressing concern over the dismissal of former Solicitor Steve Dzuranin and announced that he, Jerry Hile, and Ted Weaver were resigning from the board. Bob Artman recommended the Board of Supervisors advertise the vacancies and interview applicants, suggesting at least one position be filled by an engineer. Former Supervisor Norma Shearer expressed disappointment at the resignations and thanked the departing members for their service.
This page is an automated summary of official township records. For the authoritative version, always refer to the original document.