Annual Reorganization

Carol Eppley nominated Linda Stopfel and Gary Shultz nominated Ken Bechtel for Chairman. Stopfel spoke about her tenure and willingness to serve. Ken Bechtel was elected Chairman on a 3-2 vote.

Ken Hoover nominated Gary Shultz and Linda Stopfel nominated herself for Vice-Chairman. Gary Shultz was elected Vice-Chairman on a 3-2 vote.

Ken Hoover nominated Bruce Warshawsky and Carol Eppley nominated Wix, Wenger and Weidner. Linda Stopfel expressed concern over losing Tom Wenger's expertise and noted past issues with Warshawsky's prior advice to the Township. Bruce Warshawsky was appointed Solicitor on a 3-2 vote, with his fee schedule to be considered at a later date.

Ken Hoover nominated Paul Clugston for Vacancy Board Chairman. Chairman Bechtel confirmed that Clugston had agreed to the appointment. Paul Clugston was appointed on a 3-2 vote; Carol Eppley left the teleconference after this item.

Gary Shultz nominated Shanemarie Ferguson and Chairman Bechtel nominated Carolyn Nye. A conflict-of-interest question was raised regarding Bechtel's nomination, after which Bechtel withdrew it. Ferguson was appointed Secretary on a 3-1 vote. Her terms of employment — $25,000 annual salary, office hours 9AM-3PM Monday through Friday, and 2 weeks paid leave — were approved on a 2-1 vote.

Gary Shultz nominated Dave Hoover for Treasurer; he was appointed 3-0. Compensation was set at $12,000 annually ($1,000/month), which Chairman Bechtel noted was a 17-18% increase he felt was too high. The compensation was approved 2-1.

Gary Shultz nominated Shanemarie Ferguson to serve as the Township's Open Records Officer. The motion carried 3-0.

Dale Shoop was nominated and appointed Roadmaster 3-0, with supervisors thanking him for his efforts. His compensation package was maintained at $49,776 annual salary, five weeks paid vacation, $3,000 net retirement bonus, township vehicle, and township-paid health benefits including vision and dental coverage, pending further discussion in executive session.

Raymond Maus's compensation package was maintained at $35,000 annual salary, five weeks paid vacation, $2,000 net retirement bonus, and township-paid health benefits including medical, vision, and dental coverage for employee and spouse, plus Medicare B premium reimbursement, pending further discussion in executive session. Approved 3-0.

The board approved 3-0 to continue recognizing seven paid holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Veterans Day (floating holiday), Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

Gary Shultz motioned to increase the hourly rate for part-time laborers/drivers with a CDL from $11/hr to $12/hr. Chairman Bechtel disclosed that his brother was one of the part-time drivers and confirmed with the solicitor that the vote was for a general rate, not an individual raise. Approved 3-0.

K&W Engineers was reappointed as Township Engineer on a 3-0 vote. In the absence of a 2010 fee schedule, the board voted 3-0 to retain K&W at their current fee schedule until a new one was provided.

Michael Brown was reappointed as Township SEO on a 3-0 vote. His 2010 fee schedule was also adopted 3-0.

Justin Coon from K&W Engineers was appointed as the alternate SEO for the Township on a 3-0 vote.

The board reappointed Patton & Lettich of Pottsville as independent auditors 3-0, noting the Township had an existing multi-year contract. Solicitor Dzuranin confirmed that the elected auditors (Bob Artman, Deborah Meyers, and Brad Bruner) would continue with a reduced function alongside the independent auditors.

Robert Stout recommended advertising the EMC position, noting interest from Fire Company members and the significant commitment required. Todd Etzweiler also expressed interest. The board voted 3-0 to advertise the opening, with Robert Stout agreeing to serve as interim EMC and participate on the hiring committee.

The board identified vacancies on the Halifax Area Recreation Authority (Kevin Steffan's term expired in 2008), Halifax Area Water and Sewer Authority (Ken Hoover's term expired in 2009), and potentially the Planning Commission (records of current terms could not be located). The board voted 3-0 to run a single advertisement for the HARA, HAWASA, and EMC vacancies.

The EMA appointment was postponed pending the EMC vacancy. Carol Eppley was appointed to the Upper Dauphin Income Tax Advisory Board and Upper Dauphin Council of Governments. Bob Artman and Gary Shultz were reappointed to the Valley's Regional Comprehensive Plan Committee. Florence MacGuire was reappointed to the Northern Dauphin Revitalization Project. Ken Bechtel replaced Ken Hoover on the County Stormwater Management Workgroup. Linda Stopfel was reappointed as PSATS voting delegate. All motions carried 3-0.

The board approved 3-0 the following depositories: Susquehanna Banks for general funds, liquid fuels, Master Site Planning Grants, and Ft. Halifax checking; Halifax National Bank for reserve general funds CD and Light Tax checking; and M&T Bank for the Park Mortgage.

Per the advice of Solicitor Dzuranin, the 2010 tax resolution was tabled until the next meeting when the board would have a written resolution to consider.

The board adopted the 2010 IRS mileage reimbursement rate of $0.50/mile on a 3-0 vote.

Dale Shoop reported that the existing fee schedule had been increased two years ago and remained sufficient. The board voted 3-0 to maintain the current intermunicipal equipment rental rates.

The board approved 3-0 to retain bi-weekly pay periods for employees (payday on the Wednesday after each pay period ends) and monthly pay periods for supervisors (payday on the last payday of the month).

Chairman Bechtel announced upcoming meetings: Auditors Reorganization (Jan. 5), Monthly BOS (Jan. 11), and Valley's Regional Comprehensive Plan (Jan. 12). Bob Artman was reappointed as delegate and Gary Shade as alternate to the Dauphin County EIT Committee, both 3-0. Tom Wilson planned to attend the January FEMA floodplain maps meeting on the Township's behalf. PSATS newsletter subscriptions were deferred to the next meeting.

Gary Shultz motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:51 PM. The motion carried 3-0.