Monthly Business Meeting

Carol Eppley expressed disapproval of how Solicitor Bruce Warshawsky was appointed without her knowledge, citing concerns over increased retainer and hourly fees. She motioned to terminate Warshawsky immediately and begin a search for new counsel, with prior Solicitor Steve Dzuranin serving in the interim. Linda Stopfel seconded, but the motion failed 2:2. Gary Shultz explained he initiated the change due to Dzuranin's lack of responsiveness to time-sensitive inquiries from Dave Hoover.

Linda Stopfel motioned to approve the December 14, 2009 minutes as presented. Carol Eppley seconded and the motion carried 4:0.

The December 2009 financial report was presented for review. Paid interim bills were approved 4:0. Chairman Bechtel questioned a $3,126.50 special billing from Wix, Wenger and Weidner for legal work surrounding the Secretary's hiring, noting the invoice was mailed to the former chairman's home rather than the township. Gary Shultz motioned to approve unpaid bills minus $3,576.50 in special billing items, reducing the Wix, Wenger and Weidner payment to $1,689 and total approved bills to $9,932.03; the motion carried 3:1.

The Planning Commission recommended waivers of curbing and sidewalk requirements (SALDO Sections 606 and 607) for the James P. and Doreni L. Tenaglia final subdivision plan. Linda Stopfel motioned to approve the waivers, carried 4:0. The board also granted conditional approval of the plan contingent upon submission of the deed of dedication, carried 4:0.

Tom Wilson requested authorization to assess a stormwater plan proposed by Mr. Tobias's engineer and develop potential alternatives; approved 4:0. The board also voted 4:0 to reinstate the previously rescinded drainage project at Witmer Manor and Williams Street to address Larry Michaels' property issues caused by township road runoff. However, implementation was deferred 4:0 pending Michaels consulting with his engineer about a public drainage easement that could accommodate future Lenker development.

Dale Shoop noted the need for a new office copier; Linda Stopfel motioned for him to investigate replacement costs, approved 4:0. The board approved the purchase of three 36x24 inch park regulation signs from FASTSIGNS for $231.91, carried 4:0.

Linda Stopfel will attend the PSATS Annual Convention as voting delegate; Secretary Ferguson was approved to attend the Secretary's Training Session (4:0). Chairman Bechtel will attend the PSATS Introductory Course for New Supervisors. Banking signature authority was limited to current Supervisors, Secretary, and Treasurer, requiring two signatures with at least one Supervisor (4:0). PSATS newsletter subscriptions were limited to the Board of Supervisors, Planning Commission members, and the Tax Collector.

Solicitor Warshawsky presented a fee schedule including Planning Commission meeting attendance in his retainer. The vote on his fee schedule tied 2:2, with Eppley and Stopfel objecting to the increased retainer and hourly rate. After further discussion, Warshawsky proposed an interim arrangement of $180/hour with no retainer until the board could reach agreement. Gary Shultz motioned to accept, and the interim retention was approved 3:1.

Tom Wilson noted the K&W Engineers fee schedule was unchanged from the prior year. Linda Stopfel motioned to approve it, carried 4:0. Carol Eppley motioned to approve the 2010 Tax Resolution as provided, carried 4:0.

The Secretary's bonding was previously set at $250,000 with an approximate quote of $525/year from Keystone Insurance Group. Solicitor Warshawsky noted bonding was not required and the Secretary's access to funds was limited. Former Secretary Carolyn Nye estimated the Secretary would have no more than $1,000 on hand at any time, and Tax Collector Melinda Warfel estimated providing no more than $75,000 in check form. Gary Shultz motioned to bond the Secretary at $50,000, carried 4:0.

The board voted 3:1 to require Treasurer Dave Hoover to pay his own bonding (currently $839/year for a $500,000 bond). On compensation, the reorganization meeting vote of 2:1 was insufficient per Section 603 of township code, which required 3:0. Linda Stopfel's motion to retain Hoover at $12,000 annually failed 1:3. The board ultimately voted 4:0 to retain Hoover for Q1 2010 at $1,000/month, allowing time to renegotiate terms, with action required by the March 8th meeting.

Carol Eppley raised enforcement of the 1991 tenant ordinance. The board agreed to post the ordinance on the township website, place an informational article in the Sentinel, and send a mailer to landlords with a copy of the Landlord Report Form. Tax Collector Melinda Warfel offered to provide a landlord listing. Linda Stopfel motioned to pre-approve the mailer postage costs, carried 4:0.

Scott Corsnitz inquired about park tenant rents. Chairman Bechtel reported Mr. Manning pays $400/month and Bill Yeager pays $200/month per his life estate negotiated with the PA Conservancy. Flo Mallonee questioned Manning's rent, noting a prior tenant paid $500/month before repairs. Linda Stopfel noted Manning had made many repairs himself. Scott Corsnitz also asked about snowmobile legality on park property; the board confirmed park rules prohibit motorized vehicles, and Solicitor Warshawsky noted limited township liability absent dangerous conditions.

Gary Shultz motioned to approve the auditors' 2010 reorganization minutes with a correction to the spelling of Deborah Meyers' last name. Linda Stopfel seconded and the motion carried 4:0.

Donna Rode reported that Janet Greene, who originally requested the wind ordinance, asked that work be stopped after learning of the costs involved. However, Tom Wilson noted his engineering work was complete, and Planning Commission member Fred Ford stated 95% of the work was done by the commission. Chairman Bechtel supported continuing the effort. Solicitor Warshawsky noted the prior solicitor had not billed for any legal review, so the legal review would likely be suspended until the solicitor appointment was finalized.

Todd Etzweiler presented a quote of $82,327 from Plasterer's for a John Deere backhoe built to specifications. Gary Shultz noted the current backhoe frequently comes out of gear, posing a safety concern. Linda Stopfel mentioned grant money available for shared municipal purchases, but Roadmaster Dale Shoop opposed shared use as potentially problematic. Shoop confirmed liquid fuel funds could be used toward the purchase.

Chairman Bechtel noted the township's CD with Halifax Bank in the amount of $203,627.62 was maturing on January 16, 2010. On Solicitor Warshawsky's recommendation, Gary Shultz motioned to not renew the CD and instead have Halifax Bank place the funds in a fully liquid interest-bearing account until the Treasurer could research viable investment options. The motion carried 4:0.

Linda Stopfel noted the Fire Company Agreement required the township Treasurer and one board-appointed individual to attend the audit on February 28th at 1 PM. Melinda Warfel volunteered, and Gary Shultz motioned to appoint her as the additional attendee. The motion carried 4:0.

MEDEX sent correspondence asking the township to consider adding them to the emergency services call list. Chairman Bechtel reported that the Halifax Ambulance Association preferred retaining current providers. Robb Wentzel of Medic 6 confirmed a positive working relationship with existing providers and saw no need for change. The board directed Secretary Ferguson to send correspondence to MEDEX declining the request.