Monthly Business Meeting
Summary
The Halifax Township Board of Supervisors held their monthly business meeting on June 11, 2018, called to order at 7:06 pm by Chairman Kenneth Bechtel. Supervisors Brad Bruner, Randy Paul, and Steve Schreffler were present; Scott McBurney was absent. The meeting centered on road infrastructure, with the board awarding over $264,000 in paving contracts while deferring all tar-and-chipping work to 2019.
- Over $264,000 in paving contracts awarded: Konick Road paving went to New Enterprise at $65,610 and Kieffer Road paving to Meckley's Limestone at $199,140, each the low bidder for their respective project. All tar-and-chipping projects were postponed to 2019 with bids to be re-advertised.
- Act 172 Ordinance advancing toward adoption: The board voted to advertise the Act 172 Ordinance, which provides property tax credits for volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel, with a public hearing set for August 13, 2018.
- Emergency radio equipment approved using grant funds: The board authorized purchase of radio equipment funded by a gaming monies grant awarded to the Township.
- Fort Halifax railroad crossing insurance secured: Additional insurance coverage will be obtained to indemnify Norfolk Southern and Mr. Konchar for the Fort Halifax Railroad Crossing, enabling continued park access improvements.
- Jake Gruver appointed to Planning Commission: The board also voted to advertise an open seat on the Halifax Area Water and Sewer Authority.
- Boeckelman garage expansion waivers granted: Rear yard setback waivers on the east and north sides were approved to allow replacement of a one-bay garage with a three-bay garage, with a stormwater management exemption also granted.
- Resident questioned A to Z Construction permit status: Steve Auman noted that PennDOT had no record of a Highway Occupancy Permit application being submitted for the A to Z Construction land development plan, despite the plan being extended to August on that basis. Solicitor Bruce Warshawsky agreed to follow up with counsel.
- Nuisance properties addressed: The nuisance at 207 Tourist Park was closed on a temporary basis, and a separate nuisance at 1059 North River Road was resolved after the owner mowed the lot. A deadline of June 20 was set for improvement at the Kinsinger Road nuisance before legal action would proceed.
Who was there
Kenneth Bechtel (Chairman/Supervisor) · Brad Bruner (Supervisor) · Randy Paul (Supervisor) · Steve Schreffler (Supervisor) · Bruce Warshawsky (Solicitor) · Carly Study (Law Clerk) · Corey Stazewski (Roadmaster) · Wendy Wentzel (Secretary)
Public comments
Meeting business
BID OPENING
The Board voted 4-0 to postpone tar and chipping projects for 2018 and re-advertise bids in 2019. Paving bids were received from New Enterprise and Meckley's Limestone for Konick Road and Kieffer Road. The Board awarded Konick Road paving to New Enterprise at $65,610.00 and Kieffer Road paving to Meckley's Limestone at $199,140.00, approved 4-0.
SECRETARY/TREASURER REPORT
The Board approved paid interim bills through June 10, 2018, current unpaid bills as of June 11, 2018, and meeting minutes from May 14, 2018, all by 4-0 votes. The financial report was placed on file for audit.
EMC REPORT
Jeff Enders presented on behalf of EMC Neiter. The Board voted 4-0 to approve the purchase of radio equipment using gaming monies grant funds awarded to the Township.
PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT
Chairperson Mallonee reported that the Lisi Halifax Shell Station Land Development Plan was accepted for review. The Board voted 4-0 to cancel the July 2, 2018 Planning Commission meeting and reschedule it to July 9, 2018 at 6:00 pm. The Board also voted 4-0 to approve rear yard setback waivers on the east and north sides of the Boeckelman property to replace a one-bay garage with a three-bay garage, and to approve the stormwater management application exemption.
SOLICITOR REPORT
Solicitor Warshawsky presented his June 5, 2018 report. The Board voted 4-0 to close the 207 Tourist Park nuisance on a temporary basis. The 1059 North River Road nuisance was closed after the owner mowed the lot. The Solicitor is awaiting signatures on the Tobias/Kieffer Road deed from Terry Kerwin, and the Engineer and Solicitor will research flag lot regulations in other municipalities regarding private roads.
ADMINISTRATIVE
The Board voted 4-0 to appoint Jake Gruver to the Halifax Township Planning Commission. The Board also voted 4-0 to advertise the vacancy on the Halifax Area Water and Sewer Authority Board. Chairman Bechtel announced thank you letters received from Halifax Ambulance and Halifax Swim Club for Township donations.
OLD BUSINESS
The Board voted 4-0 to advertise the adoption of the Act 172 Ordinance with a hearing date of August 13, 2018 at 6:30 pm. The Board also voted 4-0 to obtain additional insurance to indemnify Norfolk Southern and Mr. Konchar for the Fort Halifax railroad crossing. Solicitor Warshawsky noted that if no improvement is made on the Kinsinger Road nuisance by June 20, 2018, he will file documents with DJ Johnson.
NEW BUSINESS
The Board voted 4-0 to organize a Halifax Township Day at a Senators baseball game and provide a ticket link on the Township website for interested residents.
ADJOURNMENT
The Board voted 4-0 to adjourn the meeting at 8:58 pm.
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