Monthly Business Meeting

Supervisor Eppley motioned to approve interim and current bills totaling $17,180.96 (carried 5-0). Supervisor Shultz motioned to approve the October 13 minutes and budget minutes of October 7, 8, and 15 as written (carried 5-0). Supervisor Ruff noted an additional $8,000 check from the COMCAST franchise fee and additional donations toward the mortgage, with the current mortgage balance at $185,606.96.

Jim Eppley read the report. Chairman Shearer raised the Nightwine Subdivision Plan and whether lots being up for sale was a problem; the Solicitor said it was not. Jim Eppley asked the Solicitor about the Accu Mold Plan, which should be delivered in the next couple of days. Jim also announced a public meeting in Millersburg for public review and comment on the Greenways project.

Tom Wilson read his report dated November 7, 2008. A resolution for the Mountain Road engineer study will be prepared by the Solicitor for December (authorized 5-0). The Solicitor determined that the Pawnee Lane drainage issue is a landowner-to-landowner matter. On the barn repair RFP, an initial motion to send it as-is failed 3-2; a revised motion to send the RFP with Item No. 3 eliminated carried 3-2, with the feasibility study estimated at $2,500–$3,000.

The Solicitor agreed Accu Mold as-built plans should go to the engineer with copies for the Planning Commission. He corrected an error in the Amy Wise and Darren Mohney property report and noted a foreclosure action is scheduled for January 2009. The Board authorized advertisement of an ordinance to abandon a portion of Tobias Road (carried 5-0). On the Mid Penn Bank tax assessment appeal (reduced from $464,100 to $320,000), the Board approved a pro-rata contribution toward an appraiser, contingent on Halifax School District and Dauphin County also contributing (carried 4-1).

A building permit was authorized for Dominic McGruther for a pole building (carried 5-0). Dale Shoop stated he provided his Roadmaster report to the Board.

Tracy Cox reported on HARA's current finances, budget, and upcoming projects to improve finances, including an invitation from Florence McGuire to attend a grant writing workshop through Revitalization. Tracy questioned why the township financial report shows only assets and not liabilities; Chairman Shearer said it was too complicated to add monthly. Supervisor Ruff suggested HARA pursue park development funding as soon as possible.

An initial motion by Supervisor Hoover to pay $6,490.03 for gypsy moth spraying was denied 3-2. A second motion by Supervisor Ruff to pay the $6,490.03 and later consider asking residents to pay their share carried 5-0.

RFPs have been sent to engineers for the multi-municipal comprehensive plan, due back by December 12, with committee interviews targeted for January 13. Supervisor Shultz motioned to approve the ordinance and inter-municipal agreement, carried 5-0.

The issue concerns an overpayment made by Upper Dauphin and its repayment. The Board consensus was to wait until both audits are complete; the Solicitor confirmed waiting does not compromise the Board's rights. Tracy Cox suggested resolving the funds before year-end so income and expenses are comparable.

The current light tax does not cover the cost of township lights. Supervisor Ruff motioned to abolish the light tax and fund lights through other means, arguing the lights benefit all travelers, not just residents; the motion was denied 3-2. Supervisor Shultz then motioned to set light tax rates in compliance with the Second Class Township Code for 2009 (Class 1 $0.08, Class 2 $0.10, Class 3 $0.32, Class 4 $0.40, Class 5 $0.09, Class 6 $0.36), carried 3-2.

Chairman Shearer explained this is county funding available to all municipalities, being utilized within the Regional Comprehensive Plan, providing $1,000 of full-time service. Supervisor Eppley motioned to authorize the full-time advisory service, carried 5-0.

Chairman Shearer presented the proposed budget figures. Supervisor Eppley motioned to advertise the budget (carried 5-0), with a vote scheduled for the December 8 meeting. Tracy Cox, representing HARA, asked the Board to reconsider HARA's contribution given their increased budget. The Solicitor will advise at the December meeting on whether the proposed budget can be modified before adoption.

Supervisor Shultz motioned to remove Robert Manning from township employment for reasons discussed in executive session, carried 4-1.

Upcoming workshops were announced: Leadership Forum on November 18 and Subdivision/Land Development Ordinances on December 11. Supervisor Eppley motioned to authorize Dauphin County to sponsor a music festival at Ft. Halifax Park on July 18, 2009, carried 5-0.

December agenda items include auditors, budget, Upper Dauphin income tax reimbursement, balance sheet, and town meetings. The Planning Commission meets December 1 at 7:00 p.m. and the township meeting is December 8 at 7:00 p.m. Tracy Cox requested a complete balance sheet for December. An Act 537 hearing will be held before the regular December meeting.