Monthly Business Meeting
Executive session held June 3, 2019, 7:05–7:45 PM — litigation and personnel
Summary
The Halifax Township Board of Supervisors held its monthly business meeting on June 10, 2019, called to order at 7:04 PM by Chairman Kenneth Bechtel. Supervisors Brad Bruner, Steve Schreffler, and Scott McBurney were present; Randy Paul was absent. The meeting ran over two hours and was dominated by property enforcement actions, stormwater disputes, and tornado recovery follow-up after an F1 tornado struck the township on May 29.
- F550 truck purchase approved — $81,860: The board authorized Roadmaster Tim Belk to purchase an F550 T-Tag with plow at a cost of $81,860 for the road department.
- Tornado recovery and Camp Hebron support (3-1): EMC Tim Neiter reported that the May 29 F1 tornado felled approximately 200 trees at Camp Hebron and caused 10–12 other instances of property damage. The board voted 3-1 to send a letter to the Dauphin County Gaming Board supporting Camp Hebron's application for gaming funds to rebuild cabins. Chairman Kenneth Bechtel cast the lone dissenting vote.
- Stormwater enforcement against Smokee Bros (4-0): The board directed Solicitor Bruce Warshawsky to send a formal letter to the owners of Smokee Bros regarding stormwater management non-compliance.
- Stormwater exemption granted to Thompson (4-0): An exemption was approved conditioned on the township verifying removal of at least 208 square feet of impervious cover during construction and the owner voluntarily submitting planned stormwater measures for the parcel file.
- Nuisance proceedings on two properties (4-0 each): The board approved a formal nuisance letter for a Buffalo Park Road property and separately directed Solicitor Warshawsky to begin nuisance violation proceedings on a Kinsinger Road property.
- Quail Commons letter of credit held (4-0): The board voted to notify developer Yoder that the letter of credit for the Quail Commons development cannot be released, citing outstanding deficiencies documented in the township engineer's June 7 memo.
- Septic and holding tank ordinances deferred: Both an onlot septic ordinance and a holding tank ordinance were tabled to next month pending review of sample ordinances from other municipalities.
- Oak Avenue paving notifications: Letters will be sent to Oak Avenue property owners about an upcoming paving project and a right-of-way issue where the road will be widened.
Who was there
Kenneth Bechtel (Chairman) · Brad Bruner (Supervisor) · Steve Schreffler (Supervisor) · Scott McBurney (Supervisor) · Bruce Warshawsky (Solicitor) · Wendy Wentzel (Secretary) · Tim DeWire (Engineer) · Tim Belk (Roadmaster) · Tim Neiter (EMC)
Meeting business
SECRETARY/TREASURER REPORT
The Board approved paid interim bills and current unpaid bills through June 10, 2019, and approved the May 13, 2019 meeting minutes, all by 4-0 votes. The financial report was placed on file for audit.
EMC REPORT
EMC Tim Neiter reported that the May 29, 2019 thunderstorms produced an F1 tornado that struck Halifax Township, affecting Camp Hebron and taking down approximately 200 trees. There were 10-12 other instances of property damage reported. Tim Neiter thanked the Township, Fire Department, Wayne Township, and volunteers who assisted with clearing road debris.
ENGINEER REPORT
Engineer Tim DeWire submitted K & W's report dated May 31, 2019 for services performed in May. The report was placed on record.
SOLICITOR REPORT
Solicitor Bruce Warshawsky submitted his report dated June 6, 2019 for services during May. Regarding the Hoover-Brown matter, Solicitor Warshawsky notified the Hoovers' attorney and requested that the old cesspool be closed by the next meeting.
ROADMASTER REPORT
Roadmaster Tim Belk submitted his report for work performed during May. The Board approved purchasing the F550 T-Tag at a cost of $81,860 including the plow, on a motion by Supervisor Bruner. Letters will be sent to Oak Avenue property owners notifying them of the paving project and explaining the right-of-way issue where the existing road will be widened.
FRIENDS OF FORT HALIFAX
Discussion took place regarding political signs placed along State Route 147 that were removed without consent by the Friends of Fort Halifax; the sign owner requested $90 reimbursement. The Board granted the request for the Roadmaster to assist with planting new sycamore trees and removing old stumps.
ADMINISTRATIVE
The Board agreed to move the Township dumpster into the gated area due to illegal dumping. Chairman Bechtel confirmed that volunteers under direct Township supervision are covered under the Township's insurance in emergencies. The Board discussed representation for the 225th Anniversary Parade, and Chairman Bechtel read a thank-you letter from the Halifax Swim Club for the Township's $1,290 donation.
OLD BUSINESS
134 Kinsinger Road was deferred to next month. The Board voted 4-0 to have the Solicitor send a letter to the Smokee Bros owners regarding stormwater management. The Board granted a stormwater management exemption for Thompson with conditions including confirmation of impervious cover removal of at least 208 sq. ft. The Board voted to send a nuisance letter for Buffalo Park Road and to move forward with nuisance violation proceedings on Kinsinger Road. The Board voted to send a letter to Mr. Yoder explaining why the Quail Commons Letter of Credit could not be released, per Engineer Wilson's June 7 memo. The Onlot Septic Ordinance was deferred to next month pending review of ordinances from other municipalities.
NEW BUSINESS
The Holding Tank Ordinance was deferred to next month pending review of ordinances from other municipalities. The Board voted 3-1 to send a letter to the Dauphin County Gaming Board in support of Camp Hebron's request for gaming monies to rebuild cabins, with Chairman Bechtel voting no.
ADJOURNMENT
Supervisor Bruner motioned and Supervisor McBurney seconded to adjourn at 9:23 p.m. Motion carried 4-0.
This page is an automated summary of official township records. For the authoritative version, always refer to the original document.