Monthly Business Meeting
Executive session held 6:00 - 6:40 p.m. — real estate
Summary
The Halifax Township Board of Supervisors held their monthly business meeting on March 9, 2020, called to order at 7:05 p.m. following an executive session on real estate matters. Supervisors Kenneth Bechtel (Chairman), Randy Paul, Steve Schreffler, and Scott McBurney were present; Brad Bruner was absent. The meeting focused on road project planning for 2020, two subdivision approvals, and an early advisory on the emerging COVID-19 pandemic.
- COVID-19 advisory: The Emergency Management Coordinator reminded residents to wash their hands and follow health protocols to limit the spread of the Coronavirus. He also reported on a house fire on March 7th, determined to be electrical in origin, in which two dogs and a cat were rescued.
- 2020 road projects conditionally approved: Roadmaster Tim Belk presented the year's road work plan, including tar-and-chip on Galli Road, Lauren Lane, Fellowship Drive, Upper Middle Road, and several others; paving on Maple Street and Dunkel School Road; and base repairs on Pawnee Lane. The board approved the projects with the condition that $30,000 be retained in the Liquid Fuels account for line painting and contingencies.
- Scholl Road phased approach: After an inspection with Dirt and Gravel program representatives, Roadmaster Belk reported that Scholl Road improvements will need to be done in phases, with the middle section questionable for the program. The board directed staff to contact Upper Paxton Township about whether they are vacating Woodside Station Road, which connects to Scholl Road.
- Sweigard Subdivision conditionally approved: The board granted requested waivers and conditionally approved the Sweigard Subdivision Plans, subject to conditions outlined in Engineer Tim DeWire's March 6, 2020 memo.
- Harteis Subdivision conditionally approved: Following seven SALDO waivers granted at the February meeting, the board conditionally approved the Harteis Subdivision Plan per conditions in Engineer DeWire's March 2, 2020 memo.
- Camp Hebron tax assessment: The board approved contributing $228 (the township's 3.012% share) toward an appraisal related to the Camp Hebron tax assessment.
- Fort Halifax park road: Chairman Kenneth Bechtel discussed estimates for paving the park entrance from Route 147 — a 16-foot-wide road with 2-foot shoulders requiring base work. He opposed additional paving given the potential demolition of the barn and farmhouse on site.
- Nuisance Ordinance revision and Kieffer Road Turnback were both tabled until April.
Who was there
Kenneth Bechtel (Chairman/Supervisor) · Randy Paul (Supervisor) · Steve Schreffler (Supervisor) · Scott McBurney (Supervisor) · Bruce Warshawsky (Solicitor) · Wendy Wentzel (Secretary) · Tim DeWire (Engineer) · Tim Belk (Roadmaster)
Meeting business
Secretary/Treasurer Report
Supervisor McBurney motioned, seconded by Supervisor Paul, to approve the paid interim bills through March 9, 2020. Motion carried 4-0.
Supervisor Schreffler motioned, seconded by Supervisor Paul, to pay the unpaid bills through March 9, 2020. Motion carried 4-0.
Supervisor Paul motioned, seconded by Supervisor Schreffler, to approve the February 10, 2020 meeting minutes. Motion carried 4-0.
EMC Report
EMC Neiter reminded residents about Coronavirus precautions and reviewed his fire chief's report. The fire department responded to a house fire on Saturday, March 7th, where two dogs and a cat were rescued; the Fire Marshall determined the fire was electrical in nature.
Solicitor Report
Supervisor McBurney motioned, seconded by Supervisor Schreffler, to contribute $228 (representing 3.012%) toward the fee of an appraisal for the Camp Hebron tax assessment. Motion carried 4-0.
Roadmaster Report
Roadmaster Tim Belk presented an overview of planned road work including tar and chip on Galli Road, Lauren Lane, Fellowship Drive, Upper Middle Road, Cornfield Drive, Round Top Drive, Hill Top Drive, Sycamore Avenue, Oak Avenue, Elm Street, Maple Avenue, and Ridge Road; paving on Maple Street and Dunkel School Road; and base repairs on Pawnee Lane. Supervisor McBurney motioned, seconded by Supervisor Paul, to conditionally approve the 2020 road projects while retaining funds for line painting and $30,000 in the Liquid Fuels account. Motion carried 4-0.
Roadmaster Belk met with Dirt and Gravel program representatives to inspect Scholl Road, determining it will need to be done in phases, with the middle section questionable for the program. The Board requested that Upper Paxton Township be contacted to determine if they are vacating Woodside Station Road, which connects to Scholl Road.
Friends of Fort Halifax
Frank Wilmarth reported that Joe Baker is working with them on a grant, and the railroad crossing is on the back burner. A work party is planned for the following weekend, and there is concern about an ash tree near the wigwam site close to wires, which Roadmaster Belk and Chad Lebo will inspect. Chairman Bechtel discussed estimates for paving the park entrance road from State Route 147, noting it will be 16 feet wide with 2-foot shoulders and will require digging out the sides and placing base material before blacktop; he opposed additional paving due to potential demolition of the barn and farmhouse on site.
Old Business
Engineer DeWire presented his memo on the floodplain permit application. After discussion, he will return the application to the applicant, as it needs to be completed with more information.
Supervisor McBurney motioned, seconded by Supervisor Schreffler, to approve the requested waivers for the Sweigard Subdivision (carried 4-0). Supervisor Schreffler then motioned, seconded by Supervisor Paul, to conditionally approve the Sweigard Subdivision Plans with conditions B2, B4, B5, C2, C3, D1, and D2 as set forth in Engineer DeWire's memo dated March 6, 2020. Motion carried 4-0.
Following seven SALDO waivers granted at the previous meeting, Supervisor Schreffler motioned, seconded by Supervisor Paul, to approve the Harteis Subdivision Plan with conditions B1-6 and C1-2 as set forth in Engineer DeWire's memo dated March 2, 2020. Motion carried 4-0.
Tabled until April.
Tabled until April.
New Business
Supervisor Schreffler motioned, seconded by Supervisor Paul, to approve the Southern PA Association of Rocketry's request to fly rockets at Fort Halifax on May 2, August 1, and September 19, 2020. Motion carried 4-0.
Adjournment
Supervisor McBurney motioned, seconded by Supervisor Paul, to adjourn at 8:58 p.m. Motion carried 4-0.
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