Monthly Business
Summary
The Halifax Township Board of Supervisors held its monthly business meeting on August 10, 2020, with all five supervisors present: Chairman Kenneth Bechtel, Brad Bruner, Randy Paul, Steve Schreffler, and Scott McBurney. The meeting, conducted both in-person and by virtual conference, ran nearly three and a half hours as the board tackled a wide agenda spanning road infrastructure, the Fort Halifax property, and a resident-driven push for fireworks regulation.
Fireworks ordinance subcommittee formed: Cheryl Hoover presented a petition signed by 50 residents demanding action on fireworks being set off at all hours, citing risks to children, veterans with PTSD, people with pacemakers and defibrillators, and the elderly. Suzy Blough echoed those concerns, adding the impact on pets. The board formed a subcommittee to draft ordinance language and report back at the next meeting.
Road base repairs going out to bid: The board unanimously approved advertising for bids on base repairs for McClellan Road, Upper Middle Road, and Lower Middle/McClellan Road. Separately, paving of Maple Street and Dunkel School Road was announced to begin August 20.
Fort Halifax barn and farmhouse demolition: After discussing safety and structural concerns, the board unanimously directed Roadmaster Tim Belk to obtain quotes for demolishing the barn and old white farmhouse at the Fort Halifax property.
Fort Halifax electric line kept above ground: The board reached consensus that the electric line at Fort Halifax should run above ground, consistent with how it was installed historically.
Ricker Construction development opposed: Summer Drive resident David Hause spoke against Ricker Construction's sketch plans for a residential development on land across from Halifax School.
Neeley stormwater exemption approved: The board unanimously approved a stormwater management exemption request from Dan and Lisa Neeley after reviewing the engineer's memo.
Mancini permit fee waived: The board unanimously waived the $45.00 building permit fee for a property owner replacing a house destroyed by fire.
Camp Hebron and North Country Unlimited legal updates: Solicitor Bruce Warshawsky reported that an appraisal was received for Camp Hebron and a resolution is being negotiated, with board approval expected in September. A Writ of Summons was filed against North Country Unlimited.
Who was there
Kenneth Bechtel (Chairman/Supervisor) · Brad Bruner (Supervisor) · Randy Paul (Supervisor) · Steve Schreffler (Supervisor) · Scott McBurney (Supervisor) · Bruce Warshawsky (Solicitor) · Marc Kurowski (Engineer) · Wendy Wentzel (Secretary) · Tim Belk (Roadmaster)
Public comments
Meeting business
Secretary/Treasurer Report
Motion by Supervisor McBurney, seconded by Supervisor Paul, to approve the paid interim bills through August 10, 2020. Motion carried 5-0.
Motion by Supervisor Schreffler, seconded by Supervisor Paul, to pay the unpaid bills through August 10, 2020. Motion carried 5-0.
Motion by Supervisor McBurney, seconded by Supervisor Paul, to approve the meeting minutes of July 13, 2020. Motion carried 5-0.
Planning Commission Recommendations
The Planning Commission had no representation for Flight Source present at the meeting. Engineer Marc Kurowski reviewed his comments regarding Flight Source.
Engineer Report
Engineer Marc Kurowski suggested putting the bid invitation out for the Hershey Road culvert but scheduling the work for the end of the school year.
The Board requested pricing from K & W for stormwater management on Kieffer Road. Solicitor Warshawsky will provide the cost involved in lot consolidation and was instructed to verify whether the Deed of Dedication by Charles Funk was recorded for the hammerhead portion of Kieffer Road.
Solicitor Report
An appraisal was received for Camp Hebron. A resolution is being negotiated, and Solicitor Warshawsky will return to the Board in September for approval.
Solicitor Warshawsky and Engineer Marc Kurowski discussed working on the separation of stormwater management from the SALDO. They will return to the Board with an estimate of time and cost associated with the project.
Roadmaster Report
Roadmaster Tim Belk reported that paving will begin August 20th for Maple Street and Dunkel School Road.
Motion by Supervisor Schreffler, seconded by Supervisor Paul, to approve advertising a bid invitation for base repairs on McClellan Road, Upper Middle Road, and Lower Middle/McClellan Road. Motion carried 5-0.
Friends of Fort Halifax
Discussion took place regarding running the electric line underground versus keeping it above ground. The Board was unanimous in deciding to run the electric above ground, as it was in the past.
Nuisance Report
At 1207 N. River Road, grass was mowed; the Board is waiting on whether the torn pool cover was replaced, with the item on the agenda for next month. At 201 Kinsinger Road, progress is being made.
Administrative
Motion by Supervisor McBurney, seconded by Supervisor Bruner, to waive the Township's $45.00 permit fee for a permit to replace a house that burnt on the Mancini property. Motion carried 5-0.
Old Business
After discussion regarding the safety and structural integrity of the barn and the old farmhouse at Fort Halifax, motion by Supervisor Schreffler, seconded by Supervisor Paul, to have the Roadmaster obtain quotes for demolishing the barn and the old white farmhouse. Motion carried 5-0.
Paul Morgan was present and shared drawings with the Board showing his proposal to address the stormwater management issues at Smokee Bros.
Solicitor Warshawsky reported that counsel representing A to Z Construction is currently working on an As Built and will submit it before the end of the month.
A Writ of Summons was filed against North Country Unlimited.
New Business
Tim Miller expressed concern about trees hanging over township roads. The Board directed Roadmaster Tim Belk to identify the worst trees and obtain quotes for trimming.
After discussion of the Engineer's memo, motion by Supervisor Bruner, seconded by Supervisor Schreffler, to approve the stormwater management exemption request submitted by Dan and Lisa Neeley. Motion carried 5-0.
The Board granted the driveway request at 401 Maple Street on the condition that stormwater runoff must stay in the yard or curb line. If runoff crosses the street, a stormwater management plan will be required.
Following a petition signed by 50 residents presented by Cheryl Hoover during public comment citing concerns for children, veterans with PTSD, people with pacemakers, and the elderly, the Board formed a subcommittee to develop items for a fireworks ordinance and report back at the next meeting.
Adjournment
Motion by Supervisor Bruner, seconded by Supervisor Paul, to adjourn at 10:32 p.m. Motion carried 5-0.
This page is an automated summary of official township records. For the authoritative version, always refer to the original document.