Monthly Business Meeting

Ken Hoover motioned to accept the March 8, 2010 minutes as presented. Carol Eppley seconded and the motion carried 4-0.

Linda Stopfel motioned to pay the interim bills as presented, approved 4-0. Ken Hoover asked about a payment to Glen and Gloria Yeager, which Secretary Ferguson explained was a refund from a street light tax overcharge due to a rate misclassification. Ken Hoover then motioned to approve the unpaid bills, carried 4-0. Linda Stopfel questioned whether the Comcast cable franchise fee budget had increased; Ferguson confirmed the $40K figure was taken directly from the adopted budget generated by Dave Hoover.

Fred Ford reported that Michael and James Bower presented plans for a potential outdoor wedding business; the Planning Commission determined the plan was not subject to SALDO but recommended the Bowers consult with SEO Michael Brown and PennDOT regarding sewage and driveway concerns. Ford welcomed new members Mark Reed and Randy Paul, and noted Reed reported on an outdoor lighting meeting attended March 31. The Commission also decided to wait for further information before acting on Act 24 (Appalachian Trail Act) compliance.

Bruce Warshawsky reported the Harn nuisance Sheriff's Sale was scheduled for May 6 at the Rutter Road residence. On Carolyn Nye's age discrimination claim, Chairman Bechtel recused himself and Carol Eppley served as acting chair; after an executive session (7:35–7:41 PM), the board voted 3-0 to file the answer to the complaint and response to the data request, and 3-0 to send Linda Stopfel and Carol Eppley to the May 7 fact-finding conference. The Armstrong Valley Fitness light complaint was resolved to the complainant's satisfaction. Regarding the PHFA/Lenker (Quail Commons) property, Warshawsky noted a discrepancy over whether parcel 29-020-001 had been approved for development and directed Dale Shoop and Tom Wilson to research the matter for a supplemental letter to PHFA.

Tom Wilson reported that amendments to the SALDO for National Flood Insurance Program compliance had been drafted and recommended forwarding them to the Planning Commission for review. He also noted that K&W Engineers had prepared a signal permit drawing at Cedar Shopping Centers' request, submitted to PennDOT, which includes a left-turn signal for southbound Route 225.

Dale Shoop reported PennDOT placed additional signage on 322 directing tractor trailers to Route 147. A building permit for a 40'x25' barn on Camp Hebron Road was approved 4-0. Two driveway disputes—one involving property sold by Pat Kauffman to John Heim, and another on Ebenezer Road—were discussed; the board voted 4-0 to have Shoop, Tom Wilson, and Bruce Warshawsky investigate the facts and contact the former solicitor if needed. The Fire Company pipe permit request was declined due to maintenance liability concerns. Spring Clean-Up was scheduled for May 14 (7 AM–5 PM) and May 15 (7 AM–noon), with Rob Bowman collecting tires ($2–$5 disposal fee to residents) and Hazelton Oil providing free collection of used oil, antifreeze, and batteries.

Larry Moore of Dauphin County Parks and Recreation confirmed the July 17 Music Festival at Ft. Halifax Park, noting plans to address prior traffic issues. The board received a collateralization letter from Susquehanna Bank for Warshawsky to review regarding funds exceeding the $250K federal insurance limit. Banking signature authorization was confirmed for board members, Secretary, and Treasurer. Disbursements of $4,000 to Medic 6 and $37,620 to HARA were noted. The board voted 4-0 to invest maturing CD funds from January and MidPenn Bank into a 6-month PSECU CD. Secretary Ferguson was appointed Assistant Treasurer retroactive to March 8, 2010 at $200/week with bonding increased to $500,000, all approved 4-0; the official Treasurer appointment was deferred to next month when a full board would be present. Regarding the park tenant, the board discussed concerns about a dog at the Manning residence and directed the matter to be resolved after a meeting with insurance representative Tom Troutman, requiring the dog be kept on a leash in the interim.

Dale Pears requested the Township fund physical improvements for a southbound left-turn signal on Route 225 at Cedar Shopping Centers. Tom Wilson estimated the cost at approximately $5,000, while PERQS quoted $2,700 for the light and installation. The board tabled the decision until next month's meeting to confirm costs; Pears noted the signal plan was the last item needed for a highway occupancy permit. Steven Sipe was appointed to the remaining Planning Commission vacancy (term expiring 12/31/2011), approved 4-0.

The board adopted a resolution to submit future liquid fuels reports electronically, approved 4-0. Fred Ford presented HAWASA's Source Water Protection Plan, developed over 18 months with DEP to protect wells 1–4 and springs 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6, with a sample ordinance forthcoming after solicitor review. Linda Stopfel urged swift action on a hazardous waste ordinance as well, citing concerns from School Superintendent Robert Hassinger about declining property values threatening school district funding. Warshawsky recommended integrating such ordinances into the SALDO. The Planning Commission agreed to proceed with developing the hazardous waste ordinance.

Municipal Building hours on April 29 would be 9 AM–12:30 PM for Secretary Ferguson's training. Upcoming meetings announced: Valley's Regional Comprehensive Plan (April 13), Ft. Halifax Park Master Site Plan Committee (April 15), Planning Commission (May 3), and BOS Monthly Meeting (May 10). Linda Stopfel announced the Ft. Halifax Park Festival: April 30 reserved for Halifax Elementary 5th graders with the Augusta Regiment, and May 1 open to the public featuring Family Circle, a French and Indian War reenactment, and the Lykens Valley Blue Grass Band.