Monthly Business
Summary
The Halifax Township Board of Supervisors held its monthly business meeting on November 9, 2020, called to order at 7:04 p.m. in a hybrid public and virtual format. All five supervisors were present: Chairman Kenneth Bechtel, Brad Bruner, Randy Paul, Steve Schreffler, and Scott McBurney. The meeting centered on infrastructure projects, a contested demolition proposal at Fort Halifax Park, and steps toward adopting the 2021 budget.
- Fort Halifax Park demolition bids opened but deferred. Two bids were received for demolition of the barn and farmhouse at Fort Halifax Park: Reiff Brothers at $24,400 and Farhat Construction at $23,333.32. The board tabled the award until the December 14 meeting.
- Friends of Fort Halifax opposed the demolition. Bruce Henry spoke against tearing down the structures, arguing the walkout dates to the 1820s, the barn's condition is not as dire as reported, and Village Restoration estimated repairs at $100,000. The group believes the buildings could serve as a historical attraction and generate revenue for the township.
- Hershey Road Culvert moving to bid review. Eleven bids were received through PennBid for the culvert project. The board voted 5-0 to have K & W Engineers evaluate the bids and report back at the December 14 meeting.
- Extended Sewer System Agreement approved. The board unanimously approved a resolution formalizing the agreement, moved by Brad Bruner and seconded by Scott McBurney.
- Lenker Estates sewage fee increase announced. Gary Lenker informed the board that sewer fees for Lenker Estate residents will rise $40 per month starting January 2021.
- Route 225/Kinsinger Road speed limit concern referred to PennDOT. After a resident complaint about the hazard of turning left onto Kinsinger Road, the board voted 5-0 to formally request PennDOT address the speed limit at that intersection.
- 2021 Budget advertised for December adoption. The board approved publishing the notice to adopt the 2021 budget at the December meeting.
- Boyer Street traffic study ordered. The board directed K & W Engineers to conduct a traffic study at the Boyer Street intersection, with results expected at the next meeting.
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
BID OPENING
Two bids were received for demolition of the barn and farmhouse at Fort Halifax Park: Reiff Brothers at $24,400.00 and Farhat Construction at $23,333.32. The bid award was tabled until the December 14, 2020 meeting.
Eleven successful bids were received through PennBid for the Hershey Road Culvert project. Supervisor Schreffler motioned, seconded by Supervisor McBurney, to have K & W Engineers follow through with the PennBid process and report results at the December 14 meeting. Motion carried 5-0.
SECRETARY/TREASURER REPORT
Interim bills through November 9, 2020 were approved (McBurney/Paul, 5-0), and unpaid bills through November 9 were approved for payment (Schreffler/Paul, 5-0). The October 12, 2020 meeting minutes and 2021 Budget meeting minutes (October 19 and 26) were approved (Paul/Bruner, 5-0 each). The financial report was placed on file for audit.
PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS
Chairperson Mallonee reported that Hornung's presented a sketch plan for an addition, with the existing structure to serve as a maintenance garage and rental equipment space and the new addition as the retail portion. Discussion took place regarding sketch plan fees of $50 and how to differentiate between minor and major sketch plans, but no decision was made.
SOLICITOR REPORT
Solicitor Bruce Warshawsky submitted his report dated November 5, 2020. An Extended Sewer System Agreement was presented; the Board voted to dispense with the reading of the Resolution (Bruner/Paul, 5-0) and approved the Resolution (Bruner/McBurney, 5-0). Additionally, stakes were missing from the Funk's property, and K & W Engineers will resurvey and replace markers.
ROADMASTER REPORT
Roadmaster Tim Belk submitted a written report for October activity. He met with Good Tree Services regarding tree trimmings and will receive certification of dead trees confirmed by State Forester Andy Brought.
FRIENDS OF FORT HALIFAX
Bruce Henry spoke on behalf of the Friends of Fort Halifax, opposing the demolition of the barn and farmhouse at Fort Halifax Park. He raised concerns about the rushed timeline, noted the walkout was constructed in the 1820s, argued the barn's condition is not as dire as reported, cited Village Restoration's $100,000 repair estimate, and suggested the buildings could serve as a historical draw and revenue stream.
ADMINISTRATIVE
The Township received a concern about the intersection of State Route 225 and Kinsinger Road. PennDOT indicated a request would need to come from the Township. Supervisor Schreffler motioned, seconded by Supervisor Paul, for the Township to address the speed limit concern for travelers turning left onto Kinsinger Road. Motion carried 5-0.
OLD BUSINESS
A to Z Construction's engineer responded to Township engineer comments and a meeting will be held to gather remaining information. North Country Unlimited is being handled by Burch's office and is on next month's agenda. Solicitor Warshawsky presented the final draft of the Fireworks Ordinance, scheduled for further action next month. The Board asked K & W Engineers to conduct a traffic study at the Boyer Street intersection for the next meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
Supervisor Bruner motioned, seconded by Supervisor Paul, to advertise the Notice to Adopt the 2021 Budget in December. Motion carried 5-0.
Supervisor Bruner motioned, seconded by Supervisor Paul, to approve the Snyder Stormwater Management Plan per the Township Engineer's memo dated October 19, 2020 and revisions made by Snyder's engineer. Motion carried 5-0.
ADJOURNMENT
Supervisor Bruner motioned, seconded by Supervisor Schreffler, to adjourn at 9:30 p.m. Motion carried 5-0.
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