Monthly Business
Executive session held 6:05 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. — personnel and real estate
Summary
The Halifax Township Board of Supervisors held its monthly business meeting on December 14, 2020, with all five supervisors present: Chairman Kenneth Bechtel, Brad Bruner, Randy Paul, Steve Schreffler, and Scott McBurney. Solicitor Bruce Warshawsky and Engineer Marc Kurowski participated by virtual conference. The board held a 40-minute executive session on personnel and real estate before the public meeting. The most consequential actions involved awarding a major culvert replacement contract, adopting the 2021 budget, and debating the fate of historic structures at Fort Halifax.
- Hershey Road Culvert contract awarded: The board awarded the Hershey Road Culvert Project to Farhat Excavating LLC for $161,500 (5-0).
- 2021 budget adopted: The board unanimously adopted the 2021 budget as advertised (5-0).
- Fort Halifax barn and farmhouse — demolition deferred: Bruce Henry of the Friends of Fort Halifax requested a site meeting with the township, its insurance agent, the PA Conservancy, and Village Restoration to explore alternatives to demolishing the barn and farmhouse. Anna Yelk of the PA Conservancy discussed third-party insurance options for small land trusts. Henry argued mitigating steps could be taken instead of demolition, while Scott McBurney raised concerns that delaying could require rebidding. The demolition bid was not awarded.
- Fireworks Ordinance advancing: The board voted to advertise a new fireworks ordinance for adoption at the January meeting (5-0).
- Route 225/Kinsinger Road speed concern: The board directed Engineer Marc Kurowski to contact PennDOT's Rick Levan about the speed limit on Route 225 near Kinsinger Road, where left-turning traffic poses a safety concern (5-0).
- Dead sycamore trees: After a report from Goods Tree Service confirming dead sycamore trees along township roads, the board voted to notify affected property owners that they have permission to remove the trees, provided they inform the township of their plans (5-0).
- A to Z Construction compliance: Engineer Elliot Shibley appeared on behalf of A to Z Construction to discuss permitting requirements. The company still needs an O&M Agreement and financial security; the secretary was asked to contact the township SEO after Shibley was unable to reach them.
- Agricultural security area proposed: Ritchie Enders submitted a proposal to establish a 42.2-acre agricultural security area on Million Dollar Road.
Who was there
Kenneth Bechtel (Supervisor / Chairman) · Brad Bruner (Supervisor) · Randy Paul (Supervisor) · Steve Schreffler (Supervisor) · Scott McBurney (Supervisor) · Wendy Wentzel (Secretary) · Tim Belk (Roadmaster) · Bruce Warshawsky (Solicitor) · Marc Kurowski (Engineer)
Meeting business
SECRETARY/TREASURER REPORT
Supervisor Paul motioned, seconded by Supervisor Schreffler, to approve the paid interim bills through December 14, 2020. Motion carried 5-0.
Supervisor Schreffler motioned, seconded by Supervisor Paul, to pay the unpaid bills through December 14, 2020. Motion carried 5-0.
Supervisor Paul motioned, seconded by Supervisor McBurney, to approve the meeting minutes of November 9, 2020. Motion carried 5-0.
PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS
Planning Commission member Randy Paul reported that the Planning Commission accepted for review a preliminary/final subdivision small lot addition from Kevin Sponsler and forwarded it to the Township Engineer for review.
SOLICITOR REPORT
Solicitor Warshawsky reported that there appear to be no monies left due to the filing of bankruptcy by Rogers Powells and Speaks.
ROADMASTER REPORT
The Roadmaster received a report from Goods Tree Service confirming dead sycamore trees and the cost for removing them. Supervisor Paul motioned, seconded by Supervisor Bruner, to send letters to property owners informing them they have permission to remove the dead trees and to notify the Township of their intentions. Motion carried 5-0.
ADMINISTRATIVE
The Township filed a concern with PennDOT about the speed limit on Route 225 for travelers turning left onto Kinsinger Road and received a response. Supervisor Bruner motioned, seconded by Supervisor Schreffler, to have the Township Engineer reach out to Rick Levan of PennDOT to discuss the concern. Motion carried 5-0.
OLD BUSINESS
Supervisor Paul motioned, seconded by Supervisor McBurney, to accept the bids for the Hershey Road Culvert Project and award it to Farhat Excavating LLC with a bid of $161,500. Motion carried 5-0.
Elliot Shibley, engineer for A to Z Construction, was present to discuss compliance requirements. He was informed that an O&M Agreement and financial security are required, and a confirmation of the initial $500 fee will be provided. Mr. Shibley has been unable to reach the Township's SEO, so the Secretary was asked to reach out to determine if there is an issue.
Supervisor Bruner motioned, seconded by Supervisor McBurney, to advertise the Fireworks Ordinance for adoption at January's meeting. Motion carried 5-0.
Bruce Henry of the Friends of Fort Halifax requested a meeting with the Roadmaster, insurance agent, PA Conservancy, Village Restoration, and a Supervisor at the barn. The Township received a letter from the Conservancy concerning liability. Anna Yelk of the PA Conservancy discussed small land trust availability and third-party insurance. Bruce Henry suggested mitigating steps instead of demolition. Supervisor McBurney raised concerns about staying the demolition and potentially having to rebid. The demolition bid was not awarded at this time.
Supervisor Paul motioned, seconded by Supervisor Bruner, to adopt the 2021 Budget as advertised. Motion carried 5-0.
NEW BUSINESS
Supervisor Bruner motioned, seconded by Supervisor Schreffler, to approve and advertise the 2021 meeting dates for the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors. Motion carried 5-0.
Notification was received on November 2, 2020 that Ritchie Enders is proposing an agricultural security area consisting of 42.2 acres on Million Dollar Road.
ADJOURNMENT
Supervisor Bruner motioned, seconded by Supervisor Schreffler, to adjourn at 8:42 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.