Monthly Business
Summary
The Halifax Township Board of Supervisors held their monthly business meeting on February 8, 2021, convening at 7:02 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 focused heavily on road infrastructure planning and budget allocations, with several items deferred to the March agenda.
$100,000 set aside for Matamoras Road: After reviewing remaining 2020 budget funds against upcoming obligations — $161,500 for the Hershey Road Culvert, an estimated $14,000 for Kieffer Road turnbacks, and up to $24,885 for possible repairs or demolition of two structures at Fort Halifax — the board voted unanimously to place $100,000 into a non-committal fund for future Matamoras Road work.
Hershey Road Culvert update: The traffic detour for the culvert replacement will not begin until after the school year ends. PennDOT informed the township that the required $3,000 traffic study and installation of warning and speed signs would be entirely at the township's expense. No action was taken.
Solicitor directed to contact PennDOT about dead trees: The board unanimously authorized Solicitor Bruce Warshawsky to send a formal letter to PennDOT regarding dead trees identified within PennDOT's right-of-way on South River Road.
Kieffer Road ordinance moving forward: The board voted 5-0 to advertise an ordinance vacating lots on Kieffer Road, with formal adoption targeted for the next meeting.
New welder purchased for road crew: The board approved spending up to $1,500 from the Capital Equipment line item for a new welder.
HARA requests help funding soccer field study: Bill and Scott Corsnitz, representing HARA, asked the township to contribute toward a $7,500 feasibility study for developing soccer fields on North River Road, noting current playing fields are not Little League compliant. HARA is also seeking contributions from Jackson, Halifax Borough, Wayne, and Reed townships. The board deferred a decision to March.
Fort Halifax insurance savings and cart way access: Recalculations of building envelope coverage for Fort Halifax structures will save $827 annually; demolition remains on hold. The board also authorized adding a combination lock to the cart way access chain.
Community cleanup days set for May 14–15.
Who was there
Kenneth Bechtel (Chairman/Supervisor) · Brad Bruner (Supervisor) · Randy Paul (Supervisor) · Steve Schreffler (Supervisor) · Scott McBurney (Supervisor) · Wendy Wentzel (Secretary) · Tim Belk (Roadmaster) · Bruce Warshawsky (Solicitor) · Marc Kurowski (Engineer)
Public comments
Meeting business
SECRETARY/TREASURER REPORT
Supervisor Paul and Supervisor Schreffler moved to approve paid interim bills through February 8, 2021 (5-0). Supervisor Schreffler and Supervisor Paul moved to pay unpaid bills through the same date (5-0). The January 4, 2021 Re-Org Minutes and January 11, 2021 Monthly Meeting Minutes were each approved unanimously. The financial report was placed on file for audit.
ENGINEER REPORT
Documents for the Hershey Road Culvert project were executed and received by K & W Engineers. The traffic detour will not begin until after the end of the school year. PennDOT's Rick Levan informed the Township that the required traffic study ($3,000) and installation of warning and speed signs would be at the Township's expense. No action was taken.
ROADMASTER REPORT
Supervisor Bruner and Supervisor Schreffler moved to authorize the purchase of a new welder with an expenditure up to $1,500.00, to be taken from the Capital Equipment line item. Motion carried 5-0.
FRIENDS OF FORT HALIFAX
The Board had no objection to shortening the newly installed chain across the cart way access to raise the sign further off the ground. Authorization was granted to add a combination lock to facilitate opening the cart way as needed.
ADMINISTRATIVE
The Board authorized preparation of a letter of acknowledgement for a lot on Million Dollar Road for the Highway Occupancy Permitting process. After reviewing remaining 2020 budget funds and upcoming expenses ($161,500 for Hershey Road Culvert, ~$14,000 for Kieffer Road turnbacks, $24,885 for Fort Halifax structures), Supervisor Paul and Supervisor Bruner moved to place $100,000 into a separate line item identified as non-committal funds for Matamoras Road. Motion carried 5-0.
OLD BUSINESS
Supervisor Bruner and Supervisor McBurney moved to advertise for the ordinance adoption vacating the lots at the next meeting. Motion carried 5-0.
Supervisor Paul and Supervisor Bruner moved to have Solicitor Warshawsky send a letter to PennDOT regarding identified dead trees on South River Road located in PennDOT's right of way. Motion carried 5-0.
NEW BUSINESS
Supervisor Schreffler and Supervisor Paul moved to set the cleanup day dates for May 14 and May 15. Motion carried 5-0.
ADJOURNMENT
Supervisor Bruner and Supervisor Schreffler moved to adjourn at 9:10 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.