Monthly Business
Executive session held 6:35 p.m. – 6:57 p.m. — Matters of litigation
Summary
The Halifax Township Board of Supervisors held their monthly business meeting on April 12, 2021, with all five supervisors present: Kenneth Bechtel (Chairman), Brad Bruner, Randy Paul, Steve Schreffler, and Scott McBurney. The nearly two-and-a-half-hour session covered road maintenance planning, the adoption of a long-pending road ordinance, and an update on significant capital funding challenges at the Fort Halifax historic site. An executive session on litigation matters was held before the public meeting.
- Fort Halifax Barn and Farmhouse faces $170,810 funding gap: Scott McBurney reported that the PA Conservancy requires substantial capital improvements before it would consider taking over stewardship of the property. A local benefactor has offered $40,000 toward the total. The township is exploring gaming revenue to fund required road improvements to the site.
- Kieffer Road ordinance adopted: The board unanimously adopted a new ordinance for Kieffer Road and authorized execution of deeds to return land to adjoining property owners, closing out a longstanding agenda item.
- Road maintenance bids authorized: The board voted to advertise for bids on tar-and-chip sealing and paving/base repairs to township roads. Russell Standard will also inspect prior work on Fellowship, Lauren Lane, and Galli Road.
- Comcast cable franchise fee agreement approved: The board accepted a negotiated franchise fee contract with Comcast.
- Hornung's Land Development granted 90-day extension: The timeline for pending land development plans was extended through June 30, 2021.
- Exotic animal housing letter approved: The board authorized a letter to the Game Commission approving temporary housing of exotic animals at 71 Baddorf Road.
- Halifax 7th graders approved for Fort Halifax field trip: Approximately 85 students, teachers, and chaperones were authorized to visit on May 21, following COVID-19 guidelines.
- A to Z Construction and fireworks ordinance violation letter both deferred to the May meeting, with Solicitor Bruce Warshawsky tasked with rewriting the violation letter.
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) · Adam Whalen (Engineer)
Public comments
Meeting business
SECRETARY/TREASURER REPORT
Supervisor McBurney motioned, seconded by Supervisor Paul, to approve the paid interim bills through April 12, 2021. Motion carried 5-0.
Supervisor Schreffler motioned, seconded by Supervisor Paul, to pay the unpaid bills through April 12, 2021. Motion carried 5-0.
Supervisor Schreffler motioned, seconded by Supervisor Paul, to approve the minutes of the March 8, 2021 meeting. Motion carried 5-0.
EMC REPORT
EMC Tim Neiter provided a written monthly report. He reported the fireworks date will be August 21, 2021. On behalf of the Fire Department, he reported 31 priority calls in March, half primary due and half mutual aid, with over 900 man-hours for the department.
PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS
Supervisor Bruner motioned, seconded by Supervisor Paul, to grant a 90-day extension for the Hornung's land development plans, correcting the extension start date to March 31, 2021. The extension expires June 30, 2021. Motion carried 5-0.
The Planning Commission ordinance was noted as outdated and in need of replacement. Secretary Wendy Wentzel will reach out to PSATS to find a template ordinance to use.
SOLICITOR REPORT
Solicitor Bruce Warshawsky submitted his report for services during March 2021. He noted he has made initial contact with PennDOT regarding the sycamore trees.
ROADMASTER REPORT
Roadmaster Tim Belk reported that Russell Standard will inspect tar and chipping done on Fellowship, Lauren Lane, and Galli Road. Supervisor McBurney motioned, seconded by Supervisor Paul, to advertise for tar and chipping and paving and base repairs to Township roads. Motion carried 5-0.
FRIENDS OF FORT HALIFAX
Supervisor Bruner motioned, seconded by Supervisor McBurney, to approve an education trip for the Halifax 7th grade class, teachers, and chaperones (approximately 85 people) on May 21 from 8am to 2pm, following COVID-19 guidelines. Motion carried 5-0.
ADMINISTRATIVE
The Board approved paying the Fire Department's workers' compensation in a lump sum rather than spreading payments over the course of the year.
Nathan Troutman presented an overview of the insurance renewal for Halifax Township, which begins on May 1.
OLD BUSINESS
HARA exceeded their donation requests from municipalities for the ball field plans. Halifax Township's $2,000 donation will remain in a separate HARA fund to assist in applying for grants or help with the design of the athletic complex.
Tabled until next month.
Supervisor Bruner motioned, seconded by Supervisor Paul, to adopt the Kieffer Road ordinance as advertised; motion carried 5-0. A second motion by Supervisor Bruner, seconded by Supervisor Paul, authorized execution of deeds to return land to the landowners; motion carried 5-0.
Supervisor McBurney reported on an April 1 meeting with Anna Yelk from the PA Conservancy, Bruce Henry from the Friends of Fort Halifax, Chairman Bechtel, and Supervisor McBurney. Capital funding of $170,810 is needed, with road improvements required before the Conservancy would consider taking over. Gaming monies were proposed for road funding, and a local benefactor has offered $40,000 toward the capital costs. A true engineering study for building rehab would be part of the grant.
Supervisor Schreffler motioned, seconded by Supervisor McBurney, to approve the Barrick stormwater management application with an exemption request. Motion carried 5-0.
NEW BUSINESS
Supervisor McBurney motioned to accept the negotiated Comcast cable franchise fee contract. Motion carried 5-0.
Supervisor McBurney motioned, seconded by Supervisor Paul, to send a letter to the Game Commission approving temporary housing of exotic animals at 71 Baddorf Road. Motion carried 5-0.
ADJOURNMENT
Supervisor Bruner motioned, seconded by Supervisor Schreffler, to adjourn the meeting at 9:30 pm. Motion carried 5-0.
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