Monthly Business

Three sets of bids were opened for 2021 road projects. Base Repairs were awarded to New Enterprise Stone & Lime Company at $31,930.14, Tar and Chipping to Russell Standard Corporation at $97,060.92, and Paving to New Enterprise Stone & Lime Company at $58,639.55. Total for all 2021 road projects is $187,630.61, to be paid from the Liquid Fuels Account.

Supervisors approved paid interim bills through May 10, 2021 and current unpaid bills except for a LandPro bill of $376.83. The April 12, 2021 meeting minutes were approved. The financial report was placed on file for audit.

EMC Tim Neiter reported on April activities including a large-scale mock exercise on April 17 involving a simulated tornado at the former Strohecker Trailer Park and an event at Lake Tobias, with a follow-up review scheduled for May 18. The township road crew assisted the Fire Department in clearing debris at the North River Road decommissioned boat launch for emergency water access. The Fire Department responded to 15 calls in April including one structure fire in Fisherville, and Halifax Ambulance will send the township a $1,126.00 rebate check from their Workers Comp audit.

The Board granted five waiver requests recommended by the Planning Commission for Hornung's True Value per Engineer Cathy Lee's April 26, 2021 comment letter. The submitted plans were conditionally approved with conditions #1, #2, and #9 to be met. A sewage relocation permit from the Sewage Enforcement Officer was required prior to obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy.

Engineer Marc Kurowski covered his report dated May 4, 2021. Quail Commons contacted the engineers to perform a final inspection of roads in the Lenker Estate development; a report was generated identifying items to be addressed before financial security could be released and the township could take ownership and maintenance of the roads.

Solicitor Bruce Warshawsky submitted his report for April 2021 services. He has not received a response regarding the sycamore trees. The Kissinger nuisance matter involved contact about cleanup days, and Supervisor McBurney raised a separate nuisance complaint that appeared cleaned up from the road but may have been moved to the rear of the property; the neighbor would need to file a formal complaint.

Roadmaster Tim Belk reported that Hammaker will replace failing tar chip from 2020 on Fellowship Drive, Galli Road, Lauren Lane, Sycamore Avenue, Oak Avenue, and Elm Avenue. Three telephone bids will be sought for fog sealing. Third Street and Fourth Street are being prepped for paving with inlet repairs and storm pipe replacements. Morgan Paving assessed the township building parking area and recommended a total reclamation costing over $100,000, with an engineer needed to evaluate the base.

Tyler James, new Halifax School District Business Manager, was appointed as alternate TCC Delegate replacing Matt Ulmer who resigned. TCC Delegate Robb Wentzel recommended waiving penalties and interest on late local EIT filings due to the May 17 tax deadline extension, which the Board approved pending a formal resolution at the next meeting. The Board also received an update on American Rescue Plan funds, agreed to place those monies in a separate bank account, and noted that the Mike Sweigard 64-acre farm was accepted into the Ag Easement program.

The Board voted 3-1 to advertise the Boyer Street Parking Ordinance with intent to adopt and erect required signs, with Supervisor McBurney voting no. Resident Justene Scott spoke in opposition, citing her efforts to improve visibility at Boyer and Route 147 and suggesting a one-way street instead. Robb Wentzel spoke in support, describing a 20-year safety concern with unrestricted parking narrowing Boyer Street near Route 147.

Bob Swope addressed the Board about the historic sycamore trees in Halifax and Reed Townships that serve as a living memorial for seven men who died in World War I. He reported that vines are killing the trees and offered to trim the vines and cut suckers at no cost to the township. The township must consult with PennDOT before any work can proceed.

Mr. Decker plans to remove structures on the property and sell it, eliminating further obstructions. He asked to keep the carport and remove only the cement pads; the engineers will review the carport and report back. The Solicitor will prepare an agreement providing Mr. Decker a period to remove the structures for action at the next meeting.

Administrative corrections were made without requiring re-recordings, as the Recorder's office was able to process changes through the Department of Revenue and Tax Assessment office. The Solicitor will work with K & W's surveyor on transferring remaining lands to the Shoops and vacating the remainder of the road. The Fetterhoff and Bixler lot consolidations are moving forward, and the Funk and Fetterhoff road vacating should proceed on the same timeline.

Supervisor McBurney noted that Bruce Henry had emailed stating the Friends of Fort Halifax were willing to pay a bill, but McBurney missed the email and the township had already agreed to pay it. A meeting was scheduled for June 23 with the Conservancy, Board of Supervisors representatives, Friends of Fort Halifax representatives, and Carl Dixon.

The Board unanimously approved a request for Cub Scout Troop 1165 to camp at the designated campsite along the river at Fort Halifax the weekend of May 21-23.

The Board dispensed with the reading of the resolution and unanimously voted to accept the Ritchie Enders, Jr. farm into Halifax Township's existing Agricultural Security Area.

The Board unanimously granted a stormwater management exemption request for Rick and Susan Herb for their parcel at the rear of 1743 N. River Road.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 p.m. on a motion by Supervisor Bruner, seconded by Supervisor McBurney.