Monthly Business
Executive session held 6:20 PM - 6:50 PM — possible litigation and personnel matters
Summary
The Halifax Township Board of Supervisors held its monthly business meeting on August 8, 2022, called to order at 7:01 PM by Chairman Kenneth Bechtel. Four of five supervisors were present — Kenneth Bechtel, Steve Schreffler, Scott McBurney, and Brad Bruner (attending remotely) — with Randy Paul absent. An executive session on possible litigation and personnel matters was held beforehand. The nearly three-hour meeting covered nuisance enforcement, land development, infrastructure concerns, and several administrative actions.
Nuisance enforcement escalated against Roger Lehman: After Lehman failed to remove an unpermitted structure by his August 8 deadline — an extension granted at the June meeting — the board voted 4-0 to have Solicitor Bruce Warshawsky serve him a certified letter via State Constable.
Boom mower listed for sale at $8,500 reserve: With Wayne Township having declined to purchase the township's boom mower, the board authorized Roadmaster Tim Belk to advertise it on Municibid with a reserve price of $8,500.
Sycamore Ridge development granted 90-day extension: The board approved a time extension for the Sycamore Ridge plan through November 14, 2022. The Planning Commission had recommended conditional approval, but private streets remain the primary unresolved issue.
PA PERCS contract replacement approved: Following notice that PA PERCS would permanently close on August 12, the board voted 4-0 to approve telephone bids to find a replacement contractor.
Stormwater problems block two letters of credit: Engineer Alex Greenly reported that HRG does not recommend releasing financial security for Flight Source, where a large stormwater basin is holding water without vegetation, or for Hornung True Value, where stormwater basins are also not operating as designed.
PennDOT safety review requested for Tourist Park Road: HRG is requesting PennDOT conduct a safety review at the intersection of Tourist Park Road and State Route 147 after pulling traffic and crash data.
Halifax Swim Club insurance to continue: After Emily Hoffman raised the question of who pays the swim club's liability insurance, the board confirmed the township would continue covering it as it has for several years.
Escrow billing disputes raised by two property owners: John Dorman asked to pay only half his escrow bill due to financial hardship; the board said it would follow up after the meeting. Jon Mattis of the nonprofit Graceful Acres objected to receiving an escrow bill three years after his land development, citing significant losses. No action was taken on either matter.
Who was there
Kenneth Bechtel (Chairman/Supervisor) · Steve Schreffler (Supervisor) · Scott McBurney (Supervisor) · Brad Bruner (Supervisor) · Bruce Warshawsky (Solicitor) · Alex Greenly (Engineer) · Sara Glace (Secretary) · Tim Belk (Roadmaster)
Public comments
Meeting business
Secretary/Treasurer Report
Supervisors approved paid bills and current unpaid bills through August 8, 2022, and approved the July 11, 2022 meeting minutes. All three motions carried 4-0. The financial report was placed on file for audit.
EMC Report
Chief Tim Neiter was not present and did not submit a report. Chairman Bechtel raised questions about an email from Jason Graff regarding bi-directional amplifiers; Supervisor Bruner advised it did not apply to Halifax Township.
Planning Commission Recommendation
Discussion continued about splitting the SALDO ordinance into separate Stormwater Management and Land Development ordinances. The Planning Commission recommended certain waivers and conditional approval of the Sycamore Ridge plan, with private streets noted as the biggest issue. Supervisors approved a 90-day time extension for Sycamore Ridge expiring November 14, 2022, on a 4-0 vote.
Engineer Report
Engineer Alex Greenly reported that HRG, Inc. is requesting PennDOT to conduct a safety review at Tourist Park Road and State Route 147. He presented a proposal for Camp Hebron Road Culvert Replacement, deferred to the September 12 meeting. The Members 1st Credit Union letter of credit is under review for release; the Flight Source letter of credit reduction was not recommended due to a stormwater basin holding about a foot of water without vegetation; and the Hornung True Value letter of credit will not receive a full release due to stormwater basins not operating as proposed.
Roadmaster Report
After Wayne Township declined to purchase the boom mower last month, Supervisors authorized Roadmaster Tim Belk to advertise the boom mower on Municibid with a reserve of $8,500.00. Motion carried 4-0.
Nuisance Report
Roger Lehman failed to comply with the previously approved extension (ending August 8, 2022) to remove an unpermitted structure; Supervisors voted 4-0 to have Solicitor Warshawsky serve him a certified letter by State Constable. Andrew Hoover's two unanswered letters regarding possible unpermitted construction had no action taken. Deepak Subedi resolved a chicken nuisance complaint by erecting a coop with fencing. Jamie Viars resolved his nuisance by submitting a building permit for a 24x24 garage/shed at 14 Ridge Road. A nuisance letter to Cedar Halifax Land regarding mowing parcel 29-014-026 was returned due to an address change and resent; no action taken.
Administrative
Supervisors voted 4-0 to dispense with the reading of the Council of Government Resolution, then voted 4-0 to approve the resolution.
Old Business
Supervisors decided to review SAA Architects' proposal and agreement for architectural services presented by Mark Shermeyer for the feasibility study and discuss it at the September 12, 2022 meeting. No action was taken.
New Business
Supervisors clarified that Ordinance Number 06-02-2006 covers only the sycamore trees presently existing along Route 147 within the public right-of-way or within 20 feet of the right-of-way. All other sycamore trees are not covered. No action was taken.
Supervisors voted 4-0 to approve telephone bids to replace PA PERCS and the contract Halifax Township had with them, following notification that PA PERCS is closing permanently on August 12, 2022.
This page is an automated summary of official township records. For the authoritative version, always refer to the original document.