Monthly Business Meeting

Ken Hoover motioned to accept the June 14, 2010 minutes as presented. Carol Eppley seconded and the motion carried 5:0.

Carol Eppley motioned to approve the paid interim bills as presented, seconded by Gary Shultz (carried 5:0). Carol Eppley then motioned to approve the unpaid bills as presented, seconded by Ken Hoover (carried 5:0). The June 2010 financial reports were also presented for board review.

PC Chairman Fred Ford reported that Tri-County Regional Planning would take no further action on Act 23 (Appalachian Trail Act) until advised by the State, so the Planning Commission tabled the item. The Deppen Sketch Plan was presented and reviewed for feasibility. The Planning Commission had begun reviewing SALDO Sections 1, 2, and 3 and would continue with Chapter 4 in August.

Solicitor Bruce Warshawsky reported that Mr. Tobias rejected the proposed resolution following the June 21st meeting, and a trial date would be scheduled soon. The DONCO Construction/Lenker matter requires additional research by Tom Wilson and Warshawsky, to be discussed further in Executive Session before the August 9th meeting.

Solicitor Warshawsky reported that $5,317.20 in engineering and legal fees for River Ridge Mobile Home Park remained outstanding. Secretary Ferguson had resolved billing issues with Mr. Bistline, who agreed to pay but had not done so months later. The board authorized Warshawsky to issue a collection letter requiring payment in full by next month's meeting.

Jeff Warfel of Halifax Fire Department confirmed the department was satisfied with the dissolution clause language. The Fire Department's tax status was corrected to 501(c)(4) in the agreement. Both parties signed, and Linda Stopfel motioned to execute the ratified agreement, seconded by Carol Eppley (carried 5:0).

Tom Wilson of K&W Engineers reported that DEP correspondence requires each Dauphin County municipality to adopt a stormwater management ordinance compliant with the County's Act 167 plan by December 25, 2010. The board authorized Wilson to prepare the necessary SALDO amendments. Solicitor Warshawsky indicated no formal board action was required at this time.

EMC Charlie Bisking asked the board to adopt Dauphin County's Emergency Operations Plan, noting the Township's current EOP is not NIMS compliant and that the County would handle all plan updates at no charge. Linda Stopfel motioned to adopt, seconded by Carol Eppley (carried 5:0).

Charlie Bisking requested a laptop, printer, and wireless internet service to access NIMS files for his EMC responsibilities. Linda Stopfel asked that the discussion be tabled until next month to allow her to research potential grants for the purchase, and the board agreed.

Secretary Ferguson noted requests to restore the Solicitor's and Engineer's reports to meeting packets; the board agreed she should include them when feasible. Ferguson will schedule a 2-week no-obligation trial of proposed copier units before any purchase decision. Gary Shultz proposed semi-annual employee reviews; Ferguson was asked to research performance measurement tools. Linda Stopfel agreed to work with Ferguson to transition grant writing responsibilities and noted a large grant with a September 1, 2010 deadline. Chairman Bechtel confirmed the July 15th Master Site Plan park walk was open to all supervisors, with Solicitor Warshawsky cautioning against deliberation of Township business in the presence of a quorum.

The board discussed the condition and future of the Ft. Halifax Park barn at length. Gary Shultz and Chairman Bechtel expressed personal opinions favoring demolition due to cost and safety concerns, while Carol Eppley suggested at least stabilizing the building. Linda Stopfel motioned to allow Carl Dickson (Dauphin County Parks and Recreation Director) to clean out the barn at no cost using prisoners, contingent on Dauphin County providing indemnification to protect the Township from liability. Carol Eppley seconded and the motion carried 5:0.

Linda Stopfel suggested placing the Township's picnic tables and benches donated by Eagle Scout Darren Mauser Jr. throughout the park to encourage recreational use. Due to the railroad crossing being restricted to farm use, tables and benches would be placed on the right side of the park. Stopfel noted she could likely secure porta-potties at no charge, though Chairman Bechtel expressed concerns about vandalism.

Mr. Baer returned to argue that debris on the Lenker and Campbell properties diverts additional water run-off onto his property, despite the Township's earlier assessment suggesting otherwise. Tom Wilson acknowledged his initial assessment was brief and did not include a topographic survey. Gary Shultz confirmed after a site visit that the debris appeared to divert run-off onto Baer's property. Gary Shultz motioned for Solicitor Warshawsky to send a pre-nuisance letter to both Mr. Lenker and Mr. Campbell, seconded by Carol Eppley (carried 5:0).

Solicitor Warshawsky reported minimal cleanup progress at Mr. Scheidler's property since the original nuisance letter in March 2007, with no noticeable effort since the November 6, 2009 letter. Roadmaster Dale Shoop was unable to take current photos due to semi-trailers and dogs blocking access. Linda Stopfel motioned to have Warshawsky initiate enforcement actions under the Nuisance Ordinance, seconded by Gary Shultz (carried 5:0).

Solicitor Warshawsky reported that the Manning's received the arrears payment letter (per return receipt) but provided no response by the June 30th deadline. Gary Shultz motioned for Warshawsky to file suit with the District Justice to pursue reimbursement including recovery of legal fees under the lease. Ken Hoover seconded and the motion carried 5:0.

Solicitor Warshawsky raised the need to address Mr. Masser's water run-off inquiries from a prior meeting. Linda Stopfel asked to table the item, noting the board was not yet prepared to respond adequately. Chairman Bechtel reported he had spoken with Masser and informed him the Township was still gathering information. Warshawsky recommended a site meeting; Bechtel and Dale Shoop agreed to meet with Masser, and Fred Ford (Water Authority Chairman) was also recommended to attend since the Water Authority owns the corresponding roadway.

Linda Stopfel reported that she, her husband, and Roadmaster Dale Shoop toured the farmhouse and found it needed minor work including carpet removal, flooring replacement, and painting. She suggested either renting it for income or finding someone to mow and make repairs rent-free. Gary Shultz opposed resuming landlord responsibilities, preferring income through farming the land. Chairman Bechtel expressed concerns about tenant quality given the public location. No action was taken.

Solicitor Warshawsky drafted a letter to DCNR requesting exploration of limited agricultural use of the park, noting he found nothing in the law, regulations, conservation easement, or deed that would absolutely prohibit it. Carol Eppley requested removal of language calling the park an eyesore. Linda Stopfel opposed sending the letter, warning it could jeopardize future DCNR funding. Gary Shultz motioned to send the letter with the eyesore reference removed, seconded by Ken Hoover; the motion carried 3:2 with Carol Eppley and Linda Stopfel opposed. Gary Shultz and Linda Stopfel were designated to attend a tentatively scheduled August 4th meeting with Alice Trowbridge from Larson Design.

Three bids were opened: Meckley's Limestone at $144,093.78, Handwerk at $152,285.46, and Eastern Industries at $138,782.00. Roadmaster Dale Shoop confirmed Eastern Industries submitted the lowest qualified bid. Gary Shultz motioned to accept their bid, seconded by Linda Stopfel (carried 5:0).

Carol Eppley motioned to adjourn the meeting at 11:58 PM. Gary Shultz seconded and the motion carried 5:0.