Monthly Business Meeting

Ken Hoover motioned to accept the September 13, 2010 minutes as presented. Linda Stopfel seconded and the motion carried 4:0.

Gary Shultz motioned to approve the paid interim bills as presented (seconded by Linda Stopfel, carried 4:0). Ken Hoover motioned to approve payment of unpaid current bills as presented (seconded by Gary Shultz, carried 4:0). The September 2010 financial reports were presented for board review.

Chairman Bechtel reported that SEO Mike Brown had not investigated the approximately 29 confirmed malfunctions identified by K&W during the 537 Plan update, as Brown assumed the tabled plan meant the board did not want him to proceed. Brown quoted $200 per investigation. After discussion about whether taxpayers or homeowners should bear the cost, the board decided to first send letters to affected homeowners asking if they had resolved their malfunctions, and Ken Hoover motioned to postpone investigations until responses were received (carried 4:0). Regarding the DEP response on the 537 Plan update, Linda Stopfel stated she opposed moving forward given poor economic conditions. The board agreed to send DEP a letter acknowledging receipt, confirming the Township will address confirmed problems, and indicating it will provide additional information at a later date.

PC Chairman Fred Ford reported that the Planning Commission provided Mr. and Mrs. Michael Lebo with information on a proposed subdivision. He noted that extensions for the Stormwater Management Plan implementation date will not be granted. The Planning Commission continued reviewing Section 5: Design Standards of the SALDO for potential modifications, and the first SALDO review workshop was scheduled for October 18th.

Solicitor Bruce Warshawsky reported that the David Scheidler nuisance hearing is set for October 21st, with Dale Shoop to inspect the property beforehand. The 30-day appeal period for the Manning lease judgment has expired, and Warshawsky will proceed with collection efforts including transferring the claim to York County if no appeal was filed. Warshawsky recommended timing SALDO revisions (stormwater management, floodplain, and other changes) together to minimize advertisements and public hearings, though Tom Wilson noted timing conflicts with DEP's 12/25/10 stormwater deadline and pending FEMA floodplain determination. The board agreed to integrate the wind energy ordinance into the SALDO rather than as a stand-alone ordinance, with Gary Shultz suggesting a broader alternative energy sources section.

Dale Shoop reported a nuisance complaint about approximately 30 vehicles stored at 1021-A North River Road; Linda Stopfel motioned to send a nuisance letter (carried 4:0). Dale requested exterminator services for spider-infested park rental units; the board approved Hillcrest Pest Control's $350 estimate (carried 3:1, Chairman Bechtel opposing). Dale reported that the Baer/Pawnee Lane drainage issue was resolved after debris was moved, confirmed by Ken Hoover's site visit. Linda Stopfel thanked Brad Bruner for donating labels for park benches built by prospective Eagle Scout Darren Mauser, Jr.

Chairman Bechtel signed an endorsement letter supporting the Fire Department's grant application for a new fire truck (no motion required). The board approved payment ($75-$95/person) for Planning Commission members to attend the 2010 Fall Planners Seminar and/or PSAB's SALDO review course, including mileage reimbursement (carried 4:0). The Township received Fire Relief Distribution of $23,886.51, all to be given to the Fire Department per the Halifax Area Ambulance Association's direction. No nominations were made for the DC Conservation District Board vacancy. Gary Shultz motioned to reappoint JP Harris for 2011 delinquent tax collections (carried 4:0). The board agreed to schedule an executive session to discuss employee compensation before completing the 2011 budget.

The wind turbine ordinance was addressed under the Solicitor Report. For the park rental units, Chairman Bechtel and Dale Shoop toured with Howard Bahner, who quoted $8,885 for brick house repairs and $11,368 for farmhouse repairs; with the Park Fund balance at $9,582.40, the board agreed to focus on the brick house first. Gary Shultz motioned to have SEO Mike Brown evaluate the feasibility of connecting the brick house to the farmhouse's septic system, with Chairman Bechtel adding that Mike should also assess installing a separate system (carried 4:0); repairs were deferred pending septic information. The Act 537 DEP response was discussed under the SEO Report. Solicitor Warshawsky noted the DONCO litigation announcement had already been made. Regarding the Masser nuisance complaint, Kenneth Masser was given 30 days to install fencing to screen the vehicle on his property; Chairman Bechtel and Dale Shoop also agreed to inspect Masser's property regarding Jerry Kissinger's mile-a-minute weed complaint. For RRMHP-Bistline, Tom Wilson completed his review of the DEP module and found it sufficient, though additional contingencies including easement extensions remain before the plan can be recorded.

Linda Stopfel motioned to donate $250 to the Twin Valley Lions Club for their Halloween Parade, noting only $800 of the $3,000 donation budget had been used (carried 4:0). The board approved spending approximately $470 to mail postcards inviting residents to the October 26th Valleys Regional Comprehensive Plan meeting, and asked Secretary Ferguson to submit a related article to the Sentinel (carried 4:0). The board discussed moving the Berkheimer earned income tax collection start date from January 1, 2012 to January 1, 2011 to align with the school district; Linda Stopfel motioned to follow the school district's decision on the start date (carried 4:0).

Linda Stopfel motioned to adjourn the meeting at 9:40 PM. Ken Hoover seconded and the motion carried 4:0.