Monthly Business Meeting

Ken Hoover motioned to accept the October 11, 2010 minutes as presented. Gary Shultz seconded and the motion carried 5:0.

Gary Shultz motioned to approve the paid interim bills as presented. Linda Stopfel seconded and the motion carried 5:0.

Ken Hoover motioned to approve for payment the unpaid bills as presented. Gary Shultz seconded and the motion carried 5:0.

Chairman Bechtel indicated that Mike Brown had submitted an SEO report for the months of September and October for board review.

PC Chairman Fred Ford reported that the Planning Commission reviewed proposed SALDO revisions and recommended adoption. Solicitor Warshawsky noted that floodplain changes were not included and would come in 2011 pending FEMA final determination. Ken Hoover motioned to advertise the changes, carried 5:0, with a public hearing set for December 9, 2010 and adoption scheduled for December 13, 2010.

Solicitor Warshawsky reported that Susquehanna Bank would not renew the Paulvirs' letter of credit for required subdivision improvements. Charles Paulvir cited financial difficulties and questioned the requirement, but Tom Wilson confirmed the Municipal Planning Code mandates either completed improvements or posted financial security. The board declined to call the letter of credit and directed Mr. Paulvir to seek renewal or work with the Township on an alternative such as a lien on remaining properties.

Solicitor Warshawsky noted the 2009 Nightwine plan could be released and recorded now that outstanding engineering review fees had been paid in full. The board was advised to sign off on the plan and release it to Tom Wilson for recording.

Solicitor Warshawsky reported the Tobias litigation had been assigned to the Commonwealth's court mediation program. The board agreed that Mr. Sherr should proceed with submission of his court mediation memorandum as presented.

Solicitor Warshawsky reported the Scheidler nuisance violation appears to have been abated and recommended withdrawing the complaint rather than proceeding with the scheduled hearing. Dale Shoop reviewed the progress made at the property. Gary Shultz motioned to withdraw the nuisance complaint, seconded by Carol Eppley, carried 5:0.

Solicitor Warshawsky reported the Manning judgment has been entered and transferred to York County where the Mannings currently reside. He is proceeding with collection proceedings as previously directed by the board.

Solicitor Warshawsky presented a draft response letter to Ken Masser addressing his inquiries about stormwater issues related to the development of Lenker Estates. The board agreed to forward the letter to Mr. Masser.

Solicitor Warshawsky indicated that Secretary Ferguson should request an updated letter of collateralization from Susquehanna Bank, as the board wanted one every six months. Secretary Ferguson reported the bank had already forwarded an updated letter the previous week.

Roadmaster Dale Shoop reported he had taken the necessary measures to winterize both park rental units.

Chairman Bechtel noted the Township received the 2011 Municipal Planning Advisory Service Agreement for $1,250 in planning advisory services, which could be utilized for the Comprehensive Plan. Gary Shultz motioned to execute the agreement, seconded by Linda Stopfel, carried 5:0.

Charlie Bisking reported the dry hydrant had been installed at Lake Tobias and was fully operational. Rick Grosser donated his time and equipment to install the hydrant and piping.

Carl Dickson, Director of Dauphin County Parks and Recreation, reported on recent cleanup work at the Park's barn and farmhouse. He recommended demolishing 20th century additions to enhance aesthetics and reduce costs, and assessed the 19th century structures as sound, with the barn 85%-90% structurally sound. Gary Shultz motioned to send a letter of gratitude to all involved, carried 5:0.

Chairman Bechtel reported that Ken Masser had removed the abandoned/junked vehicle from his property and sprayed the Mile-a-Minute encroaching onto Mr. Kissinger's property. Bechtel indicated the Masser nuisance complaints had been adequately addressed.

Allan Sommerville responded to a nuisance letter regarding over 30 vehicles on his property, stating all were collectibles with a restoration plan. He agreed to install fencing to screen the vehicles but requested additional time since many were not currently moveable. Gary Shultz motioned to grant until the February 2011 meeting to abate the nuisance, seconded by Carol Eppley, carried 5:0.

Chairman Bechtel reported that SEO Michael Brown indicated it was possible to connect the brick house to the farmhouse's septic system. Alternatives discussed included a new septic system requiring a sand mound. Linda Stopfel suggested Park Fund balances were understated due to commingling of funds, but Melinda Warfel presented figures showing park expenditures exceeded rental income by over $4,000. Bechtel agreed to seek further guidance from Mike Brown.

Gary Shultz presented post-cleanup images of the barn highlighting safety concerns in the lower barn and argued the barn was not structurally sound enough to mothball. He motioned to schedule the barn for reclamation, but the motion died for lack of a second after Linda Stopfel requested the opportunity to pursue grant funding for restoration. Chairman Bechtel indicated a decision was needed at the next meeting.

Chairman Bechtel reported that concerns had been raised about sending letters to homeowners identified in a 2006 survey with confirmed sewage malfunctions, including questions about classification accuracy, ownership changes, and potential confusion. Both SEO Michael Brown and alternate SEO Justin Coon advised against this approach. Solicitor Warshawsky recommended requesting a letter from Brown documenting his findings to keep on file as a good faith effort.

Chairman Bechtel reported a meeting was scheduled for November 11 at the Dauphin County Conservation District Building to finalize the contractual arrangement with Berkheimer for earned income tax collection. The contract would be ready for board approval at the December meeting.

Solicitor Warshawsky reported the Township received a net payment of $247 from the county stemming from the Casner tax sale. Since the Township had only filed a municipal claim, no further action could be taken to collect additional monies.

Chairman Bechtel noted the proposed 2011 budget had been completed and needed to be advertised for adoption at the December meeting. Carol Eppley motioned to advertise the budget as required, seconded by Ken Hoover, carried 5:0.

Carol Eppley motioned to adjourn the meeting at 10:57 PM. Linda Stopfel seconded and the motion carried 5:0.