Monthly Business Meeting

Bill Krenz of Friends of Fort Halifax Park and George Deppen of Halifax Area Historical Society each presented $1,000 checks to support selective demolition of 20th-century barn additions and preservation of the older 19th-century structures, as recommended by Carl Dickson, Director of DC Parks and Recreation. HAHS stipulated a portion must fund barn roof repairs, with funds reverting if not used as specified. Carol Eppley motioned to accept; the vote carried 2:2:1, with Eppley and Linda Stopfel in favor, Ken Hoover and Gary Shultz opposed, and Chairman Bechtel abstaining.

Ken Hoover motioned to accept the November 8, 2010 minutes as presented. Gary Shultz seconded and the motion carried 5:0.

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

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

PC Chairman Fred Ford reported that a joint meeting was held with Jefferson Township on December 6, 2010 to discuss the Valley's Regional Comprehensive Plan (VRCP) with Rettew Associates, after which the Planning Commission voted to recommend the Township participate in its implementation. Ford also noted that he, Mark Reed, and Robert Artman completed PSAB's land development course and received certification. Chairman Bechtel announced a public workshop on the VRCP scheduled for December 20.

Solicitor Bruce Warshawsky reported that Susquehanna Bank rescinded its termination of the Paulvir letter of credit following discussions, so the letter of credit now stands. Regarding the Manning lease, the Mannings have obtained legal counsel and appear to be moving toward bankruptcy, with nothing further to do on enforcement at this time. The board scheduled an executive session for January 10, 2011 at 6 PM to discuss the DONCO litigation matter.

Roadmaster Dale Shoop reported receiving a letter from Central Pennsylvania Conservancy about the annual Park boundary walk and offered to oversee it, which the board agreed to. He also noted he would complete work on Middle Road under a 2006 dirt and gravel roads grant the following week, with an additional $600 disbursement expected after the County's review.

Carol Eppley motioned to approve a PSATS Township Newsletter subscription for all board members, planning commission members (with the PC Chairman receiving the Planner's subscription), plus one copy for the office and one for the tax collector. Linda Stopfel seconded and the motion carried 5:0.

Gary Shultz motioned to accept the 2011 budget as presented, which had been properly advertised. Ken Hoover seconded and noted there were no tax increases for 2011. The motion carried 5:0.

Following a December 9, 2010 public hearing, the board adopted the amended SALDO incorporating Act 167 stormwater management regulations, minor technical corrections identified at the public hearing, and a new provision (Subsection 4 of Section 204) functioning as a stand-alone enforcement mechanism. Solicitor Warshawsky noted the Township would now be responsible for enforcing stormwater management violations, while DCCD retains erosion and sedimentation enforcement. Gary Shultz motioned, Ken Hoover seconded, and the vote carried 5:0.

Chairman Bechtel presented the 2011 tax rates including real estate tax at .42 mills, per capita tax at $5.00, earned income tax at .5%, fire protection tax at .51 mills, and real estate transfer tax at .5%, noting no changes from prior rates. The Township designated H.A. Berkheimer, Inc. as exclusive EIT collector for 2011, subject to a binding agreement. Ken Hoover motioned to accept, Gary Shultz seconded, and the motion carried 5:0.

Ken Hoover motioned to advertise 2011 meeting dates as presented by Secretary Ferguson. BOS meetings are scheduled for the second Monday at 7 PM with no exceptions; PC meetings are the first Monday at 7 PM, with exceptions for July (Wednesday, July 6) and September (Wednesday, September 7) to observe holidays. The motion carried 5:0.

Gary Shultz motioned to reappoint Fred Ford as HAWASA representative for a five-year term (January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2015), carried 5:0. Ken Hoover motioned to reappoint Bob Artman to the Planning Commission for a four-year term (January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2014), carried 5:0. Gary Shultz thanked both for their prior service and willingness to continue.

Chairman Bechtel noted the board had previously agreed to follow the Halifax Area School District in selecting an EIT collection agency, and HASD chose H.A. Berkheimer, Inc. commencing January 1, 2011. Solicitor Warshawsky indicated he expected a final agreement and corresponding documents to be ready for board approval at the January meeting.

Gary Shultz reported that Norma Shearer had forwarded information about the TreeVitalize grant, which could support landscaping designated in the Park Master Site Plan. He suggested the Master Site Plan Committee integrate its work to take advantage of the grant if possible and thanked Shearer for the note of interest.

Bonnie Kent reviewed the history of Northern Dauphin Human Services Center and highlighted its services and contributors. She noted all services are available to Halifax Township residents except food pantry services, which are only available in emergencies since the United Methodist Church of Halifax serves as the area food pantry.

Ken Hoover motioned to adjourn the meeting at 9:14 PM. Carol Eppley seconded and the motion carried 5:0.