Monthly Business Meeting
Summary
The Halifax Township Board of Supervisors held their monthly business meeting on March 9, 2009, with all five supervisors present: Chairman Norma Shearer, Linda Ruff, Carol Eppley, Ken Hoover, and Gary Shultz. Fort Halifax Park dominated the evening's agenda — from authorizing a master site plan to debating public access policy — while disagreements over recreation funding and the street light tax revealed ongoing divisions among board members.
- Fort Halifax Park master site plan approved: The board unanimously authorized a professional services agreement with Larson Design Group to create a master site plan for Fort Halifax Park, funded by $68,000 from DCNR plus an additional $1,000 grant, with any costs above $69,000 to be borne by the township. During public comment, Corrine Gelnet challenged the board's restriction on park use, citing a DCNR letter requiring public access. Chairman Norma Shearer acknowledged DCNR's position and invited written public input on park rules and regulations through March 27, with adoption targeted for April.
- HARA funding request partially denied: A motion by Carol Eppley to pay HARA $33,828 — matching the 2008 contribution — failed 2-3, with Linda Ruff, Ken Hoover, and Gary Shultz opposed. The board then unanimously approved releasing the budgeted $28,500 instead. Tracy Cox of HARA reported on a grant writing seminar and suggested pursuing DCNR matching funds as an alternative path.
- Street light tax policy unchanged (3-2): Linda Ruff argued the second-class township code obligates the township to provide for public safety and asked the board to reconsider the street light tax. Ken Hoover moved to keep the existing policy, which passed 3-2 with Linda Ruff and Carol Eppley dissenting.
- Halifax Fire Company agreement: Solicitor Steve Dzuranin recommended renewing the expired written agreement with the fire company. Linda Ruff was appointed as the township's representative to work on a new agreement, approved 4-1 with Ken Hoover opposed. Separately, resident Todd Etzweiler raised concerns about the fire company's spending habits during public comment.
- Fellowship Drive ownership petition: Bob Burrell presented a petition signed by all Fellowship Drive residents requesting the township assume ownership of the road. Solicitor Steve Dzuranin noted unresolved issues including an unpaid engineering bill by Mr. Miller, a pending response from Attorney Radebach, and confirmation of a church sewer easement under the road. Donna Rode called the township's position frustrating and urged acceptance. No vote was taken.
- Salt shed roof replacement: The board unanimously approved Howard Bahner to replace the township salt shed roof at a cost of $2,350.
- Donations approved: The board unanimously approved a $250 contribution to the Halifax Volunteer Home Care Association and a $4,000 donation to Medic 6 (Ken Hoover abstained on the Medic 6 vote).
- Planning items: Extensions were granted for the Halifax Plaza plan (to June 9) and HAARA plan (to April 14), and conditional approvals with waivers were granted for both the Teeter and Anderson subdivision plans, all unanimously. Rettew & Associates was selected to write the Valleys Regional Comprehensive Plan.
Who was there
Norma Shearer (Chairman/Supervisor) · Linda Ruff (Supervisor) · Carol Eppley (Supervisor) · Ken Hoover (Supervisor) · Gary Shultz (Supervisor) · Justin Kuhn (Engineer) · Steve Dzuranin (Solicitor) · David Hoover (Secretary/Treasurer)
Public comments
Meeting business
Secretary/Treasurer's Report
The paid interim bills and unpaid current bills were presented. Carol Eppley moved to approve the bills as presented, seconded by Linda Ruff. The motion carried with Ken Hoover opposed.
The February 9, 2009 meeting minutes were presented with one correction: Deb Lahr was corrected to Deb Lebo under public comment. Gary Shultz motioned for approval with the change, seconded by Carol Eppley, and the motion carried unanimously.
Planning Commission
Halifax Plaza Plan requested an extension to June 9, 2009. Linda Ruff motioned to approve, seconded by Carol Eppley, and the motion carried unanimously.
HAARA Plan requested an extension to April 14, 2009. Ken Hoover motioned to approve, seconded by Gary Shultz, and the motion carried unanimously.
The Teeter Plan requested two waivers, which were approved unanimously on a motion by Linda Ruff seconded by Ken Hoover. A conditional plan approval was also granted unanimously on a motion by Gary Shultz seconded by Ken Hoover.
The Anderson Plan requested one waiver, approved unanimously on a motion by Linda Ruff seconded by Carol Eppley. Conditional plan approval was also granted unanimously on a motion by Linda Ruff seconded by Carol Eppley.
DCNR approved the study group committee members and the selection of Larson Design Group for the Fort Halifax Park Master Site Plan. Funding includes $68,000 from DCNR plus a $1,000 grant, with any costs above $69,000 to be paid by the Township. Carol Eppley motioned to approve the professional services agreement with Larson Design Group, seconded by Gary Shultz, and the motion carried unanimously.
Solicitor's Report
Linda Ruff motioned to grant the Kauffmans an extension to respond by the Friday before the next meeting, seconded by Carol Eppley, carried unanimously. The Halifax Fire Company agreement has expired but a valid agreement still exists; Solicitor Dzuranin recommended renewing a written agreement. Linda Ruff volunteered to work with the fire company on a new agreement, and Gary Shultz motioned to appoint her as the Township representative, seconded by Carol Eppley, carried with Ken Hoover opposed.
Roadmaster's Report
Roadmaster Shoop was absent due to illness. Ken Hoover motioned to approve Howard Bahner to replace the salt shed roof at a cost of $2,350, seconded by Linda Ruff, and the motion carried unanimously.
Valleys Regional Comprehensive Plan Report
Norma Shearer reported that the committee has selected Rettew & Associates to write the comprehensive plan with the committee's participation.
Old Business
Norma Shearer proposed a 50% match above the $28,500 budgeted, up to an additional $4,252. Tracy Cox reviewed HARA's financial status, reported on a grant writing seminar, and suggested pursuing DCNR matching funds. Tracy requested the Board consider the 2008 contribution of $33,828. Carol Eppley moved to pay $33,828 but the motion failed 2-3. Carol Eppley then moved to release the budgeted $28,500, seconded by Linda Ruff, and the motion carried unanimously.
Norma Shearer addressed Board safety concerns but noted DCNR has determined the Township must allow public use of the park. She requested public input on park rules and regulations by 3/27/2009, with written suggestions from interested parties. She hopes to adopt rules and regulations in April and post signage by May.
Bob Burrell reviewed the history of Fellowship Drive and presented a petition signed by all residents requesting the Township assume ownership. Solicitor Dzuranin noted outstanding issues including an unpaid engineering bill by Mr. Miller, a pending response from Attorney Radebach, liquid fuels information, construction acceptance confirmation, and Church sewer easement confirmation. Donna Rode also spoke in favor of acceptance, calling the Township's position frustrating and Mr. Miller's debt perceived.
Linda Ruff cited the second class township code requiring the Township to provide for safety of all residents and asked the Board to reconsider the Street Light Tax. Ken Hoover motioned not to change the existing policy, seconded by Gary Shultz. The motion carried 3-2, with Norma Shearer, Gary Shultz, and Ken Hoover in favor and Carol Eppley and Linda Ruff opposed.
New Business
Loretta Prouse presented information for the donation request. Ken Hoover motioned to contribute $250, seconded by Linda Ruff, and the motion carried unanimously.
Norma Shearer noted $4,000 was budgeted for Medic 6. Linda Ruff motioned to approve the $4,000 donation, seconded by Carol Eppley. The motion carried with all in favor except Ken Hoover who abstained. The President of Medic 6 thanked the Township.
Adjournment
Ken Hoover motioned to adjourn at 9:40 PM, seconded by Linda Ruff, and the motion carried unanimously.
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