Monthly Business Meeting

Ken Hoover motioned to accept the December 13, 2010 minutes as presented. Gary Shultz seconded and the motion carried 5:0.

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

PC Chairman Fred Ford submitted a written report for board review as he was ill and unable to attend. Chairman Bechtel noted the contents were self-explanatory and did not review it.

Solicitor Bruce Warshawsky reported that the Mannings are moving towards bankruptcy but recommended scheduling an asset deposition if they do not file by the end of January. Linda Stopfel questioned the cost given the Mannings' financial position. Ken Hoover motioned to have Bruce proceed with an asset deposition if the Mannings do not file bankruptcy by end of January; the motion carried 5:0.

Carol Eppley asked for clarification on the Kauffman Litigation. Solicitor Warshawsky noted it was separate from the resolved Kauffman/Heim issue and that Mrs. Kauffman had initiated a lawsuit against the board some time ago. He indicated he would review the status of the file and report back to the board.

Carol Eppley inquired about the Konchar litigation status. Solicitor Warshawsky reported that though the matter had been inactive for over two years, the court prompted the plaintiff to state intent to proceed, and Mr. Konchar's attorney filed a notice of intent. Bruce advised the Township to forego initiating resolution unless forced, given the associated expense.

Solicitor Warshawsky advised the board to follow the same approach as the School District in determining whether to strike off back-taxes for 38 McClelland Road. Linda Stopfel motioned to proceed accordingly, Carol Eppley seconded, and the motion carried 5:0.

Since the Baker Storage Units plan had been withdrawn, Ken Hoover asked who would cover the costs of the fee estimate. Secretary Shanemarie Ferguson noted the applicant had submitted a $200 application fee. Ken Hoover motioned to match expenditures against the application fee and forego billing the applicant; the motion carried 5:0.

Dale Shoop reported that Gary Lenker applied for 28 permits for Lenker Estates Phase I development, but the associated Final Plan could not be located; Tom Wilson offered to provide a replacement plan set at no charge. Dale also reported a nuisance complaint on Dunkle School Road where property owners are taking action, LED lights installed at the traffic light expected to save approximately $790/year with a net initial cost of $600, and an update on the Somerville nuisance where Mr. Somerville was given until the February meeting to address remaining issues including a mobile home.

The board set disbursement schedules for several budgeted items: $600 EMC Stipend quarterly at quarter-end; Shoop and Maus retirement bonuses on February 1, 2011; HARA contribution on March 1, 2011; UDHS, Halifax Senior Center, Halifax Communities that Care, and Diakon Volunteer Home Care contributions immediately; and Raymond Maus' Medicare Part B reimbursement quarterly at quarter-end.

Solicitor Warshawsky noted that Alex Acres recently submitted payment for their 2010 Mobile Home Park Permit but had not yet paid for 2011. The board agreed to send a follow-up letter if payment for the 2011 permit is not received by January 31, 2011.

Chairman Bechtel noted that Mr. Nightwine has not responded to the initial notice requesting reimbursement of $162 for Solicitor's Invoice #48997. The board agreed to send a second notice, and Solicitor Warshawsky advised it be sent via certified mail.

Solicitor Warshawsky explained the board must annually adopt a resolution authorizing reimbursement of legal and engineering fees from developers at current-year rates. Linda Stopfel motioned to waive the reading of the resolution (carried 5:0), then Ken Hoover motioned to adopt the 2011 fee schedule resolution as presented (carried 5:0).

Linda Stopfel indicated she would attend and was appointed as the Township's voting delegate. Chairman Bechtel noted he would like to attend on Sunday. No board action was required as attendance was included in the 2011 budget.

Shanemarie Ferguson submitted her resignation effective January 14, 2011, and offered to continue as Treasurer at $150/week. After extensive discussion, the board accepted her resignation (5:0), retained her as Treasurer at $150/week (5:0), and appointed her as Assistant Secretary until the day after the next meeting (4:1, Gary Shultz opposed). A motion to appoint Carolyn Nye as Secretary contingent on dropping her age discrimination claim failed 1:2:2. A motion to advertise for a Secretary/Grant Writer with a committee to process applications failed 2:2:1. The board voted 3:2 to advertise the Secretary vacancy in the Sentinel and Patriot newspapers with an application deadline of January 28, 2011.

Solicitor Warshawsky presented an agreement and four resolutions related to Berkheimer's appointment as EIT collector, including authorization to impose and retain delinquent tax collection costs, appointment as Tax Hearing officer, and designation of Township officials as the communications portal. The board waived reading of the resolutions (5:0), assigned the Township Treasurer as the authorized representative to receive tax information, and approved entering the agreement, passing the resolutions, and authorizing related correspondence (5:0).

Chairman Bechtel reported that Alice Trowbridge from Larson Design suggested a forestry management plan for park woodlands, noting it could proceed without completing the Master Site Plan. Bechtel indicated marketable timber could fund park development projects. The board agreed to have Linda Stopfel pursue a grant for trees and have Chairman Bechtel further investigate the forestry management plan.

Linda Stopfel raised concerns about continuing tractor trailer traffic on the mountain. Patricia Powley noted that signage had been changed making tractor trailer traffic now mostly permissible. Linda recommended sending a letter to Senator Piccola's office expressing the Township's concerns and asking why the changes were made.

Ken Hoover motioned to adjourn the meeting at 10:00 PM. Carol Eppley seconded and the motion carried 5:0.