Monthly Business Meeting

Chairman Bechtel presented a certificate of appreciation to Darren Mauser for helping build benches for Ft. Halifax Park. Christopher Maichle was not present to receive his certificate for participating in building the new park picnic tables.

Supervisor Hoover motioned to approve paid interim bills, current unpaid bills, and the minutes of June 13 and June 14, 2011; all three motions were seconded by Supervisor Shultz and carried 5-0. The financial report had no comments.

Fred Ford read his report on the Planning Commission meeting held July 6. No further details were discussed on the record.

Engineer Tom Wilson reported that he and Solicitor Bruce Warshawsky reviewed requirements with Dane Harman for his plan, including complying with the Conservation District's requirements and submitting an As-Built plan to the township along with a letter requesting full release of financial security based on the revised plan.

Solicitor Warshawsky reported on several matters: the Matamoras Plan requires review of a December 2009 DCCD letter on stormwater changes not previously forwarded to Engineer Wilson; the Harn bankruptcy was dismissed, restoring the township's $11,177.30 judgment for collection via writs of execution (approved 5-0); the Masser property building will be removed in 60 days with a vegetation status report requested; Chairman Bechtel will contact Mike Bistline about outstanding bills; the Manning bankruptcy discharge leaves a pending lawsuit through which the township may recover as a creditor; the attorney fee ordinance modification was converted to a resolution for adoption next month; and the Board authorized the Solicitor and Engineer to update the building permit application to address stormwater compliance obligations under Act 167.

Chairman Bechtel announced that an executive session was held June 28 from 7:10 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. regarding the Lenker Agreement.

Roadmaster Corey Stazewski recommended proceeding with paving Fellowship Drive after the Water Authority confirmed they would not install pipes there; a motion to advertise for milling and paving carried 5-0. The Board authorized purchase of a 2012 Ford truck for $43,000 from New Holland Ford under the Co-Stars Program (5-0). The Third and Maple water issue will be addressed soon, and the Solicitor will review the Galli Road easement regarding trees causing drainage problems. Regarding volunteer liability, Stazewski will contact PSATS for a sample policy, with Chairman Bechtel and Supervisor Shultz forming a sub-committee to consult with Tom Troutman.

Chairman Bechtel read the IRS definition of qualified nonpersonal-use vehicles; the Board agreed to implement a No Personal Use Policy and put the township name on all trucks. A motion to reimburse Raymond Maus at the current IRS rate for gas carried 5-0. The grant policy was debated at length, with Supervisor Stopfel opposing a formal policy based on past experience losing a $250,000 heritage grant; the original written policy failed, and a substitute motion by Supervisor Eppley requiring majority Board consent via email or phone with sunshine at the next meeting carried 4-1 (Supervisor Hoover dissenting). A motion to advertise for sale the 1994 pickup with plow and cinder spreader carried 5-0.

An executive session was scheduled for July 19 at 7 p.m. regarding Lenker, followed by a Board-only session. Ellyn Zaia raised concerns about blind curves and speeding on Lehman Road; Roadmaster Stazewski will check posted signs and Zaia agreed to submit a letter for referral to State Police. The Board agreed to reimburse Roadmaster Stazewski $5,000 gross for insurance. Supervisor Stopfel reported on multiple grant opportunities from Alice Trowbridge at Larson Design, including DAR, PA Historic Museum Commission, County Gaming Funds, and County Treevitalize, with Carl Dickson urging the township to request $250,000 from the County; Stopfel will gather details for the next meeting. A motion to send a nuisance letter to the Stewarts on Dunkle School Road for high grass and garbage violations carried 5-0.

Announcements included Ft. Halifax Music Fest on July 16 (5–10 p.m.), Planning Commission Workshop on July 18 at 7 p.m., Planning Commission Meeting on August 1 at 7 p.m., and the Township Meeting on August 8 at 7 p.m.

Supervisor Hoover motioned to adjourn at 9:57 p.m., seconded by Supervisor Shultz; motion carried 5-0.