Monthly Business Meeting

Supervisor Hoover motioned to approve interim bills, unpaid bills, and meeting minutes; all passed 5-0. Minutes were approved with spelling corrections (Freedman to Freeman, Schultz to Shultz) and a clarification under the Solicitor's report changing Tobias to Mr. Konchar. Supervisor Eppley raised a question about private easement requirements in the Solicitor's report; the Solicitor explained no private easement is needed because no storm water is bleeding onto neighboring property.

Fred Ford reported on the November 7 Planning Commission meeting, noting Bob Artman raised discussion about the Regional Comprehensive Plan and whether a regional planning commission should be created. The Planning Commission recommended the supervisors accept the proposed SALDO as modified on 11/7/11. Supervisor Hoover motioned to advertise the SALDO hearing for December 19 at 6 p.m. followed by a public meeting; passed 5-0.

DONCO plan expected for Tom Wilson's review by Friday; the Right To Know request by Norma Shearer, initially denied, will now be provided. Mr. Konchar has not assented to terms; the Township is being asked to pay for survey line work. Supervisor Shultz motioned to authorize the Solicitor to execute writs and schedule Sheriff sale on the Harns matter (passed 5-0). Kolva/Albright nuisance complaints were withdrawn by motion (5-0). A municipal lien of approximately $1,900 for cleanup will be placed on the Stewart property by November 18. The Fort Halifax Park Master Site Plan meeting at the school was cancelled after confusion over whether it had been properly advertised.

Corey Stazewski reported on setting up the fuel card system for trucks and equipment, a new fuel pump meter at the township, oil in a damaged tank at the park, watering trees at the park, running boards for the township truck Ramie drives, and mud flaps and emergency light for the new pickup truck. Corey will get prices for running boards, mud flaps, and the emergency light, and check into a possible water-in-fuel issue at the park. The Board discussed the intermunicipal equipment agreement, raising concerns about insurance, ownership, and maintenance, and decided to look further into it.

Supervisor Hoover motioned to authorize a township credit card with a $500 limit to be used by Carolyn Nye and Corey Stazewski for township purchases; passed 5-0.

Supervisor Stopfel gave an overview of a FEMA workshop she attended and informed the Board about the Community Rating System (CRS), which would allow lower flood and fire insurance rates for residents through voluntary Township participation. A flood plain ordinance and an overseer would be required.

Discussion concerned the Tax Collector providing property tax information to mortgage companies and others. The Tax Collector suggested a $5.00 fee. Further discussion was deferred to January.

Supervisor Shultz motioned to advertise the DONCO hearing for December 8 or December 9, contingent upon Supervisor Stopfel's availability, with doors opening at 5 p.m. and the hearing at 7 p.m.; passed 5-0.

Todd Etzweiler raised concerns about HARA's budget and the Township's ongoing increased payments and participation, suggesting the Township audit HARA's books and negotiate the contract. He also questioned HARA's efforts in seeking grants. Fred Ford suggested Todd attend a HARA meeting, and Chairman Bechtel stated he plans to attend HARA's next meeting on November 28 at 7 p.m.

The resolution authorizes Charles Bisking to serve as the Township representative in connection with the September 2011 flood. Supervisor Stopfel motioned to waive the reading of the resolution (passed 5-0) and then motioned to approve the resolution (passed 5-0).

Supervisor Hoover motioned to advertise one vacancy each on the Planning Commission, the Sewer and Water Authority, and for one auditor position; passed 5-0.

Chairman Bechtel noted the current fire company agreement ends December 31, 2011. The next meeting is Sunday, December 4 at 1 p.m.; Supervisors Bechtel and Shultz will attend.

Rick and Sharon John submitted a complaint about loud music at Armstrong Valley Vineyard and Winery. The Secretary had previously informed the Johns that the owners applied for a building permit to insulate the barn, which initially appeased them, but they have since complained again. The Board instructed Dale Shoop to visit the owners about the noise.

Melinda Warfel submitted a letter requesting her salary be reduced from $4,600 to $600 to add income to the budget. She noted the deficit is mainly caused by the poor economy and resulting loss of income tax revenue. Supervisor Shultz motioned to advertise the 2012 proposed budget (passed 5-0), and the Secretary will contact Upper Dauphin Income Tax Office about a possible final payout to the Township.

Marty Sowers presented a Uniform Construction Code Building Permit Application packet from Light-Heigel & Associates, Inc., which includes various inspection fees. On behalf of Light-Heigel & Associates, Marty requested reappointment by the Township for 2012.