Monthly Business Meeting
Summary
The Halifax Township Board of Supervisors held their monthly business meeting on December 12, 2011, with four of five supervisors present: Chairman Kenneth Bechtel, Linda Stopfel, Carol Eppley, and Ken Hoover. Gary Shultz was absent. The meeting focused on year-end business, including adoption of the 2012 budget and tax resolution, a new fire company contract, and a contentious discussion over a gaming grant application submitted without formal board approval.
2012 budget approved unanimously. The board adopted the township's 2012 operating budget. Resident Norma Shearer noted the budget had not been included in the agenda packet; Chairman Kenneth Bechtel responded that the same procedure was followed the prior year, with the budget advertised publicly and available at the township office.
Two-year fire company contract authorized (4-0). The board approved a new two-year agreement with the Halifax Township Fire Company after supervisors attended a fire company meeting to discuss terms.
2012 Tax Resolution and Keystone EIT contract adopted (4-0). The board approved the annual tax resolution and a 2012 earned income tax collection contract with Keystone Collections.
$300,000 gaming grant application disputed. Chairman Kenneth Bechtel disclosed that Linda Stopfel had submitted a gaming grant application for $300,000 — advised by Alice Trowbridge of Larson Design Group — without formal board authorization or agenda discussion. Bechtel stated he learned of the submission through rumor and raised concerns about the process and the inclusion of buildings in the grant scope. The matter was deferred to the December 19 agenda for full board consideration.
Konchar land purchase rejected in favor of litigation. Solicitor Bruce Warshawsky reported that Martin Konchar is requesting the township purchase a strip of his land for $14,000. The solicitor recommended proceeding with litigation rather than the purchase.
Stewart property cleanup lien filed. The township's $1,900 expense for cleaning up the Stewart property has been recorded as a municipal lien against the parcel.
Master Site Plan final payment advancing. Jim Eppley presented a final payment request for Larson Design Group related to the Deppen Park Master Site Plan. Once payment is made and paperwork submitted to DCNR, the township will receive its final reimbursement. The board voted 4-0 to advertise a special public meeting on December 19 to adopt the related resolution.
Harn property: sale warning issued. The board directed Solicitor Bruce Warshawsky to notify Clifford Harn that if an acceptable payment proposal is not received by the next meeting, the township will move forward with scheduling a sale of the property.
Who was there
Kenneth Bechtel (Chairman/Supervisor) · Linda Stopfel (Supervisor) · Carol Eppley (Supervisor) · Ken Hoover (Supervisor) · Bruce Warshawsky (Solicitor) · Tom Wilson (Engineer) · Corey Stazewski (Roadmaster) · Carolyn Nye (Secretary)
Public comments
Meeting business
SECRETARY/TREASURER REPORT
Supervisor Hoover motioned to approve Interim Bills (passed 4-0) and authorize Unpaid Bills (passed 4-0). The November 14, 2011 minutes were approved 4-0 with a correction to add the date October 10, 2011 under the Secretary/Treasurer Report section. No comments on the Financial Report.
PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT
Fred Ford reported on the November 7, 2011 Planning Commission meeting. The Planning Commission recommended the supervisors approve the Real Estate Developers Agreement.
ENGINEER REPORT
Tom Wilson read his report dated November 30, 2011.
SOLICITOR REPORT
Bruce Warshawsky reported on several matters: Mr. Jorich's counsel accepted the October 28, 2011 letter regarding Jorich/Matamoras; a DONCO public hearing was held December 8 with issues under review from Tom Wilson and private issues between the developer and Mr. Sweigard; Martin Konchar wants the Township to purchase a strip of land for $14,000 but the Solicitor recommends proceeding with litigation; the Stewart municipal lien of $1,900 for property cleanup has been filed; the SALDO hearing is set for December 19 at 6 p.m.; a resolution was prepared for 2012 tax rates and the Keystone EIT contract; and the Strohecker tax appeal awaits a Court response before year-end.
ROADMASTER REPORT
Corey Stazewski had no information beyond his October report. Supervisor Stopfel noted the State Forrester approved mulch application for park trees and complimented township employees. Chairman Bechtel mentioned a job application from Gary Weaver who has an inspection license to inspect township vehicles, but the Board declined to address it at this time.
ADMINISTRATIVE
Supervisor Hoover motioned to advertise Township meetings on the second Monday at 7 p.m., Reorganization Meeting January 3 at 7 p.m., Planning Commission meetings the first Monday at 7 p.m. (except September 5 on Wednesday), and Planning Commission Reorganization Meeting January 3 at 6 p.m. Motion passed 4-0.
OLD BUSINESS
Supervisor Hoover motioned to approve the 2012 Budget, seconded by Supervisor Eppley. Motion carried 4-0.
The Board agreed for Solicitor Bruce Warshawsky to send a letter to Mr. Harn stating that if the Township does not receive an acceptable solid payment proposal by the next meeting, they will move forward with scheduling a sale.
Dale Shoop provided an updated written nuisance report. Questions were raised about the Bitting property, which has been a nuisance issue. The Board instructed Dale Shoop to follow up on the Bitting nuisance.
Jim Eppley provided a Final Payment Request packet for the Board related to the DCNR Master Site Plan; upon receipt and review, DCNR will submit another check to the Township. Chairman Bechtel requested the matter be reviewed by the full Board on December 19 after the SALDO Hearing. Supervisor Eppley motioned to advertise a public meeting following the SALDO Hearing to consider adopting the Final Payment Request resolution; motion passed 4-0.
Supervisor Stopfel reported readiness to close out the tree grant process, with in-kind donations counting toward matching funds. Corey Stazewski will provide an itemized cost report of all who helped plant the trees, due by December 31. The total grant is $8,400 for paying George Kutt for the trees and gator bags next spring.
NEW BUSINESS
Supervisors Bechtel and Shultz attended the latest Fire Company meeting where the Fire Company requested a two-year contract. Supervisor Hoover motioned to authorize a two-year contract, passed 4-0.
Supervisor Hoover motioned to waive reading of the resolution (passed 4-0), then motioned to approve the 2012 Tax Resolution (passed 4-0). The resolution covers 2012 tax rates and the Keystone EIT contract prepared by the Solicitor.
Chairman Bechtel reported that Mark Stewart from the Gaming Grant Advisory Board requested a resolution authorizing the Gaming Grant application. Bechtel raised concerns that the grant policy was not followed and the application was submitted by Supervisor Stopfel without formal Board approval. Stopfel stated Alice Trowbridge of Larson Design advised requesting $300,000, with the Gaming Grant matching DCNR funds. The Board agreed to place this on the December 19 meeting agenda for further discussion.
ADJOURNMENT
Supervisor Hoover motioned to adjourn at 8:45 p.m., seconded by Supervisor Stopfel. Motion carried 4-0.
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