Special Meeting

Called to order 7:02 PM 6 present 6 motions

Summary

The Halifax Township Board of Supervisors held a special meeting on December 19, 2011, with all five supervisors present: Chairman Kenneth Bechtel, Ken Hoover, Carol Eppley, Linda Stopfel, and Gary Shultz. Called to address a land development ordinance update, a park master site plan, and a gaming grant application, the meeting turned contentious when the board split over grant funding, prompting a resignation, a public debate, and an abrupt walkout by two supervisors.

  • Amended SALDO adopted unanimously: The board approved an updated Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (5-0), motion by Ken Hoover, seconded by Carol Eppley.
  • Master Site Plan approved 3-2: After unanimously approving a related DCNR resolution and final payment from Larson Design, the board narrowly approved the township's Master Site Plan. Carol Eppley, Linda Stopfel, and Gary Shultz voted yes; Kenneth Bechtel and Ken Hoover voted no.
  • Gaming grant application denied 3-2: A motion to authorize a resolution for the gaming grant — which required board approval by December 23 for matching funds — was defeated. Kenneth Bechtel said the grant policy process was not followed and he had concerns about spending regulations and timeframes. Gary Shultz said the township lacks the equipment, personnel, and time to maintain Phase I of the park. Carol Eppley and Linda Stopfel voted yes.
  • Linda Stopfel resigned as grant writer following the denial, and Carol Eppley warned the board that no further grant money would be forthcoming.
  • Eppley and Stopfel left the meeting abruptly without being excused, leaving the remaining three supervisors to finish the agenda.
  • Board authorized withdrawal of the gaming grant application after the two supervisors departed.
  • Divided public reaction: Norma Shearer and Bonnie Freeman questioned the grant denial, while Joan Kolish, Flo Mallonee, and Eileen Snyder supported the board's caution — Mallonee said there should be "no hurry" in developing the park and commended the board's common sense.
  • Tourist Park water issue noted: Kenneth Bechtel said the board is exploring alternatives to resolve an ongoing water problem at Tourist Park.

Who was there

Kenneth Bechtel (Chairman) · Ken Hoover (Supervisor) · Carol Eppley (Supervisor) · Linda Stopfel (Supervisor) · Gary Shultz (Supervisor) · Carolyn Nye (Secretary)

Public comments

Norma Shearer — Stated she does not understand the vote regarding denial of the grant money.
Bonnie Freeman — Asked the Board why they denied the gaming grant money.
Joan Kolish — Stated that the public puts their trust in the Board and thanked the Board for their decision.
Flo Mallonee — Agreed there should be no hurry in developing the park and commended the Board for their common sense.
Eileen Snyder — Thanked the Board for acting appropriately with their decision.

Meeting business

AMENDED SALDO

Adoption of Amended SALDO

Supervisor Hoover moved to adopt the proposed amended SALDO, seconded by Supervisor Eppley. The motion carried 5-0. Tom Wilson asked to be excused from the meeting at 7:04 p.m.

subdivisionland-developmentordinances
5-0 Motion to adopt the proposed amended SALDO
Moved by Supervisor Hoover

MASTER SITE PLAN

Master Site Plan Final Payment and DCNR Resolution

Supervisor Eppley presented final documents from Larson Design regarding a final payment request and a resolution to go to DCNR for grant funding on the Master Site Plan. The Board voted 5-0 to waive reading of the resolution and 5-0 to approve it. The motion to approve the Master Site Plan itself carried 3-2, with Chairman Bechtel and Supervisor Hoover voting no.

parksplanningcontracts
5-0 Motion to waive the reading of the resolution
Moved by Supervisor Eppley
5-0 Motion to approve the resolution
Moved by Supervisor Eppley
3-2 Motion to approve the Master Site Plan
Moved by Supervisor Stopfel

GAMING GRANT

Gaming Grant Application Resolution

Chairman Bechtel stated the grant policy process was not followed, as Supervisor Stopfel applied for the grant without proper Board approval. Supervisor Stopfel indicated an approved resolution was needed by December 23 for matching funds. Supervisor Eppley moved to authorize a resolution for the Gaming Grant Application, but the motion was defeated 3-2 with Supervisors Bechtel, Shultz, and Hoover voting no.

parksbudget
3-2 Motion to authorize a resolution for the Gaming Grant Application
Moved by Supervisor Eppley

OTHER BUSINESS

Supervisor Stopfel Resignation as Grant Writer; Tourist Park Water Issue; Letter of Withdrawal of Gaming Grant Application

Supervisor Stopfel announced her resignation as grant writer for Halifax Township. Supervisor Eppley warned there would be no more grant money coming. Chairman Bechtel expressed concerns about regulations and spending timeframes for grant monies, and Supervisor Shultz stated the Township lacks the equipment, personnel, and time for maintenance. Several residents spoke: Norma Shearer and Bonnie Freeman questioned the denial, while Joan Kolish, Flo Mallonee, and Eileen Snyder thanked the Board for their decision. Supervisors Stopfel and Eppley left the meeting abruptly. Chairman Bechtel noted the Board is looking at alternatives to resolve the Tourist Park water issue, and the Board authorized the secretary to draft a letter withdrawing the Gaming Grant Application.

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ADJOURNMENT

Adjournment

Supervisor Shultz moved to adjourn, seconded by Supervisor Hoover. The motion carried 3-0.

3-0 Motion to adjourn
Moved by Supervisor Shultz

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