Monthly Business Meeting
Summary
The Halifax Township Board of Supervisors held its monthly business meeting on January 9, 2012, with all five supervisors present: Chairman Kenneth Bechtel, Brad Bruner, Ken Hoover, Randy Paul, and Gary Shultz. The meeting ran from 7:02 to 9:21 p.m. and covered a wide range of municipal business, including property enforcement actions, a potential income tax dispute, flood insurance savings for residents, and follow-up on the township's recent Gaming Grant refusal.
Gaming Grant fallout addressed: Chairman Kenneth Bechtel reported that concerns raised by residents at a prior meeting — that rejecting a Gaming Grant would permanently harm the township's grant eligibility — were unfounded. Both a county contact (Mr. Mimme) and Dauphin County Gaming Advisory Board member Mr. Stewart indicated there would be no adverse consequences from the refusal. The solicitor will draft a cover letter to accompany correspondence to the Dauphin County Commissioners.
Upper Dauphin Income Tax dispute: The board authorized Solicitor Bruce Warshawsky to pursue a Tolling Agreement related to potential funds owed to local school districts and municipalities by the Upper Dauphin Income Tax Office, preserving the option to file a lawsuit if necessary.
Property cleanup deadline for Harn: After discussion with Mr. Harn, the board gave him 60 days to clean up his property and remove vehicles.
Nuisance letter for Harner property: The solicitor was directed to send a formal nuisance letter to Mr. Harner regarding his property, with a copy to Ken Hoover. The township's new primary SEO, Light-Heigel, was also to be notified of the issue.
Flood insurance savings program: The board voted to participate in the federal Community Rating System, which works alongside flood insurance to lower premiums for township residents. Engineer Tom Wilson volunteered to coordinate, recommending the township wait until updated flood maps are finalized before fully pursuing enrollment.
Fee resolution adopted: Resolution 12-1-2012 established a $5.00 fee for tax information requests from mortgage companies and requires subdivision/land development (SALDO) applicants to pay engineer and solicitor review costs at the time of filing.
Employee matters deferred to executive session: Discussion of Roadmaster Corey Stazewski's and employee Dale Shoop's roles and reappointment was deferred to an executive session scheduled for January 16, where litigation matters would also be addressed. A new Employee Policy Committee was formed with Corey Stazewski and Supervisors Gary Shultz, Randy Paul, and Brad Bruner.
Road sign inventory and shop repairs: Roadmaster Corey Stazewski was directed to compile a comprehensive list of missing and faded road signs with costs for the February meeting. The board also authorized replacement of a shop door and installation of new proprietary locks.
Who was there
Kenneth Bechtel (Supervisor, Chairman) · Brad Bruner (Supervisor) · Ken Hoover (Supervisor) · Randy Paul (Supervisor) · Gary Shultz (Supervisor) · Bruce Warshawsky (Solicitor) · Tom Wilson (Engineer) · Corey Stazewski (Roadmaster) · Carolyn Nye (Secretary)
Public comments
Meeting business
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
Marilyn and Glenn Noblit asked about fencing ordinances related to a lawsuit; no applicable ordinance was found. Laura Frey requested a support letter for a rabies clinic, which the Board approved 5-0 contingent on more information. Flo Mallonee commended the Board's Gaming Grant denial decision. Fred Anderson noted the North River Road property issue remains unresolved. Clifford Harn deferred to later on the agenda.
SECRETARY/TREASURER REPORT
The Board approved interim bills and authorized payment of current bills, both passing 5-0. Minutes from December 8, 2011 and December 12, 2011 were accepted as written 5-0. No comments were made on the financial report.
PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
The January Planning Commission meeting was not held due to lack of a quorum. Chairman Bechtel reported attending the Halifax Area Recreation Authority meeting, where pavilion fees for 2012 were confirmed to remain the same.
SOLICITOR REPORT
The Solicitor reported on several matters: Mr. Konchar communicated through his attorney a desire for the Township to purchase his strip of land, with an executive session suggested. Mr. Jorich still has not submitted an as-built plan. Regarding the Upper Dauphin Income Tax issue, the Solicitor explained potential funds owed to school districts and municipalities, and the Board authorized 5-0 a Tolling Agreement to preserve the option to file a lawsuit if necessary.
ROADMASTER REPORT
Roadmaster Corey Stazewski reported on missing and faded road signs and was instructed to compile a comprehensive list with costs for the February meeting. The Board authorized 5-0 replacement of a shop door and installation of new proprietary locks. The Solicitor will send a nuisance letter to Mr. Bidding regarding hazardous tree limbs and a roof over the walkway.
ADMINISTRATIVE
The Board approved 5-0 the annual fee schedule for Enders Technology as web master. The secretary reported the backup printer is failing and was authorized to look for a replacement. The secretary will contact Susquehanna Bank to obtain a letter of collateralization.
SEO REPORT
Regarding the Harner/Hoover property issue, the Board authorized 5-0 the Solicitor to send a nuisance letter to Mr. Harner with a copy to Mr. Hoover. The Solicitor will contact Light-Heigel, the new primary SEO, to inform them of the issue.
OLD BUSINESS
Resolution 12-1-2012 was approved 5-0, establishing a $5.00 Tax Collector fee for tax information and setting Engineer and Solicitor fees for SALDO reviews paid by applicants. Mr. Harn was given 60 days to clean up his property and remove vehicles (approved 5-0). The Board voted 5-0 to participate in the Community Rating System to lower flood insurance rates, with Tom Wilson as coordinator. Chairman Bechtel reported that both Mr. Mimme and Dauphin County Gaming Advisory Board member Mr. Stewart indicated no adverse consequences from the Gaming Grant refusal; the Solicitor will draft a cover letter to send to Dauphin County Commissioners. The PSATS Convention was announced with a January 31 discount deadline.
NEW BUSINESS
The HAWASA/Accu Mold sewer line extension and hookup issue is being resolved between the parties, with Attorney Daghir indicating the authority is handling it. Discussion of Dale Shoop's reappointment and employee responsibilities was deferred to an executive session scheduled for January 16. The Board voted 5-0 to advertise the HARA vacancy. An Employee Policy Committee was formed consisting of Corey Stazewski and Supervisors Shultz, Paul, and Bruner.
This page is an automated summary of official township records. For the authoritative version, always refer to the original document.