Monthly Business Meeting

Rodson Campbell from Patriot Energy presented a new rate of 0.06351 to take effect in June when the current contract ends. Supervisor Shultz motioned to renew at the new rate, carried 5-0.

Supervisor Hoover motioned to authorize payment of interim and unpaid bills (both carried 5-0) and to approve the January 3 and January 9 minutes as written (carried 5-0). No comments were made on the financial report.

Chairman Bechtel reported on the COG meeting, noting that the Upper Dauphin Tax office reimbursement issue was on the agenda and that the Tri County Planning Commission Annual Meeting will be held in conjunction with the COG meeting.

The auditors met January 4 for reorganization. Bob Artman was named Chairman, Deb Meyers Vice Chair, and Charnelle Etzweiler Secretary. The hourly rate for working supervisors was set at $12.00.

Flo Mallonee reported on the Planning Commission reorganization meeting held February 6. Fred Ford was appointed Chairman, Bob Artman Vice Chair, and Randy Paul Secretary.

Tom Wilson presented the PA DEP GP-4 Permit application for the Galli Road storm sewer extension project requiring Board signatures. He offered to serve as Flood Plain Administrator and Community Rating System Administrator, and noted a Certified Flood Plain Manager training in June in Scranton.

Solicitor Warshawsky reported no update on Jorich; noted Garam Farhat purchased the former Teeter property and may develop it. The Board authorized listing the Konchar litigation for trial (5-0). Supervisor Bruner will contact Mike Bistline about outstanding bills. The Board authorized executing a Certification to Authorize for an earned income tax audit through UDITO, as the Township may be entitled to a refund (5-0). Melinda Warfel noted employers may be sending income tax to Upper Dauphin instead of Berkheimer.

The Board approved purchase of 100 single-sided road signs and miscellaneous signs for $2,196.00 (5-0), switching from off-road to on-road diesel delivery (5-0), and an adapter plate not to exceed $975.00 (5-0). The Board voted to donate salt to Halifax School for the last time this year, with the school paying going rate thereafter (5-0). Corey Stazewski is the new nuisance complaints officer effective February; a nuisance letter will be sent to the North River Road landowner. Dale Shoop processed two building permits.

The Board approved purchasing a security system not to exceed $750.00 (5-0, motion by Supervisor Bruner). The secretary was authorized to purchase file cabinets to transfer documents from the garage to the meeting room. The Township also signed renewed J.P. Harris contracts.

The Board raised the debit card account limit from $500 to $1,000 to cover security system and Carbonite purchases (4-1, Supervisor Hoover voting nay). Dale Shoop was approved at $400/month as Permitting Officer with mileage at $0.555/mile and potential reconciliation at $20.00/hour by December 2012 (5-0). Corey Stazewski was approved for $3,000/year ($2,750 pro-rated for the remainder) for nuisance complaint duties (5-0). Chairman Bechtel reported on a February 1 meeting with PennDOT, Commissioner Pries, Norfolk Southern, and landowners about blocked drains along the railroad right-of-way; the County offered to sponsor a gaming grant, and PennDOT and Norfolk Southern agreed to flush the drains this spring.

The Board authorized a press release about spring road and ditch grading within the township right-of-way (5-0). Dauphin County Parks and Recreation was granted permission for a free movie night at Ft. Halifax Park on August 12, contingent on providing portable restrooms and security near the railroad (5-0). Chairman Bechtel reported that a 5% workers' comp reduction is available through monthly safety meetings; EMC insurance will set this up free of charge, with further discussion next month. Corey Stazewski will contact a school bus driver about parking on the Robin Circle cul-de-sac.