Monthly Business Meeting

Supervisor Hoover motioned to approve interim bills (carried 5-0), authorize payment of unpaid bills (carried 5-0), and approve the April 9, 2012 minutes as written (carried 5-0), all seconded by Supervisor Bruner or Supervisor Paul.

Fred Ford reported on the May 7 Planning Commission meeting. The Charles Paulvir Subdivision Plan had two spelling corrections on waivers #1 and #6 and was approved for review. Scott Corsnitz discussed his recently purchased property where he wants to build a pole building; it was determined an E&S Plan and Stormwater Management Plan will be required. The Alternate Energy Ordinance was also discussed.

Engineer Tom Wilson reported that a site inspection of a drainage issue along Ebenezer Road revealed that Lot 4 of the Bruce and Barbera Reeher Subdivision Plan lacks a required stormwater management swale. Supervisor Bruner motioned to inform the landowner of the deficiency pending confirmation that the final recorded plan is consistent with the preliminary plan; carried 5-0.

The Township has received the permit for the Galli Road water issue project. The Solicitor will send easement letters to the affected landowners, and after project completion, documents will need to be sent to appropriate authorities.

Chairman Bechtel asked Engineer Tom Wilson about a PennDOT notification letter regarding a project in the Township. Tom indicated PennDOT should adhere to Act 167 Stormwater Management. The Secretary will send PennDOT a letter with a copy of the Township's Stormwater Management Ordinance and request a detailed copy of the project.

Dane Harman will provide $9,130 in escrow to guarantee completion of outstanding improvements on the Harman Stove Plan, with John Glime performing the work. Supervisor Hoover motioned to accept cash in lieu of a bond and enter into a memorandum of understanding (carried 5-0). Legal and engineer fees will come from the escrow funds, and Paul Wentz and Tom Wilson will inspect the project.

Supervisor Hoover motioned to authorize the Solicitor to send a letter advising enforcement action if information is not provided within ten days; seconded by Supervisor Shultz, carried 5-0.

Discussed in executive session, the proposed settlement stipulation would have the common boundary line between the Township and Mr. Konchar's property defined by Mr. Burch and staked at Township expense. The Township would indemnify Mr. Konchar for liability from a private road crossing his land from Route 147 across the railroad tracks, except for acts that are his responsibility. Supervisor Hoover motioned to authorize the Solicitor to execute the stipulation; carried 5-0.

Supervisor Bruner motioned to send notice advising Harn to abate the nuisance (carried 5-0). The Bitting property has a new owner who is cleaning up the property, so it will be removed from the active nuisance list. A partial check was received from Mr. Bistline reflecting one-twelfth of the total payment due.

Supervisor Hoover motioned to authorize the Township to become involved in proceedings to remedy a tax issue between UDITO and Halifax Township; seconded by Supervisor Paul, carried 5-0.

Supervisor Bruner motioned to authorize the Solicitor to draft a revamped nuisance ordinance; seconded by Supervisor Hoover, carried 5-0.

Four trailers in the Strohecker Mobile Home Park are unlivable; if the Township and school forgive back taxes, the County will allow Strohecker to install new ones. Supervisor Bruner motioned to authorize amnesty of the Township's portion of taxes owed from Strohecker; seconded by Supervisor Shultz, carried 5-0.

The Jennifer Stoneroad Geyer mobile home at Alex Acres Mobile Home Park went to judicial sale, and the County asked the Township to accept the judicial sale; the Board agreed. Regarding the Susan Albright property, Melinda Warfel clarified that Dauphin County inquired about taxes owed and confirmed there are no taxes due on the property.

Supervisor Shultz motioned to approve a four-day suspension of Roadmaster Corey Stazewski effective May 15-18 and a probationary period to be determined later, resulting from executive session discussions. Seconded by Supervisor Bruner; Supervisor Paul opposed, motion carried 4-1.

Sharon John spoke about noise from bands playing at Armstrong Winery; Supervisor Paul had visited the winery and asked owners to lower the volume, but the Solicitor noted the Township lacks a noise ordinance to address this. Regarding the Kissinger/Lenker complaint, Corey Stazewski visited the site and found roughly half the materials are junk. Supervisor Shultz motioned to send a letter with the ordinance and photos noting two complainants (carried 4-1, Chairman Bechtel opposed). The Roadmaster was also assigned to investigate the Fox property nuisance allegation.

The Board agreed to continue paying quarterly EMC stipends to Charles Bisking. Supervisor Shultz motioned to amend the February 2012 minutes to correctly state the Roadmaster receives a one-time payment of five days comp time and five days straight time for hours worked above 40 (carried 5-0). Chairman Bechtel reported that PennDOT archaeologist Joe Baker requested permission for a walk-through of Fort Halifax Park with Penn State and Millersville University representatives; the Board approved. Supervisor Paul motioned to appoint Supervisors Hoover and Bruner with the Roadmaster to a committee to review road crew job applications (carried 5-0).

Alternate SEO Mike Brown submitted a report on the final inspection of the septic system at Tobias Wildlife Park.

The Board, Solicitor, and Melinda Warfel discussed the LST, a $52.00/year tax on individuals working in Halifax Township earning over $12,000/year. Twenty-five percent of the tax must go to local services such as fire companies and ambulance associations. Implementation would require advertising and DCED notification. The Secretary will contact COG for more detailed information, and the topic will be on next month's agenda.

Chairman Bechtel attended the Grounds Committee Meeting at the high school to discuss traffic signal timing that causes morning traffic backups. School board member Donna Rode stated the school reduced the signal time to fifteen minutes. The Board indicated they will monitor whether this change relieves the backup.

Township auditor Deb Meyers presented the 2011 audit report, which included records audited and auditor recommendations. The Board formed a committee of the Secretary and Supervisor Bruner to review the report and determine if there are feasible resolutions to the auditors' requests.

Chairman Bechtel reported on a meeting with Supervisor Shultz, the Roadmaster, and Tom Troutman reviewing Township insurance coverage, particularly replacement value at the park. Supervisor Paul motioned to insure the brick dwelling and barn while eliminating coverage on other park buildings (carried 5-0). Supervisor Bruner noted the barn has the largest potential for problems and suggested reviewing the deductible. Chairman Bechtel will follow up with Tom Troutman.

The Board determined insufficient information was provided for the Fire Company's request for $15,000 for fire police equipment. The Secretary was instructed to contact the Fire Company for details on mandates, needs, and priorities, and the Board suggested inviting the Fire Chief to a public meeting to discuss.

A committee of the Solicitor and Supervisors Paul and Hoover was formed to discuss park issues, and the Secretary was authorized to request a meeting with the Dauphin County Commissioners. Separately, Supervisor Paul motioned to grant permission for a rocket launch on either June 10 or August 12 (9 a.m.–5 p.m.), contingent upon proof of appropriate insurance; carried 5-0.