Monthly Business Meeting
Summary
The Halifax Township Board of Supervisors held its monthly business meeting on September 10, 2012, convening at 7:00 PM and running over three hours until 10:15 PM. Supervisors Kenneth Bechtel (Chairman), Brad Bruner, Ken Hoover, and Randy Paul were present; Gary Shultz was absent. The lengthy session was dominated by property nuisance enforcement actions, a stormwater drainage dispute on Ebenezer Road, and a mix of infrastructure, land development, and administrative business.
Masser nuisance property — 10-day compliance order: The board authorized Solicitor Bruce Warshawsky to send Mr. Masser a letter demanding compliance with a District Justice's order within 10 days. Roadmaster Corey Stazewski will photograph the property on September 21 to document conditions. Residents expressed frustration with the lack of cleanup, and the solicitor noted he is drafting a new nuisance ordinance.
Ebenezer Road stormwater dispute tabled: Resident Lynn Wells raised concerns about water runoff onto his property. After extended discussion, the board authorized Engineer Tom Wilson to conduct a site visit and tabled a proposed Memo of Understanding pending his assessment.
Fox nuisance complaint withdrawn: The board voted to withdraw a nuisance complaint against Fox after he agreed to remove a car and boat trailer, characterizing remaining disputes over storage trailers as a private matter between Fox and his landlord.
Lenker Estates II subdivision approved: Following a Planning Commission recommendation, the board approved both a preliminary plan waiver and the final plan for Lot 37. The board also voted to advertise a Planning Commission vacancy upon receipt of Steve Sipe's resignation letter.
Alex Acres trailer park conditions: The board discussed what it described as deplorable conditions at the trailer park and directed the solicitor to draft a conditional permit letter listing required corrective actions.
Park buildings demolished, Camp Hebron permitting authorized: Supervisors approved demolition of a block building and double corn crib/shed at the township park, and authorized Tom Wilson to begin the DEP permitting process for pipe work near Camp Hebron Road.
Fleet fuel contract and road payment: The township approved switching fleet fuel purchasing from Voyager Fleet Systems to Wright Express (with Reed's Sunoco as supplier) before the current Co-Stars contract expires September 30. The board also authorized payment of an A to Z Construction bill for Camp Hebron Road from the General Fund.
LST ordinance and budget planning: The board voted to advertise a Local Services Tax ordinance for adoption before year-end, adopted Record Retention Resolution #12-3-2012, and scheduled budget meetings for October 15 and 29.
Who was there
Kenneth Bechtel (Chairman/Supervisor) · Brad Bruner (Supervisor) · Ken Hoover (Supervisor) · Randy Paul (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 (4-0). Supervisor Paul motioned to authorize payment of current bills (4-0), approve the August 13 minutes as written (4-0), and approve the August financial report (4-0).
PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
Fred Ford reported on the September 5th Planning Commission meeting. The Commission recommended conditional approval of the Lenker Estates II Plan for Lot 37; Tom Wilson confirmed Mr. Lenker's resubmitted plan addressed engineer comments. The Board approved a waiver of the preliminary plan (4-0) and approved the final plan (4-0). Steve Sipe's upcoming resignation from the Planning Commission was noted, and the Board voted to advertise the vacancy upon receipt of his resignation letter (4-0).
ENGINEER REPORT
Tom Wilson read his report dated September 6, 2012. No action was taken.
SOLICITOR REPORT
Jorich is required to provide as-built plans and stormwater calculations for the Matamoras project.
Very little progress has been made on the Masser nuisance property since the last hearing; the next hearing is October 11. Supervisor Bruner motioned to authorize the Solicitor to send a letter giving Mr. Masser 10 days to comply with the District Justice's order (4-0). Jerry Kissinger asked about enforcement after 30 days; the Solicitor noted the District Justice has not yet issued a ruling and that he is working on a new nuisance ordinance. Gary Lenker expressed frustration with the lack of cleanup. Roadmaster Corey Stazewski will photograph the property on September 21.
A hearing was set for September 19. Mr. Fox stated he wants to remove the car and boat trailer and will lock the storage trailers. Gary Lenker argued the deed does not allow business trailers as storage units, but the Board indicated this is a private matter between Lenker and Fox. Supervisor Bruner motioned to withdraw the complaint (4-0).
Wells Fargo, the Stewart mortgagee, is under no obligation to clean the property; the Board will wait for any action. A nuisance letter was sent to the Cedar Shopping Center on August 23; Corey Stazewski will check the property in ten days. A nuisance letter was also sent to Carl Snyder on August 23; weeds have since been sprayed, and the Board decided not to enforce further.
A new DEP permit needs to be obtained and a survey needs to be done for Galli Road.
The Solicitor indicated an executive session should be held in October for updates on the UDITO litigation.
Lynn Wells raised concerns about water runoff onto his property from Ebenezer Road. Discussion among the Wells family, the Board, Solicitor Bruce Warshawsky, and Engineer Tom Wilson followed. Supervisor Paul motioned to authorize Tom Wilson to do a site visit on the Wells property (4-0). Supervisor Bruner motioned to defer action on the Memo of Understanding pending Tom Wilson's review (4-0).
ROADMASTER REPORT
The Co-Stars contract with Voyager Fleet Systems expires September 30. Wright Express is the new Co-Star credit contractor, with Reed's Sunoco as the fuel supplier. Supervisor Paul motioned to apply to Wright Express (4-0).
Lannie Millette noted during public comment that Camp Hebron is not going to pursue their plan. Supervisor Bruner motioned to authorize Tom Wilson to proceed with the permitting process for the pipe site work (4-0).
Supervisor Paul motioned to approve demolition of the block building and double corn crib/shed at the park (4-0).
ADMINISTRATIVE
The Secretary asked the Board whether to pay the A to Z Construction bill for Camp Hebron Road from the Liquid Fuel Fund or the General Fund. Supervisor Paul motioned to authorize payment from the General Fund (4-0).
SEO REPORT
The Board raised concerns about Light-Heigel's lack of timeliness in submitting monthly reports and written explanations of activity. The Board wants more detailed and timely submissions. Supervisor Bruner has been in contact with Light-Heigel, and Marty Sowers will be contacted.
OLD BUSINESS
The Board reviewed the proposed employee manual. Secretary Carolyn Nye and Roadmaster Corey Stazewski had questions regarding leave and holidays. Solicitor Bruce Warshawsky recommended an executive session with employees invited to discuss employee matters.
Supervisor Bruner motioned to advertise the LST ordinance for adoption prior to December 31, 2012 (4-0).
Supervisor Paul motioned to waive the reading of the resolution (4-0) and then motioned to accept Record Retention Resolution #12-3-2012 (4-0).
Dane Snyder asked if the Township would dig a pit on September 19 to begin the archaeological process. The Board authorized Corey Stazewski and Raymond to dig the pit.
Frank Wilmarth, on behalf of The Friends of Ft. Halifax, asked the Board about pursuing helicopter rides and/or balloon rides at the park for the May 2013 festival. The Board gave permission to pursue, contingent on the companies providing proof of insurance and naming the Township in their coverage.
The Board discussed deplorable conditions at Alex Acres trailer park and how to take action. Solicitor Bruce Warshawsky recommended issuing a conditional permit with a letter listing the issues and will draft a letter for the Board's review.
NEW BUSINESS
The Board did not authorize a contribution to Sun Home Health and Hospice.
The American Lung Association requested a letter of support for a grant application for The Tobacco Control Program, which provides education and cessation services in worksites and schools. The Board authorized Secretary Carolyn Nye to send a letter of support.
The Board set budget meeting dates for October 15 and 29 at 7 p.m. Meeting dates will be advertised.
Supervisors Bruner and Bechtel will attend the next HARA meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
Supervisor Paul motioned to adjourn at 10:15 p.m., seconded by Supervisor Hoover (4-0).
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