Monthly Business Meeting
Summary
The Halifax Township Board of Supervisors held its monthly business meeting on March 11, 2013, running over three hours from 7:00 PM to 10:10 PM. Four of five supervisors were present — Chairman Kenneth Bechtel, Brad Bruner, Ken Hoover, and Randy Paul — with Gary Shultz absent. The lengthy session covered stormwater disputes, emergency services concerns, nuisance enforcement, and several matters related to Fort Halifax Park.
Hoffman detention pond removal approved with conditions: The board voted 4-0 to allow Dwight and Emily Hoffman to remove a stormwater detention pond from their property, provided the Hoffmans fully indemnify the township against any downstream impacts to third parties, agree to comply with stormwater management ordinances if the property is ever developed, and pay all associated legal and engineering review fees.
Wells Fargo drainage dispute on North River Road: The board voted 4-0 to send a letter to Wells Fargo opposing removal of a pipe at 1397 North River Road, reasoning that removal could worsen existing drainage problems, and instead requesting the bank pursue a remedial solution.
Emergency services concerns raised: EMC Charlie Bisking reported that Med Ex, which seeks to become an ALS provider, was unavailable for three emergency calls because crews were on routine transports. The board authorized the solicitor to draft a revised Emergency Operations Plan resolution. Bisking also recommended pausing a committee involving the Halifax Area Ambulance Association, Medic 6, and Med Ex until a pending ambulance building lease dispute is resolved.
Fort Halifax Park — colonial garden approved, flintlock shoot denied: The board unanimously approved a colonial garden project and authorized a controlled burn at the park contingent on coordination with Halifax Fire Company and Dauphin County. However, a request to hold a flintlock block shoot during the Spring festival and renovate an outbuilding was denied.
Tobias Road remains open: Chairman Kenneth Bechtel stated he would not support closing the road as long as any resident objects, noting that constructing a cul-de-sac would require significant expense and land acquisition through legal means. The road will be posted with a "No Winter Maintenance" sign.
Nuisance enforcement on Dunkle School Road: The board voted 4-0 to send a pre-nuisance letter to a property owner regarding trash accumulation. Separately, the township will trim overhanging trees on Locust Street after a resident failed to respond to a prior notice.
Township truck replacement explored: Roadmaster Corey Stazewski reported the 1992 dump truck needs extensive repairs and identified a 1999 Mack tandem axle truck available from PennDOT before auction. The board directed him to gather pricing information.
Spring cleanup scheduled for May 10–11: Accepted items include appliances, antifreeze, and engine oil for recycling; air conditioners require proof of refrigerant removal. Paint and refrigerators with refrigerant will not be accepted.
Who was there
Kenneth Bechtel (Supervisor, Chairman) · 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 Paul moved to approve payment of interim bills (passed 4-0), Supervisor Hoover moved to authorize payment of current bills (passed 4-0), Supervisor Paul moved to approve the minutes as written (passed 4-0), and the financial report was reviewed with no comments.
EMC Report
EMC Charlie Bisking reported on an oil spill in the township and presented a revised Emergency Operations Plan (EOP); the Board authorized the Solicitor to draft a revised EOP resolution (passed 4-0). Bisking noted that Med Ex, seeking to become an ALS provider, was unavailable for three emergency calls due to routine transports. John Logan of Medic 6 Community Life Team discussed a lease for the ambulance building; Bisking recommended pausing the committee on services involving Halifax Area Ambulance Association, Medic 6, and Med Ex until the lease issue is resolved.
Planning Commission Recommendation
Flo Mallonee reported on the March 4 meeting. Rahn and Ann Cooper submitted a Stormwater Management Plan for review by the Planning Commission and Engineer. Dwight and Emily Hoffman requested removal of their detention pond, and the Planning Commission recommended the Board approve the removal.
Engineer Report
Engineer Tom Wilson read his February 28, 2013 report and indicated he received correspondence from Mr. Lenker about starting construction for Phase I.
Solicitor Report
Solicitor Bruce Warshawsky noted the Township is awaiting SWM waivers from Tony Trost on the Bruner Plan. Supervisor Hoover moved to permit removal of the Hoffman detention pond contingent upon the Hoffmans indemnifying the Township for any third-party stormwater effects, agreeing to comply with the stormwater management ordinance for any future development, and paying legal and engineer review fees (passed 4-0). The Solicitor will draft a letter to the Hoffmans.
Roadmaster Report
Roadmaster Corey Stazewski reported on several issues: Mike Snody will forward pictures of stormwater runoff locations on Middle Road, and Chad Lebo is willing to meet with Corey but not allow anyone on his property. The Board moved to send a letter to Wells Fargo requesting remedial action rather than removal of a pipe at 1397 North River Road (passed 4-0). The Solicitor will contact Attorney Krafsig about Kieffer Road. A pre-nuisance letter was authorized for a trash complaint on Dunkle School Road (passed 4-0). Corey reported the 1992 dump truck needs extensive repairs and informed the Board of a 1999 Mack tandem axle truck available from PennDOT; the Board agreed to seek pricing information.
Administrative
The Secretary will investigate a Verizon offer to update the 3G card, possibly related to EMC Charlie Bisking's laptop modem. The Board discussed dates for the annual insurance meeting with Tom Troutman; Supervisor Bruner offered to attend if Supervisor Shultz is unavailable. The Solicitor will contact Wayne Township's attorney about an outstanding workers' compensation bill that remains unpaid despite an initial letter and two follow-up emails.
Old Business
Chairman Bechtel stated he opposes closing Tobias Road as long as one resident objects, citing the cost of constructing a cul-de-sac; a "No Winter Maintenance" sign will be posted and Corey will check options for other signs. The Board discussed the Sycamore Tree Ordinance at length, concluding that landowners requesting extensive trimming should consult State Forester Andy Brought and obtain a permit; the Solicitor will draft an application/permit. For Ft. Halifax Park, the Board approved the colonial garden project (passed 4-0) and authorized burning contingent upon notifying Halifax Fire Company and Dauphin County (passed 4-0), but denied the requests for a flintlock block shoot and outbuilding renovation.
New Business
The Board approved Spring Cleanup days for May 10-11 (passed 4-0), accepting appliances, antifreeze, and engine oil but no paint or refrigerators with refrigerant; Sean Bob must submit an indemnification letter to volunteer. Supervisor Bruner will attend the PSATS Convention April 21-24. Chairman Bechtel announced a DCIB information session on April 2 regarding a loan program for local government.
This page is an automated summary of official township records. For the authoritative version, always refer to the original document.