Monthly Business Meeting

The Board approved the purchase of a trailer (motion by Supervisor Bruner, seconded by Supervisor Hoover, 5-0) and a roller from Stephenson Equipment (motion by Supervisor Bruner, seconded by Supervisor Paul, 5-0). Roadmaster Corey Stazewski reported that he contacted multiple vendors but found only older models at higher prices, recommending the newer model for less money. The Board also approved paying for both from the Capital Improvement Account (motion by Supervisor Hoover, seconded by Supervisor Paul, 5-0).

Interim bills were approved (motion by Supervisor Hoover, 5-0), unpaid bills were authorized (motion by Supervisor Shultz, 5-0), and the January 7 and January 14 minutes were approved as written (both 5-0). The financial report was reviewed.

Flo Mallonee reported on the February 4 Planning Commission meeting. The Bruner Stormwater Management Plan was sent back to engineer Tony Trost to address items listed in Tom Wilson's January 22, 2013 memo. The commission also discussed incorporating the building permit application, Stormwater Management Plan, and Land Development Plan Process into a single combined packet for applicants.

Solicitor Bruce Warshawsky reported that Tony Trost will return next month with specific waivers for the Bruner Stormwater Management Plan.

Mike Snody has removed the junk pile. Solicitor Warshawsky recommended closing the nuisance issue.

Wells Fargo has not responded to the previous letter regarding the Etzweiler complaint. Supervisor Shultz made a motion to send a formal nuisance letter to Wells Fargo, seconded by Supervisor Bruner, approved 5-0.

Roadmaster Corey Stazewski asked permission for Girl Scouts to do a community service trash pickup project at the park, approved 5-0 (motion by Supervisor Shultz). He also requested permission for Girl Scout cookies to be delivered to the Township meeting room for distribution, approved 5-0; Corey will open the room and supervise the delivery.

A resident requested "Brake Retarder Prohibited" signs be installed in the Tourist Park area. The Board declined and is not interested in doing this.

Roadmaster Corey Stazewski drafted a combined building permit/authorization form for Board review. The Board approved the new form (motion by Supervisor Paul, seconded by Supervisor Bruner, 5-0) with suggested changes: Supervisor Shultz recommended check boxes instead of circles, Supervisor Hoover suggested adding an "Other" line item under Use of Building, and Solicitor Warshawsky suggested adding "Proof of a Recorded Plan" if applicable.

The Board discussed an ice problem at 87 Pawnee Lane allegedly caused by wash water. The SEO visited the site and asked the complainant to notify him immediately if there is another occurrence so he can trace the source in time.

The Board waived the reading of the Tax Collector resolution (motion by Supervisor Bruner, 5-0) and approved the resolution (motion by Supervisor Hoover, seconded by Supervisor Shultz, 4-1).

Solicitor Warshawsky reported that Paulvir and Jorich are both in bankruptcy; the Township may not be able to collect on Jorich but should submit claims for both. Regarding Bistline, nothing has been paid since September 2012 and a payment letter went unanswered. The Board authorized the Solicitor to file an action at the District Justice office (motion by Supervisor Hoover, seconded by Supervisor Shultz, 5-0).

Charlie Bisking agreed to chair the Emergency Services Committee, which will include representatives from Med X, Medic 6, HAARA, and the Borough. Supervisors Bechtel and Paul will represent Halifax Township, with Supervisor Bruner as alternate.

Hara Frank asked the Board about abandoning a portion of Tobias Road due to trash dumping, trespassing, and maintenance difficulties. Two of the four residents along the road do not want it abandoned. Supervisor Bruner asked to table the issue to the next meeting for further consideration. The Board directed that "No Winter Maintenance" signs be posted along the area.

Chad Lebo raised the need for line painting on newly paved roads; the Board indicated this will be done when warmer weather returns. He also reported a blocked culvert pipe on McClellan Road belonging to Strohecker Trailer Park. The Secretary was authorized to send a complaint letter to the park owners requesting they clean out the pipe.

The Board authorized the Planning Commission to review the Stormwater Management Plan packet and make their recommendation to the Board of Supervisors (motion by Supervisor Hoover, seconded by Supervisor Paul, 5-0).

Anna Borges submitted an email inquiring about trimming sycamore trees in front of her property. The trees are not on Halifax Township right-of-way and are protected by ordinance. The Board approved sending a letter requesting Mrs. Borges submit a formal request with pictures per the ordinance provisions (motion by Supervisor Paul, seconded by Supervisor Shultz, 5-0). The Board also discussed contacting the State Forester to evaluate the trees and having Roadmaster Stazewski photograph them.

A resident complained about evergreen trees hanging over the Township right-of-way and impeding sight distance on Locust Street. Roadmaster Stazewski was unable to contact the landowner. The Board approved sending a pre-nuisance letter giving the resident 30 days to trim the trees, after which the Township will cut them back (motion by Supervisor Hoover, seconded by Supervisor Bruner, 5-0).