Monthly Business Meeting
Summary
The Halifax Township Board of Supervisors held its monthly business meeting on April 8, 2013, with all five supervisors present: Chairman Kenneth Bechtel, Brad Bruner, Ken Hoover, Randy Paul, and Gary Shultz. The meeting ran nearly three hours, with stormwater management dominating the agenda across multiple properties and waiver requests. The board also took several property nuisance enforcement actions and addressed infrastructure priorities for the year.
- Bruner SWM plan waivers approved (4-0-1): The board approved five stormwater management plan waivers for the Bruner SWM Plan, with one abstention — the only non-unanimous vote of the evening.
- Cooper SWM plan approved with waivers: The board unanimously approved the stormwater management plan submitted by Rahn and Ann Cooper, including waivers of requirements identified in the township engineer's March 19 correspondence. The solicitor noted that an operations and maintenance agreement was not required.
- Trash nuisance on Rte. 147: Following a public complaint from James Bittner, the board voted to send a pre-nuisance letter to Rodney Seiler regarding trash accumulation on his property along Route 147.
- Kline property given 45-day cleanup notice: The board voted to send a letter requiring the Klines to clean up and organize their property within 45 days.
- Guide rail installation approved for Ridge and Mountain Roads: During discussion, Ken Hoover raised concerns about collapsing culverts along Matamoras Road near active timbering operations. A resident had also asked whether the timbering company needed a bond for using township roads; Chairman Bechtel said no.
- Liquid Fuels funds and road paving priorities: The township received $129,958.06 in Liquid Fuels funding, higher than expected. Roadmaster Corey Stazewski identified Camp Hebron Road, Kieffer Road, and Taylor School Road as priority paving candidates, with Taylor School Road in the worst condition.
- Middle Road stormwater dispute: Corey Stazewski met separately with Mike Snody and Chad Lebo about water runoff on Middle Road. Lebo attributed the worsening problem to land clearing on the mountain above his property. The township may need its engineer to assess the situation before proceeding with grading and pipe installation.
- LST appeal denied: The board unanimously rejected a Local Services Tax appeal from Pastor Kristine Heckard, finding the type of request not authorized under the ordinance.
- Hoffman SWM fee not waived: Mrs. Hoffman agreed to submit a stormwater application for pond removal but asked the board to waive the application fee. The board declined, requiring the fee be included with the submission.
Who was there
Kenneth Bechtel (Supervisor, Chairman) · Brad Bruner (Supervisor) · Ken Hoover (Supervisor) · Randy Paul (Supervisor) · Gary Shultz (Supervisor) · Bruce Warshawsky (Solicitor) · Adam Davis (Engineer (sitting in for Tom Wilson)) · Corey Stazewski (Roadmaster) · Carolyn Nye (Secretary)
Public comments
Meeting business
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
James Bittner complained about trash on a property along Rte. 147. Roadmaster Corey Stazewski said he knows the individual and has spoken to him. The Board voted 5-0 to send a pre-nuisance letter to Rodney Seiler.
SECRETARY/TREASURER REPORT
The Board approved interim bills (motion by Supervisor Shultz, 5-0), authorized payment of current bills (motion by Supervisor Hoover, 5-0), and approved the minutes as written (motion by Supervisor Paul, 5-0). The March Financial Report was reviewed with no comments or questions.
PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
Flo Mallonee reported that Rahn and Ann Cooper requested a waiver to their storm water management application. The Planning Commission unanimously voted to recommend the Board of Supervisors approve the waiver.
SOLICITOR REPORT
Chairman Bechtel reported that HARA voted to continue with the pool opening for 2013, with a steering committee seeking volunteers. Regarding Wells Fargo property storm water problems, Todd Etzweiler said the contractor is looking at alternatives. The Board approved five storm water management plan waivers for the Bruner SWM Plan submitted by engineer Tony Trost, passing 4-1 with one abstention.
ROADMASTER REPORT
Corey Stazewski met separately with Michael Snody and Chad Lebo about water runoff on Middle Road; possible solutions include grading and pipe installation, with the Township Engineer potentially needing to assess the situation. The Board approved 5-0 a quote for guide rail installation along Ridge Road and Mountain Road. Corey reported that Camp Hebron Road, Kieffer Road, and Taylor School Road need paving, with Taylor School Road being the worst.
PARK COMMITTEE REPORT
Supervisor Paul reported on a March 25 meeting with Frank Wilmarth and Dane Harman. Painting and cleanup were discussed, with Supervisors Shultz and Paul wanting to survey before authorization. The upper field plowing was approved, a student dig is scheduled for April 26, and Ned Smith people are visiting June 25 with the township requesting indemnification. The Board agreed to let Dane use the brick house as a shelter during activities.
ADMINISTRATIVE
The Secretary reported an outstanding check since February for SEO work done on a property in Matamoras. The Board voted 5-0 to send a certified letter to seek collection. A Liquid Fuels check came in higher than expected at $129,958.06.
OLD BUSINESS
The Cooper SWM plan submission with waiver was approved 5-0. Mrs. Hoffman agreed to submit a SWM application for pond removal but her request to waive the fee was denied. The Board approved a $25 permit fee for sycamore trees, waived the reading of the resolution, and approved the resolution and permit application (all 5-0). The J.P. Harris contract and EOP Resolution were approved 5-0. The Board voted 5-0 to send a letter giving the Klines 45 days to clean up their property.
NEW BUSINESS
The Board voted 5-0 for the Township to pay 50% of the cost and help distribute stone at the recycling area at Deppen Park. An LST appeal from Pastor Kristine Heckard was denied 5-0, as the type of request was not authorized in the ordinance.
This page is an automated summary of official township records. For the authoritative version, always refer to the original document.