Monthly Business Meeting

Interim bills and current unpaid bills were approved unanimously (motions by Supervisor Hoover, seconded by Supervisor Bruner). The May 13, 2013 minutes were approved as written (motion by Supervisor Paul, seconded by Supervisor Hoover). The financial report was reviewed with no questions.

No EMC report was given. Chairman Bechtel reported receiving a call from Reed Township regarding the ALS issue; as of June 1, 2013, the life team has a unit housed at the ambulance building. The Board agreed to table further discussion or action on the ALS issue.

Flo Mallonee reported on the June 3 Planning Commission meeting, including a PennDOT meeting with representatives of Members 1st Federal Credit Union, Sheetz, township officials, and others to discuss the Members 1st Plan and the Halifax intersection. Dwight Hoffman was announced as a new Planning Commission member. The Board approved the Ivan Bechtel Stormwater Management Plan extension unanimously (motion by Supervisor Bruner, seconded by Supervisor Paul).

Engineer Tom Wilson reviewed his June 4, 2013 report. He reported that the conservation district submitted the Act 167 Stormwater Management Plan to DEP, with a public hearing forthcoming, and indicated that Option 2 is the preferred option.

Solicitor Bruce Warshawsky gave his June 4 report. The Board is in a waiting mode on Members 1st and Sheetz as a traffic study plan will be submitted; the turn arrow concern was addressed. The Lenker Development Agreement was approved unanimously (motion by Supervisor Hoover), allowing Mr. Sweigard to seek an agreement with Mr. Lenker at a later date. The Board authorized the permit officer to assess the Seiler nuisance property on or after June 27 (motion by Supervisor Shultz, 5-0). The Kline property on Dunkle School Road was given more time for cleanup. The Hoffman SWM Application can be executed upon receipt of the approved application, with recording costs to be passed to the Hoffmans.

Supervisor Shultz reported on the May 28 committee meeting attended by Frank Wilmarth, Randy Paul, and Gary Shultz. Items discussed included Fort Halifax sign repair, labeling tree specimens, picnic table repair, Friends of Fort Halifax assuming building insurance and maintenance, future Appalachian Wagon Train camping, trail construction along Armstrong and Susquehanna waterways, canal brush clearing, 4-wheeler storage for poison ivy spraying, and park rules modifications. The Board approved additional bluebird houses, requested details on the trail proposal, raised concerns about non-employee spraying, and directed that all future issues be brought before the Board for decisions. The Solicitor advised the Township could secure building insurance with Friends of Fort Halifax paying the bill.

A report was received from Light-Heigle for sewage enforcement work done in May. Flo Mallonee commended Light-Heigle for the SEO work being done for the township.

The Board reviewed the Engineer's cost estimate for road improvements along with a proposal from Supervisor Paul. After much discussion, the issue was tabled.

The Township received official notification regarding the Cedars security bond release. The Board authorized the Solicitor to draft a Memorandum of Understanding to accommodate Cedars Shopping Center in ending their bond (motion by Supervisor Bruner, seconded by Supervisor Shultz, 5-0).

The properly advertised amended ordinance was debated at length. The original $7,500 violation fine (with $22,500 for willful destruction added in 2007) was proposed to be reduced to up to $500 per violation and up to $1,500 for willful destruction. After public comment both for and against the change, Supervisor Bruner proposed adding a tree replacement provision for willful destruction; the Solicitor advised that such a major change would require tabling. The motion to table carried 4-1, but was subsequently brought back and the amended ordinance was ultimately approved 4-1 with one abstention. A formal permit and application process was also noted as now being in place.

The Township had previously notified HARA that their agreement would end as of December 31, 2013. HARA's response letter was reviewed and no action was taken. The Solicitor noted the Board can decide during the next budget meeting what funds to appropriate to HARA.

A sample noise ordinance was provided to the Board for review. The Board authorized the Solicitor to investigate and prepare a noise ordinance (motion by Supervisor Paul, seconded by Supervisor Bruner, 5-0).

The Board approved a Patriot Energy 12-month fixed rate contract at a rate of $0.08165 per kWh (motion by Supervisor Paul, seconded by Supervisor Bruner, 5-0).

Supervisor Bruner, Secretary Carolyn Nye, and the Roadmaster will review the auditor's recommendations and prepare a response to the auditors.

Chairman Bechtel reviewed the history of the Agricultural Security Program, which protects against nuisance ordinances and eminent domain. The Board agreed to pass a resolution before year-end and process any new or changed applications with a filing fee. Secretary Carolyn Nye was instructed to publish a press release in the Upper Dauphin Sentinel. Melinda Warfel volunteered to be the contact person.

Supervisor Shultz made a motion to adjourn at 10:02 p.m., seconded by Supervisor Paul; motion carried 5-0.