Monthly Business Meeting

Paid interim bills and unpaid current bills were approved unanimously on motion by Carol Eppley, seconded by Linda Ruff. The May 11, 2009 business meeting minutes were approved unanimously with three spelling corrections, on motion by Carol Eppley, seconded by Ken Hoover. The May Financial Report was accepted.

The Planning Commission requested a new recording device for its meetings. Ken Hoover motioned to authorize Dan Shearer to purchase a digital recording device up to $130 for use at Board of Supervisors meetings. The motion was seconded by Linda Ruff and carried unanimously.

The Wind Energy Ordinance draft was distributed to the Supervisors, Solicitor Steve Dzuranin, and Engineer Tom Wilson. Norma Shearer attended a wind energy information seminar in Millersburg and is trying to obtain additional copies of the handouts.

The Planning Commission recommended approval of the Craig/Craig/Matter Plan with 10 waivers, including a joint use and maintenance agreement on a shared driveway. Solicitor Steve Dzuranin noted the applicants agreed the waivers apply only to the current plan. Linda Ruff motioned to approve the waivers (carried unanimously), and Ken Hoover motioned to approve the plan with contingencies including referencing the approval date, a certificate of ownership, and correcting typing errors (carried unanimously).

The Planning Commission recommended a time extension for the Bruner plan to 7/13/09. Linda Ruff motioned to approve, seconded by Carol Eppley, and the motion carried unanimously.

The Planning Commission recommended a time extension for the River Ridge MHP plan to 9/15/09. Ken Hoover motioned to approve, seconded by Linda Ruff, and the motion carried unanimously.

The Planning Commission recommended a time extension for Halifax Plaza to 10/13/09. Carol Eppley motioned to approve, seconded by Linda Ruff, and the motion carried unanimously.

Engineer Tom Wilson reviewed the Engineer's Report. Ken Hoover asked about the status of HAARA's plan; Tom Wilson said he was unsure but would research it and report at the next meeting.

Solicitor Steve Dzuranin recommended approving the American Tower tax assessment appeal settlement. Carol Eppley motioned to approve, seconded by Linda Ruff. Ken Hoover asked if the School and County also needed to approve; Solicitor Dzuranin confirmed yes. The motion passed unanimously.

Solicitor Steve Dzuranin reviewed the status of the Fire Department Agreement and indicated he hopes to have a draft prepared later that week.

Dale Shoop reported that Solicitor Dzuranin confirmed 3371 Peters Mountain Road cannot yet be acted upon as the 30-day period has not expired. No paving bids have been solicited yet, and there has been no response on the stimulus grant application. The County approved only Halifax Township property for temporary debris storage in an emergency.

No SEO report was given. The Board discussed assigning SEO Brown to investigate confirmed malfunctions and take appropriate action. Carol Eppley motioned to approve the assignment, seconded by Linda Ruff; the motion carried 3-1 with Ken Hoover opposed. Solicitor Steve Dzuranin suggested a two-step process: investigate first, then take action as deemed appropriate.

A meeting is set for 7/14/09. The group was waiting on the release of grant funds.

Solicitor Steve Dzuranin reviewed the history of the Donco HOP, including a July 2007 intersection agreement between Donco, the Township, and Cedar Halifax III LLC that expired in October 2008. Attorney Silver requested the Board consider Donco's extension request, stating a 30-45 day construction window was expected. Ken Hoover motioned for a one-year extension, seconded by Carol Eppley, but the motion was defeated 1-3 with only Hoover in favor; Carol Eppley, Linda Ruff, and Norma Shearer opposed due to concerns over repeated extensions and the danger at the Rt 147/225 intersection.

A HARA meeting is set for 6/24/09 at 7:00 PM at the Halifax Township Building. Representatives from Reed Township and Halifax Borough will also be present.

Flo Mallonee asked why the storm drain pipe was not installed. Tom Wilson recalled the initial intent was to help Mr. Michael with water drainage. Dale Shoop said the pipe was not installed because they did not want to divert water to Mr. Sipe's property. Carolyn Nye said Mr. Sipe was upset the Board did not discuss the issue with him, not because of the potential additional water.

Bob Burrell has all Deeds of Dedication signed. Solicitor Steve Dzuranin said he needs those documents and a plan two weeks prior to the next meeting.

Linda Ruff reported that she called Dave Bitting, who said he simply has not had time to get the electrical work done.

Three contractors were contacted and all said the barn was worth saving. Restorations Unlimited (Jim Fascinelli) said he could not compete with the Amish; Andrew Peachey of Peachey Crete has 22 years of historical barn experience; Tony Patton could not be contacted. Carol Eppley motioned to approve Andrew Peachey to perform the work for up to $8,000, seconded by Linda Ruff; the motion passed 3-1 with Ken Hoover opposed. Solicitor Steve Dzuranin suggested composing a contract with Peachey and having Linda Ruff compile a memo of her phone solicitations.

Multiple items were discussed: Rudi Erb deferred the Twin Valleys Conservation Project to next month. Donna Rode asked about the six-month administrator review; Norma Shearer said it would not occur at a public meeting, but office move efficiency would be discussed in July. Scott Corsnitz asked if the office move review would be public; he was told the office location portion would be discussed in July. Darren Mauser will begin an Eagle Scout project next week including benches for Fort Halifax Park. Linda Ruff raised concerns about an unmaintained lot on Sycamore Avenue near Lenker Estates causing erosion. Ken Hoover noted website errors. Norma Shearer raised the question of moving the welcome sign to the township line. FEMA will issue new floodplain maps requiring a timely Township response. The County EIT delegate and alternate must be appointed by 9/15/09. The Halifax Fire Company declined hosting recycle bins for emergency reasons. Linda Ruff will attend a Dauphin County Library Board meeting regarding a potential Halifax Area library branch.

Linda Ruff motioned to adjourn at 9:12 PM, seconded by Ken Hoover. The motion carried unanimously.