Monthly Business Meeting

Interim bills and current unpaid bills were approved unanimously (5-0). The November 11, 2013 minutes were approved as written. Chairman Bechtel commented on increased income tax revenue the Township is receiving this year.

Frank Wilmarth thanked Supervisors Shultz and Paul for their park committee work and noted building doors still need repair. He informed the Board of vandalism to the sign's flag, which the Board was unaware of. Supervisor Hoover raised concern about trees planted in the building envelope without Board permission; Chairman Bechtel suggested removing and relocating them in the spring, and Wilmarth agreed to comply.

Flo Mallonee reported on the December 2, 2013 Planning Commission meeting. The Board approved (5-0) the Mallonee Storm Water Maintenance Plan waivers with removal of the unnecessary Operation and Maintenance Agreement; Mallonee recused herself from the recommendation. A motion to approve the Sheetz Plan died for lack of a second due to unresolved issues: PennDOT paved and installed signs on the Schlegel property without an easement, creating a right-of-way problem, and left turn signal concerns at Routes 147 and Parmer Drive remain unaddressed. The plan was postponed to the January 13 meeting on a 4-1 vote.

Engineer Tom Wilson reported the Kiner LD Plan has all comments addressed and is ready for signature. The Board authorized (5-0) Roadmaster Stazewski to place a "Narrow Road" sign on Middle Road, with Stazewski to coordinate with Upper Paxton Township on placement. Chairman Bechtel relayed a complaint about a hidden driveway issue at Peters Mountain that PennDOT said may require a traffic study; Stazewski will investigate.

Solicitor Warshawsky reported on multiple matters: Mr. Sweigard's attorney petitioned to intervene in the DONCO case, which DONCO objected to but the Township did not oppose; Sweigard also appealed the Township's October decision, which Attorney Sherr will respond to. A Right-to-Know appeal may be moot. The UDITO litigation has a December 19 hearing with Judge Bratton, with Susquehanna Bank backing off attorney fee payments. Nuisance updates: the Geoffrey Brothers property is slowly being cleaned up; a judgment was filed against Mr. Harman at 1059 North River Road and a nuisance letter sent to new owners Revelation Realty, deferred to January. The Board approved (5-0) a noise ordinance enforcement procedure establishing escalating steps from warning letter to monitoring to prosecution.

Roadmaster Corey Stazewski provided his report and requested authorization to bid for stone/anti-skid to obtain lower costs, which the Board approved (5-0) with the right to reject any or all bids. The Board also authorized (5-0) Stazewski to apply for a Dirt and Gravel Road Grant.

The Board indicated the Engineer and Solicitor need not attend the reorganization meeting. Chairman Bechtel announced a Tax Collector Commission consisting of Supervisor Shultz, Melinda Warfel, James Markel, and Scott McBurney. The Board approved (5-0) a Supplemental Appropriations Resolution after waiving the reading.

The 2014 budget was approved (5-0) with an amendment adding a footnote that 25% of LST funds will go to emergency services. A tax resolution was also approved (5-0). The Lenker Deed of Dedication remains pending DONCO's response to estimates, maintenance bond agreement, and receipt of the as-built plan by the Sewer and Water Authority. Discussion of the Lenker Club House—where Mr. Lenker wants to build a club house on two lots instead of single-family homes, with intent to tear it down in 15 years—was postponed to January. Supervisor Shultz reported on James Markel's proposed tax collection schedule, which will be posted.

Bob Artman's resignation was accepted (5-0), and the Tax Committee appointment was tabled for the January 7 reorganization meeting. The Board voted (5-0) to advertise 2014 meeting dates. Chairman Bechtel will discuss the Fire Company Agreement, which auto-renews December 31, with the Fire Chief. Chairman Bechtel reported extensively on the PILOT (Payment In Lieu of Taxes) program regarding Quail Commons in the Lenker Development, involving roughly a 70% real estate tax reduction for new owner Mr. Yoder, with a $93,000+ grant previously approved by Dauphin County. Supervisors Steve Schreffler and Bruner were appointed (5-0) to a PILOT negotiation committee. Gwenn Corsnitz and Rob Wentzel were appointed as auditors (5-0). An Ag Security Resolution and two applications for additions were approved (5-0) for forwarding to Dauphin County Recorder of Deeds.

Supervisor Shultz motioned to adjourn at 10:13 p.m., seconded by Supervisor Hoover, approved 5-0. Chairman Bechtel expressed appreciation to Supervisors Shultz and Hoover for their dedication and service.