Monthly Business Meeting

Interim bills were approved (motion by Paul, seconded by Bruner, 5-0), unpaid bills were authorized for payment (motion by McBurney, seconded by Schreffler, 5-0), and minutes were approved as written (motion by Paul, seconded by Schreffler, 5-0). The Financial Report was reviewed with no questions or comments.

The Planning Commission recommended approval of the Nancy Reed Subdivision Plan. The Board approved waivers per Tom Wilson's review memo of August 4, 2014 (motion by Bruner, seconded by Paul, 5-0) and approved the plan contingent upon having a professional surveyor certify it per Wilson's memo (motion by Schreffler, seconded by Paul, 5-0).

Tom Wilson reported on a site inspection regarding four stop signs needed in the Lenker Development. The Board authorized the Solicitor to draft an ordinance for the stop signs and authorized it to be advertised (motion by Paul, seconded by Schreffler, 5-0). Wilson also noted a tree needs removal and vegetation problems exist at Sycamore and Oak, North and South.

Bruce Warshawsky reported there has been no response to the Township's most recent proposal regarding Quail Commons.

The issue is whether storage sheds on the 0.66-acre Hornung Store Lot require a stormwater management plan. The Board authorized the Solicitor to draft a letter to Hornung's to obtain information and respond to the situation (motion by Schreffler, seconded by Bruner, 5-0).

Corey Stazewski provided information on needed road work. Estimates included: McClelland Road to Tourist Park Road tar and chip at $23,544, Ebenezer Road tar and chip at $24,956, Lehman Road (Creek Road to township line) tar and chip at $25,292, Parmer Drive tar and chip at $25,292, and Lehman Road (Million Dollar Road to Creek Road) paving at $25,000. The Board approved advertising tar and chip and paving as separate bids once in two newspapers (Sentinel and Patriot News), with bid openings at the September 8 meeting (motion by Paul, seconded by Bruner, 5-0).

Four nuisance properties were discussed: Masser (recently mowed), Stewart (continuing high grass problem), Hoffman (continuing overgrown grass and weeds), and Kolva (trash/garbage strewn about repeatedly). The Board approved sending nuisance letters to the Stewarts and their holding company, to Mrs. Hoffman, and to the Kolvas (three separate motions, all carried 5-0). Regarding the Eyster property, Attorney Daghir responded disputing facts in the Township's July letter about trees and shrubs overshadowing the street; the Solicitor will draft a reply.

The Board discussed the July Park Committee meeting. Park Rules were deferred to old business. The MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) was tabled, and access to the park from Third and Fourth Streets will need more research.

Chairman Bechtel informed the Board of a request by the Dauphin County Planning Commission for a letter of support regarding a local share municipal grant for updating the County Comprehensive Plan. The Board authorized sending the letter (motion by Bruner, seconded by Paul, 5-0).

The Board approved payment of time and mileage for 2014 seasonal employees required to go for CDL testing (motion by Paul, seconded by McBurney, 5-0).

Chairman Bechtel reported that the Powells Creek Initiative committee indicated the initiative is being terminated. Separately, he discussed the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers' "Waters of the US" initiative to regulate dry waterbeds, which would mean more permitting and paperwork for the Township and residents. Bechtel stated he wants to check with PSATS before any resolution is drafted.

The Board approved placing the sale proceeds from the 1991 truck into the Capital Improvement Account (motion by McBurney, seconded by Schreffler, 5-0).

The Board approved proposed park rules #1–8, 10, and 11, with an addition to #11 stating "except when approved by Halifax Township" (motion by McBurney, seconded by Schreffler, 5-0). Discussion on Rule #9 regarding alcoholic beverages was tabled pending more information from the Solicitor (motion by Bruner, seconded by Schreffler, 4-1).

The Board tabled the proposed memorial tree planting by Bonita Freeman at Fort Halifax Park until the next meeting to allow time for a site inspection of the proposed area (motion by Paul, seconded by Bruner, 5-0).

Bryan Thompson represented a group of concerned citizens about an influx of flies in Halifax. Gregg Martin of Penn State Extension Office discussed wet weather and improper manure handling as causes. Flo Mallonee and Laurie Webber raised concerns about bio waste, metals, and stockpiled poultry manure potentially impacting the school cafeteria. The Solicitor will contact PSATS and the Dept. of Agriculture regarding regulating bio waste. The Board approved sending a letter to farmers and landowners at Township cost (motion by McBurney, seconded by Bruner, 5-0).

Brooke Lenker requested installation of a marker at the river to indicate a campsite at the park for kayakers. The Board approved the request, with the group required to obtain a permit from the Township (motion by Paul, seconded by McBurney, 4-1).

Robert Bulick presented his plan to create a campsite along the river behind Taylor Auto. The Board and Engineer Tom Wilson suggested he attend a Planning Commission meeting and provide a layout of his plans.

Daryl Neihart complained about the Friends of Fort Halifax neglecting their property between his and the park, and about individuals driving past his property to access the park. He stated members disturbed ground to make access easier and provided photographs. The Board voted to discuss the issue at the next meeting and temporarily suspend vehicular access by the Friends of Fort Halifax to the park via their property (motion by Schreffler, seconded by Paul, 5-0). Tom Wilson noted the Dauphin County Conservation District called about the ground disturbance.