Monthly Business Meeting

Chairman Bechtel opened bids for tar and chip and paving projects. Martin Paving, Inc. submitted the sole tar and chip bid at $91,049.40 for McClelland Road, Ebenezer Road, Lehman Road, and Parmer Drive, and was awarded the contract 5-0. For paving, Meckley's Limestone Products, Inc. bid $25,760 and Eastern Industries bid $27,160; Meckley's was awarded the contract 5-0.

Fred Thompson commented on charges related to the Taylor School Road incident and plans to have his property surveyed. Charles Paulvir questioned engineer billings exceeding his estimated escrow. Darrell Winter, representing Hornung's, addressed concerns about sheds on the store lot potentially exceeding impervious coverage limits under the storm water ordinance. The Solicitor suggested Winter submit certification that buildings affect less than 1,000 square feet, and the Board voted 5-0 to grant Winter 35 days to reduce the square footage to an acceptable level.

Secretary Carolyn Nye was on vacation; Corey Stazewski filled in. The Board approved interim bills (motion by Supervisor Paul, 5-0), authorized payment of current unpaid bills (5-0), and approved the August 11, 2014 minutes as written (5-0). The Financial Report was reviewed with no comments or questions.

Flo Mallonee reported on the September 6 Planning Commission meeting. Doug Newman inquired about 1059 North River Road; the Solicitor noted the lot is one-fifth of an acre and would need re-perking and probing. The Board approved waivers for the Schlegel Plan (Section 404 Preliminary Plan Procedure and Section 405.1.13 contour interval requirement) 5-0, and approved the Schlegel Plan contingent upon compliance with Tom Wilson's September 2 memo comments, monument placement, and no future curbing or sidewalk requirement, 5-0.

Tom Wilson reported that school engineer Mark Jones is relocating geo-thermal wells and will need to submit a revised plan for Planning Commission review. Wilson addressed Charles Paulvir's billing concerns, explaining that numerous plan changes and a demanding landowner drove the costs, along with separate Courthouse trips for recording the plan and the Operation and Maintenance and Security Agreements, and that fewer hours were billed than actually incurred.

Bruce Warshawsky reported on multiple nuisance matters: the Board authorized a pre-nuisance letter to Randy Welcomer for burning garbage (5-0), and voted to proceed with nuisance prosecution against Stewart (5-0) and Kolva (5-0) for ongoing violations. A nuisance letter was authorized to Mr. Masser regarding grass/weeds in a waterway (5-0). The Armstrong Winery noise issue was discussed in light of the upcoming LCB renewal. The Board declined to approve a Memorandum of Understanding with Friends of Ft. Halifax regarding shared mowing. The Solicitor clarified the Fred Thompson harassment matter involving State Police charges, and the Board authorized sending a response letter to Mr. Funk (5-0).

Corey Stazewski reported on several items: the Board voted 5-0 to notify Mr. Baer of his responsibility to fix the collapsed pipe on his Pawnee Lane property. Corey was directed to contact Light-Heigel about an unpermitted addition at Alex Acres, and to check guide rail costs for Parmer Drive where accidents have occurred. The Board approved purchasing a plow for the crew cab pickup from capital improvements (5-0) and voted 5-0 to send a letter to Mr. Lenker regarding pickup and installation of Quail Commons signs and the development's intended speed limit.

The Solicitor is still researching deeds for opening 3rd and 4th Streets for park access. The committee and Solicitor met with DCNR and PA Conservancy about waivers on park property restrictions to generate revenue, but were told the Keystone 93 grant restricts agriculture and the conservancy easement limits use to passive recreation, with no flexibility. The Board approved building a martin bird house near Goose Landing and installing a gate between the park and Friends of Ft. Halifax property (5-0).

The Board approved mileage and workshop costs for auditor training at State College (5-0). Chairman Bechtel announced the Annual Township Convention on October 2. The Board approved costs for EM Coordinator Charles Bisking and Supervisor Bruner to participate in an EMA webinar (5-0), and authorized Bisking's yearly stipend of $600 paid quarterly at $150 per quarter (5-0).

The Board voted 4-1 (one abstention) to hire Levi Sweigard as Assistant Roadmaster at $27,000 salary plus $3,000 benefit package with a one-year probation. A stop sign ordinance was approved as written (5-0). Memorial tree planting was approved with adjusted placement five feet from stakes, contingent on consulting archaeologist Dane Snyder (5-0). Regarding Buffalo Park Road, Tom Wilson identified unpermitted earth disturbance in the floodway on two parcels, and the Board voted 5-0 to notify landowners to contact DEP for permits. The Board voted 5-0 to maintain the park's "No Alcohol" rule while leaving open the possibility of following Dauphin County's procedure for festival exceptions. The fly issue discussion led to agreement to send letters to farmers and a February press release about manure management.

The Board voted 5-0 to schedule budget meetings for October 20 and 27. Chairman Bechtel read Secretary Carolyn Nye's resignation effective November 7, which was accepted 5-0. The Board voted 5-0 to advertise the vacancy in the Sentinel for two weeks and once in the Sunday Patriot News with a September 30 deadline. Supervisors Schreffler and Paul will review applications with the Solicitor serving as ex officio. Melinda Warfel suggested auditing financial records for the current treasurer's tenure, which the Board took under advisement.

Supervisor Bruner made a motion to adjourn at 10:07 p.m., seconded by Supervisor Paul; motion carried 5-0.