Monthly Business Meeting

The Board approved interim bills (motion by Paul, seconded by Bruner, 4-0) and current unpaid bills (motion by Paul, seconded by McBurney, 4-0). Minutes were approved with a correction changing "Taylor School Road" to "Shammos School Road" on page 1 (motion by Bruner, seconded by Paul, 4-0). The Financial Report was reviewed with no comment.

Flo Mallonee reported on the October 6 Planning Commission meeting. Representatives from Camp Hebron attended to discuss a proposed new barn and indoor riding ring, and the Board discussed stormwater management issues with them. Amir Ali attended with questions about a property he is interested in purchasing for housing animals, and stormwater management concerns regarding his proposal were discussed.

Tom Wilson reported that the Halifax School Plan has changes regarding relocation of the geothermal well field; the Board authorized Tom to review the changes and report back rather than involving the Planning Commission. The Schlegel Plan needs signatures before recording. Tom also presented information on the Chesapeake Bay Stewardship Fund under Act 123, which allows townships to create stormwater authorities and assess fees to businesses.

Bruce Warshawsky reported on multiple nuisance cases: a pre-nuisance letter was sent to Randy Welcomer; the Board authorized cleanup of the Stewart property (owner deceased 2012) and filing a lien against it (4-0); a response was received from the winery regarding a noise complaint; a November hearing is scheduled for Kolva; the Hentz nuisance has been abated. For the Masser/Smeltz waterway issue, the Board authorized enforcement if no resolution by October 21 mediation (4-0) and approved sending a letter to Jerome Kissinger to remove a fuel tank from the waterway (4-0). A letter was authorized for overgrowth at 304 North 3rd Street (4-0). Tom Wilson will follow up with DEP on the Ft. Halifax/Neihart earth disturbance complaint. The Paulvir dispute bill awaits response, and Quail Commons negotiations continue after Mr. Yoder rejected the counterproposal. Both road bids from Martin Paving and Meckley's were withdrawn.

The Board authorized installation of reflective markers and signs at the curve on Parmer Drive (motion by Bruner, 4-0). The Board will investigate proper addressing for homes along Riverview Drive and revisit next meeting. The Fire Company's request to move brush was approved with conditions that the Township is not responsible for any required Erosion and Sedimentation Plan or the state waterway (motion by McBurney, 4-0). The Camp Hebron pipe replacement project has proven more involved than expected and may need to go out on bid; Tom Wilson will assess the site before spring. The Board approved purchasing a tamper from Dave Kieffer for $800 from the Capital Improvement Account (motion by Paul, 4-0).

The Board discussed dismantling the barn and farm house at Ft. Halifax Park. A motion by Paul (seconded by McBurney, 4-0) authorized advertising for proposals to dismantle the structures, with individual or combined proposals accepted. During discussion, the Board noted concerns about the condition of the barn and house, specifically the barn floor.

The Board accepted the resignation of auditor Deb Meyers and appointed Melinda Warfel as replacement (both 4-0). Patton-Lettich was retained for the interim audit (4-0). The resignation of seasonal worker Tim Meyers was accepted (4-0). The Board approved reimbursement for floodplain workshop attendees (4-0) and declined to charge the tax collector for use of the township meeting room. Fire Relief funding was split with HAARA receiving 1/3 and Halifax Fire Company receiving 2/3 of the Volunteer Fire Relief money (approximately $7,000 total, motion by Paul, 4-0). The Board opted not to contribute to the HHS Future Business Leaders of America request.

The Board approved a resolution opposing the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers' initiative to regulate dry waterbeds under "Waters of the US" (motion by Bruner, seconded by Paul, 4-0 to waive reading and 4-0 to approve). The Board also approved a resolution for the LCB Noise Ordinance Renewal and authorized the Chairman to execute the petition (motion by Paul, seconded by McBurney, 4-0 to waive reading and 4-0 to approve).

Corey Stazewski reported that a street was turned back to the Bohns and a storm drain appears to go nowhere; PennDOT and the Water Authority determined it is not their responsibility. The Board authorized Corey to check the box during rain and fix the problem if no water is running into it (motion by Paul, 4-0). Regarding a complaint at 437 North 4th Street alleging township plow damage to a driveway, Chairman Bechtel determined the township was not responsible and a letter will be sent. Chairman Bechtel noted a PSATS bulletin article about a house bill proposing new executive session and agenda requirements that could be detrimental to township business.