Monthly Business Meeting

Supervisor Paul motioned, seconded by Supervisor McBurney, to approve the paid interim bills through October 10, 2016. Motion carried 5-0.

Supervisor Schreffler motioned, seconded by Supervisor McBurney, to pay the unpaid bills as of October 10, 2016. Motion carried 5-0.

Supervisor Paul motioned, seconded by Supervisor Bruner, to approve the September 12, 2016 meeting minutes. Motion carried 5-0.

EMC Tim Neiter reported that the Snowstorm Jonas FEMA reimbursement paperwork has been closed out after an exit interview and briefing with FEMA. The Township received $11,347.29 in reimbursement. Chairman Bechtel asked if Neiter would attend the Hazmat Mitigation Plan meeting sessions on November 17, 2016; Neiter said he would try to adjust his work schedule to attend.

Supervisor Schreffler motioned, seconded by Supervisor McBurney, to approve waiver 403 of the Preliminary Final Plans (carried 5-0). Supervisor McBurney then motioned, seconded by Supervisor Bruner, to give conditional approval per Engineer Lentz's October 10, 2016 report with Comment #1 regarding monuments being addressed. Motion carried 5-0.

Plans have been accepted for review. Engineer Lentz prepared an escrow amount, and Mr. Schreffler submitted a check for $900 for escrow.

The owners of Armstrong Valley Winery were present and complimented the Township and Planning Commission for working well with the community. They expressed interest in serving on the Economic Task Force and were advised to contact Supervisor McBurney.

Engineer Lentz performed a second review of the B2 Partners plan. Supervisor Bruner motioned, seconded by Supervisor Paul, to approve waivers for Sections 404, 502.7.c.ii (cul-de-sac), partial waiver of 510.1ax and 513 (site borders for existing commercial use), 606 (curbing with a plan note), and 607 (sidewalks with a plan note); carried 5-0. A second motion by Supervisor Bruner, seconded by Supervisor Paul, gave conditional approval of items 1-3 under Section C and D-1; carried 5-0.

The unclaimed certified letter was posted on the door of the residence on September 12, 2016 with no response received. Supervisor Bruner motioned, seconded by Supervisor Schreffler, to have Solicitor Warshawsky proceed with the nuisance process. Motion carried 5-0.

The Township received Mr. Lenker's September 26, 2016 response to the pre-nuisance letter. Supervisor Bruner motioned, seconded by Supervisor Paul, to respond to Mr. Lenker's letter informing him the Township expects the range, mattress, and other junk items removed by the November 14, 2016 Board meeting as he stated in his letter. Motion carried 5-0.

Shelly Burtnett presented nuisance complaints with pictures regarding The Welder Shop. Owner Chris Hoover explained how items accumulate and said One Stop Recycling would bring a dumpster; he can have one vehicle towed and noted other vehicles were abandoned by customers who refused to pay for repairs. A dispute about a neighbor's septic system was also raised. Supervisor McBurney motioned, seconded by Supervisor Schreffler, to send Mr. Hoover a pre-nuisance letter to remove a refrigerator, clean up tires, and tidy the property. Motion carried 5-0.

A hearing has been scheduled for October 26, 2016 at District Justice Johnson's office.

Supervisor Bruner motioned, seconded by Supervisor McBurney, to advertise the speed reduction ordinance for adoption at the November 14, 2016 Board of Supervisors meeting. Motion carried 5-0.

Roadmaster Stazewski submitted his September report. Supervisor Bruner motioned, seconded by Supervisor Paul, to advertise for bids for Upper Middle Road and for the replacement of the pipe on Matamoras Road. Motion carried 5-0.

Supervisor Schreffler motioned, seconded by Supervisor Paul, to transfer $18,016.93 from the Salt and Snow line item into: $4,000 to materials, $10,000 to Repairs and Maintenance/Vehicle and Equipment, $16.93 to Pesticide, and $4,000 to Equipment Rental. Motion carried 5-0.

Secretary/Treasurer Wentzel recommended closing the Street Light Funds Checking account (street light expenses can be paid from the General account per the Second-Class Township Code) and the Fort Halifax checking account (grant monies no longer held there). Supervisor McBurney motioned, seconded by Supervisor Bruner, to close both accounts. Motion carried 5-0.

New proposed rates for 2017 are $0.142 for vacant properties and $0.569 for developed properties. The resolution will be separate from the other tax resolution due to the deadline for submission of changes and will be on next month's agenda.

Supervisor Bruner motioned, seconded by Supervisor Schreffler, to disburse the full amount of $22,129.56 in Fire Relief Monies to the Halifax Fire Department. Motion carried 5-0.

Chairman Bechtel thanked Supervisor McBurney for moderating the Town Hall Meeting at the High School. An Economic Task Force Committee will be formed with representatives from the School Board, Halifax Township, and interested residents. Supervisors McBurney and Schreffler will serve on the Task Force with Supervisor Bruner as alternate. School Board Members Brad Harker and Tom Weber were assigned to represent the School. Interested residents are asked to email the Township stating why they want to serve.