Monthly Business Meeting

Solicitor Bruce Warshawsky outlined the question of whether the Township should accept Susquehanna Trail Drive as a public road to reopen the Fish & Boat Commission boat launch, closed since mid-September 2016. Costs were estimated at approximately $500,000 for acquisition, road improvements, PennDOT intersection work, and railroad crossing upgrades. Multiple residents spoke; Chairman Justin Bechtel emphasized the project must be cost-neutral to the Township, and Michelle Jacoby of the Fish & Boat Commission explained they need the Township as a partner to apply for grant funding.

Motions to approve paid interim bills through January 9, 2017 and current unpaid bills both passed 5-0. Meeting minutes from December 12, 2016 and the January 3, 2017 reorganization meeting were each approved 5-0. The financial report was placed on file for audit.

Chairperson Flo Mallonee reported that the Planning Commission reorganized with herself as Chairman, Fred Ford as Vice Chair, and Dwight Hoffman as Secretary for 2017. With no new items for review, the commission used its meeting to discuss subdivision and private road clarifications for the SALDO. Chairman Bechtel suggested written ideas be submitted to the Board before any vote.

Engineer Frank Lentz reported that Tim Miller wants to construct a building on his farm and requested a waiver for a Stormwater Management Plan. Lentz inspected the property and found it meets Option 3 requirements, which is not currently part of the stormwater ordinance. A motion to conditionally approve the waiver, requiring Miller to submit an application and fee, passed 5-0.

Solicitor Bruce Warshawsky reported that the Brother and Ziegler nuisance hearings were scheduled for January 19, 2017 before District Justice Johnson. Mr. Lehman reversed his earlier agreement to sign a mutual release regarding a stormwater management violation. The Brown/Hoover SEO violation was addressed when the Browns capped and pumped the cesspool on January 3 per DEP's 10-day correction order, with a related property dispute still in court.

Roadmaster Corey Stazewski reported that the culvert under Matamoras Road is failing and a temporary plate has been placed. The Township received several quotes from USG for repair or replacement, and a USG representative will be invited to next month's meeting to explain the repair process.

This item was missed during the January 3, 2017 reorganization meeting. A motion passed 5-0 to approve Secretary/Treasurer Wendy Wentzel's 2017 compensation at an annual salary of $29,744 with hours of 9:00 am–3:00 pm Monday through Friday, a half-hour daily floater, 12 days paid vacation, paid holidays, and mileage reimbursement at the federal rate.

Engineer Frank Lentz reported that Wilson Consulting Group submitted an updated fee package of $2,700 for rating the Tobias Road bridges, with reduced mileage reimbursement per the federal rate and field work to begin within 4 months of receiving the Notice to Proceed. A motion to proceed had been approved at a previous meeting.

Chairman Bechtel reported visiting Mr. Snody's property after the November meeting and observing concerns about two metal stairs (tree stands) and a wooden deck on Mr. Lebo's adjacent property. Bechtel noted that any stormwater issue appears to be a private matter. A motion passed 5-0 to send Snody a letter requesting photographic evidence and a formal written complaint, noting the Township will not send Roadmaster Stazewski to take pictures due to a prior unsuccessful attempt.

Fred Ford, Chairman of the Halifax Area Water and Sewer Authority (HAWASA), reported that their engineer had been fired two weeks prior and the Corrective Action Plan was on hold while they acquire a new engineer and review plans for a new sewage plant. DEP was informed that the Township oversees the 537 Plan, and a future meeting between DEP and HAWASA will be scheduled.

A motion passed 5-0 to conditionally agree to accept Susquehanna Trail Road as a public road subject to three conditions: cost neutrality to the Township, understanding of ongoing maintenance costs particularly for the railroad crossing, and satisfaction of all safety requirements.

The Southern PA Area Association of Rocketry requested permission to fly rockets at Fort Halifax Park during the Fort Halifax Festival. A motion passed 5-0 to grant permission for rocket flying on May 6 and August 5, 2017.

A motion by Supervisor Bruner, seconded by Supervisor Paul, to adjourn passed 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 9:50 pm.