Monthly Business Meeting
Executive session held 6:20pm-7:00pm — land acquisition and litigation
Summary
The Halifax Township Board of Supervisors held its monthly business meeting on February 13, 2017, called to order at 7:10 p.m. following a closed executive session on land acquisition and litigation. All five supervisors were present: Chairman Kenneth Bechtel, Brad Bruner, Randy Paul, Steve Schreffler, and Scott McBurney. The lengthy meeting — running nearly four and a half hours — covered a wide range of issues, with the Board's offer to transfer township land to the school district and resident safety concerns at Quail Commons drawing the most discussion.
Township land offered to school district at no cost: The Board unanimously voted to consider transferring township-owned land on the east side of Route 147 to the Halifax School District for a potential new elementary school. Supervisors stated they do not consider building a new school fiscally responsible but acknowledged the School Board has independent authority over that decision. The rationale: donating the land would prevent the school from acquiring another taxable property and shrinking the township's tax base.
Quail Commons safety concerns after shooting: Residents spoke about fears for their families following a shooting in the Quail Commons development. Solicitor Bruce Warshawsky explained that the Fair Housing Act sharply limits what the Township can legally demand of landlord Mr. Yoder, but the Board directed him to prepare a letter to relevant authorities requesting cooperation, urging removal of individuals breaking the law, and involving the District Attorney's office.
$500 donated toward fire department drone: EMC Tim Neiter had requested $1,000 to purchase a drone for use at fire scenes. After discussion, the Board approved half that amount — a $500 contribution.
Ziegler nuisance complaint withdrawn: The Board directed Solicitor Warshawsky to withdraw the Township's complaint against the Zieglers filed with District Justice Johnson.
Hoover/Brown cesspool deadline set: After extensive discussion between counsel for both parties and the Township sewage enforcement officer, the Board gave the Browns until close of business February 15 to decide whether to proceed with a dye test or simply cap and close the cesspool.
LTL Consultants dropped as alternate building code inspector: LTL Consultants asked to withdraw as the Township's alternate Uniform Construction Code firm, citing concerns their rates would not benefit residents. The Board accepted the withdrawal, and Scott McBurney committed to follow up on restructuring the fee schedule.
Stormwater fix planned for Snody property: After a January site visit, the Board agreed to address stormwater issues on Middle Road and install a catch basin to redirect water from Chad Lebo's driveway that was flowing into Mr. Snody's driveway. Stormwater flowing through Lebo's property onto Snody's was deemed a private matter on advice of counsel.
Red Rose Motel permit delay raised in public comment: Flo Mallonee reported that Ed Sutliff, owner of the Red Rose Motel, was unable to reach code inspector Light-Heigel to obtain an occupancy permit for a used vehicle sales office. The Board asked Secretary Wendy Wentzel to forward correspondence to Light-Heigel to help facilitate contact.
Who was there
Kenneth Bechtel (Supervisor, Chairman) · Brad Bruner (Supervisor) · Randy Paul (Supervisor) · Steve Schreffler (Supervisor) · Scott McBurney (Supervisor) · Frank Lentz (Engineer) · Bruce Warshawsky (Solicitor) · Corey Stazewski (Roadmaster) · Wendy Wentzel (Secretary)
Public comments
Meeting business
SECRETARY/TREASURER REPORT
Supervisor Paul motioned, seconded by Supervisor Schreffler, to approve paid interim bills through February 13, 2017. Motion carried 5-0.
Supervisor Schreffler motioned, seconded by Supervisor Paul, to pay the unpaid bills as of February 13, 2017. Motion carried 5-0.
Supervisor McBurney motioned, seconded by Supervisor Bruner, to approve the meeting minutes of January 9, 2017. Motion carried 5-0.
EMC REPORT
EMC Tim Neiter was absent; Supervisor Bruner relayed his request for a $1,000 donation to purchase a drone for use at fire scenes and other incidents. After discussion, the Board approved a $500 donation toward the drone purchase. Motion by Supervisor Schreffler, seconded by Supervisor McBurney, carried 5-0.
The EMC's township-provided air card was outdated and cancelled. The Board approved reimbursing EMC Tim Neiter for data usage on his personal air card for emergency management work, with documentation required for reimbursement. Motion by Supervisor McBurney, seconded by Supervisor Paul, carried 5-0.
PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
Chairperson Flo Mallonee read her report for February 2017. No new agenda items were submitted for review; the meeting was used to discuss subdivision and private road clarifications for the SALDO. Supervisor McBurney discussed the meeting with LTL Consultants, the new alternate UCC firm, and provided details on their proposed approach.
SOLICITOR REPORT
Supervisor Schreffler motioned, seconded by Supervisor Paul, to have Solicitor Warshawsky withdraw the complaint filed by the Township with District Justice Johnson against the Zieglers. Motion carried 5-0.
The Township received a copy of the court order affirming Judge Lewis' decision. Sweigard has 30 days to request the entire Commonwealth Court to reconsider its decision or file an appeal to the Supreme Court.
ROADMASTER REPORT
The Township received complaints about trash at 110 Locust Street. Roadmaster Stazewski shared photos including Dauphin County aerial views. Supervisor Bruner motioned, seconded by Supervisor McBurney, to send a pre-nuisance letter to both parcel owners as it was unclear whose trash it was. Motion carried 5-0.
Roadmaster Stazewski discussed purchasing a new mower and provided pricing, but more research is needed. He also raised the protocol for reporting and responding to down trees; the Board instructed him to talk to the Fire Department to clarify the protocol.
OLD BUSINESS
Chris Woloszyn of USG presented two repair options for the failing culvert on Matamoras Road, which currently has a metal plate over it. Option 1 was concrete interior coating (approximately one week). Option 2 was slip lining/pipe-within-a-pipe (4-5 days). Pricing including permitting was provided. No action was taken.
Solicitor Warshawsky suggested changes to the employee handbook reflecting updates to the Assistant Roadmaster/Full Time Roadcrew position and responsibilities. Supervisor Bruner motioned, seconded by Supervisor McBurney, to approve the revised job description with additional key functions from Supervisor McBurney's December 16, 2016 email. Motion carried 5-0.
Extensive conversation was held between counsel for both parties and the Township SEO. The Board directed counsel for the Browns to determine whether they want a dye test or to cap and close the cesspool, with notification to the Township by close of business February 15, 2017. Motion by Supervisor McBurney, seconded by Supervisor Schreffler, carried 5-0.
Board members visited Mr. Snody's property on January 21st. The Township agreed to address stormwater issues where road construction took place on Middle Road and to install a catch basin to redirect water from Chad Lebo's driveway that was flowing into Mr. Snody's driveway. Ladders and decking near the property line were explained as used for photography and turkey hunting. Per counsel's advice, stormwater flowing through Mr. Lebo's property onto Mr. Snody's was deemed a private issue.
NEW BUSINESS
After discussion, the Board voted to keep the Tax Collector rate at 4%. Motion by Supervisor McBurney, seconded by Supervisor Bruner, carried 5-0.
The Board set spring cleanup days for Halifax Township residents as May 12th and May 13th. Motion by Supervisor Schreffler, seconded by Supervisor Bruner, carried 5-0.
LTL Consultants emailed requesting withdrawal as the Township's alternate UCC, feeling their rates would not benefit residents. The Board accepted the withdrawal request. Supervisor McBurney will reach out to LTL to explore restructuring the fee schedule. Motion by Supervisor Bruner, seconded by Supervisor McBurney, carried 5-0.
The Board dispensed with reading the resolution and approved changes to the Snow and Ice Resolution. Both motions by Supervisor Bruner, seconded by Supervisor Paul, carried 5-0.
Residents expressed safety concerns about a recent shooting in Quail Commons. Solicitor Warshawsky explained the Fair Housing Act limits the Township's options but recommended communicating with owner Mr. Yoder to ensure removal of individuals breaking the law, requesting private security, and involving the District Attorney's office. The Board directed Solicitor Warshawsky to prepare a letter to various authorities addressing the concerns. Motion by Supervisor Schreffler, seconded by Supervisor McBurney, carried 5-0.
After some discussion, the Board decided to table this agenda item until next month.
Roadmaster Stazewski noted that the Township maintains and plows Grandview Drive and Fisher Street but does not receive liquid fuels money for them. Grandview Drive is not a Township road but the Township has been maintaining Grandview Place from Route 147 to the railroad tracks. Solicitor Warshawsky will communicate with PUC regarding Grandview Place and research the process for obtaining liquid fuels funding for Fisher Street and the alley.
A complaint was received about unlicensed vehicles on the A to Z Construction property on South River Road. The owner stated the vehicles are used for business. The Board voted to send a letter to the complainant (Mr. Auman) stating no violation exists, and a separate letter to A to Z Construction encouraging them to keep their property orderly. Motion by Supervisor Bruner, seconded by Supervisor Paul, carried 5-0.
Supervisors McBurney and Schreffler attended an Economic Development meeting with the Superintendent and School Board Members about the school's interest in building a new elementary school. The Board stated it does not consider a new school fiscally responsible but, recognizing it has no authority over the School Board's decision, voted to consider transferring Township land on the east side of Route 147 at no cost to the School District to avoid losing tax base from another property. Motion by Supervisor McBurney, seconded by Supervisor Schreffler, carried 5-0.
ADJOURNMENT
Supervisor Bruner motioned, seconded by Supervisor Paul, to adjourn at 11:36 p.m. Motion carried 5-0.
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