Monthly Business Meeting

7:10pm – 11:36pm 9 present 18 motions

Executive session held 6:20pm-7:00pm — land acquisition and litigation

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  • Ziegler nuisance complaint withdrawn: The Board directed Solicitor Warshawsky to withdraw the Township's complaint against the Zieglers filed with District Justice Johnson.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.

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)

Flo Mallonee — Commented about current events at Quail Commons. Ed Sutliff, owner of the Red Rose Motel, is trying to obtain an occupancy permit to set up an office to sell used vehicles in a section previously used to sell ice cream, and was having difficulty reaching Light-Heigel. The Board asked the Secretary to forward correspondence to Light-Heigel to help Mr. Sutliff.

SECRETARY/TREASURER REPORT

Paid Interim Bills

Supervisor Paul motioned, seconded by Supervisor Schreffler, to approve paid interim bills through February 13, 2017. Motion carried 5-0.

budget
5-0 Approve the paid interim bills thru February 13, 2017.
Moved by Randy Paul
Current Unpaid Bills

Supervisor Schreffler motioned, seconded by Supervisor Paul, to pay the unpaid bills as of February 13, 2017. Motion carried 5-0.

budget
5-0 Pay the unpaid bills as of February 13, 2017.
Moved by Steve Schreffler
Meeting Minutes Approval

Supervisor McBurney motioned, seconded by Supervisor Bruner, to approve the meeting minutes of January 9, 2017. Motion carried 5-0.

budget
5-0 Approve the meeting minutes of January 9, 2017.
Moved by Scott McBurney

EMC REPORT

Fire Department Drone Donation

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.

emergency-servicesbudget
5-0 Donate $500 toward the purchase of a drone for use by the Fire Department.
Moved by Steve Schreffler $500
EMC Data Reimbursement

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.

emergency-services
5-0 Reimburse EMC Neiter for use of data on his personal air card. Documentation must be submitted to the Township for reimbursement.
Moved by Scott McBurney

PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION

Planning Commission Report

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.

planningsubdivision

SOLICITOR REPORT

Ziegler Nuisance – Withdraw Complaint

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.

legal
5-0 Have Solicitor Warshawsky withdraw the complaint filed by the Township with District Justice Johnson against the Zieglers.
Moved by Steve Schreffler
DONCO Construction/Lenker v. Halifax Township – Sweigard Intervention

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.

legal

ROADMASTER REPORT

110 Locust Street Trash Nuisance

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.

propertypublic-safety
5-0 Send a pre-nuisance letter to both parcel owners at 110 Locust Street, as it was unclear whose trash it was.
Moved by Brad Bruner
Mower Purchase and Down Trees Protocol

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.

infrastructureroads

OLD BUSINESS

Matamoras Road Culvert Repair

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.

infrastructureroads
Employee Handbook – Revised Job Description

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.

personnel
5-0 Approve the revised job description as presented with the additional key functions as set forth in Supervisor McBurney's email dated December 16, 2016.
Moved by Brad Bruner
Hoover/Brown Cesspool Issue

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.

sewagelegal
5-0 Have Counsel for the Browns talk to them to determine whether they want a dye test done or to just cap it and close the cesspool, and notify the Township by the close of business on Wednesday, February 15, 2017, which route they choose to take.
Moved by Scott McBurney
Snody Complaint – Stormwater and Property Issues

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.

stormwaterroadsproperty

NEW BUSINESS

Tax Collector Rate for 2018 and Beyond

After discussion, the Board voted to keep the Tax Collector rate at 4%. Motion by Supervisor McBurney, seconded by Supervisor Bruner, carried 5-0.

taxes
5-0 Keep the Tax Collector Rate as currently set at 4%.
Moved by Scott McBurney
Spring Clean-Up Dates

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.

community-events
5-0 Set the cleanup days for Halifax Township residents as May 12th and May 13th.
Moved by Steve Schreffler
LTL Consultants Withdrawal as Alternate UCC

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.

permitsplanning
5-0 Accept LTL Consultants' request to be withdrawn as the Township's alternate UCC.
Moved by Brad Bruner
Snow and Ice Resolution

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.

roadsordinances
5-0 Dispense with the reading of the Snow and Ice Resolution.
Moved by Brad Bruner
5-0 Accept the changes made to the Snow and Ice Resolution.
Moved by Brad Bruner
Quail Commons Safety Incidents

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.

public-safetylegal
5-0 Have Solicitor Warshawsky, after receiving additional information from the residents, prepare and send a letter to the various authorities and local government addressing the concerns regarding Quail Commons.
Moved by Steve Schreffler
Halifax Village (formerly Strohecker's Park)

After some discussion, the Board decided to table this agenda item until next month.

planningcommunity-events
Liquid Fuels – Fisher Street and Grandview Place

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.

roadsinfrastructure
A to Z Construction Unlicensed Vehicles Complaint

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.

propertypermits
5-0 Send a letter to Mr. Auman letting him know that A to Z Construction is not in violation of the Township's nuisance ordinance and that their vehicles are used for their business, and also send a letter to A to Z Construction that the Township received a complaint regarding the unlicensed vehicles and that the Township encourages them to keep their property in an orderly fashion.
Moved by Brad Bruner
Economic Development – School District Land Transfer

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.

planningpropertybudget
5-0 The Board of Halifax Township does not believe that it is a fiscally responsible decision to build a new school. However, the Board also recognizes that it has no power over the School Board's decision to do so. However, to make it at least partially fiscally responsible, Halifax Township would consider transferring the land that it has on the east side of Route 147 at no cost to the School District for the purpose of potentially exploring the development of a new elementary school.
Moved by Scott McBurney

ADJOURNMENT

Adjournment

Supervisor Bruner motioned, seconded by Supervisor Paul, to adjourn at 11:36 p.m. Motion carried 5-0.

5-0 Adjourn at 11:36pm.
Moved by Brad Bruner

This page is an automated summary of official township records. For the authoritative version, always refer to the original document.