Monthly Business Meeting
Summary
The Halifax Township Board of Supervisors held its final monthly business meeting of 2018 on December 10, with all five supervisors present: Chairman Kenneth Bechtel, Brad Bruner, Randy Paul, Steve Schreffler, and Scott McBurney. The two-and-a-half-hour session was packed with year-end business, headlined by adoption of the 2019 budget and tax resolution, formal approval of the township's Act 537 sewage facilities plan, and a transition in the Tax Collector position.
- 2019 budget and tax resolution adopted unanimously: The board approved the 2019 municipal budget as presented and passed the accompanying tax resolution, setting rates for the coming year.
- Act 537 Sewage Facilities Plan adopted (5-0): After the Planning Commission voted to support the plan as drafted, the board passed a resolution formally adopting the township's Act 537 plan, completing a long-running sewage facilities planning process.
- Tax Collector replaced: The board accepted the resignation of Melinda Warfel as Tax Collector effective December 31, 2018, and appointed Kyley Schadel as her replacement.
- SALDO revisions moving toward adoption: Solicitor Bruce Warshawsky walked through 14 proposed changes to the subdivision and land development ordinance, covering definitions of driveways, land development, private roads, and structures, as well as provisions for stormwater management, mailboxes, pools, and engineering timelines. The board authorized advertising a public hearing for February 4, 2019, with proposed adoption on February 11.
- Sign ordinance process launched (5-0): The Planning Commission was directed to begin developing a new sign ordinance for the township.
- Fort Halifax Park improvements: The township agreed to provide posts and help install new park entrance signs. The board also approved a request from the Dauphin County Great Outdoors 4-H Club to install up to 12 wood duck boxes at the park.
- Pawnee Lane drainage — no action taken: After lengthy discussion about a drainage issue on Pawnee Lane, the board determined responsibility lies with the private landowners.
- 2018 budget closed out: A supplemental appropriations resolution was passed to finalize the 2018 budget.
Who was there
Kenneth Bechtel (Chairman/Supervisor) · Brad Bruner (Supervisor) · Randy Paul (Supervisor) · Steve Schreffler (Supervisor) · Scott McBurney (Supervisor) · Bruce Warshawsky (Solicitor) · Tim DeWire (Engineer) · Tim Belk (Roadmaster) · Wendy Wentzel (Secretary)
Meeting business
Secretary/Treasurer Report
Supervisor Paul motioned, seconded by Supervisor McBurney, to approve the paid interim bills through December 10, 2018. Motion carried 5-0.
Supervisor Schreffler motioned, seconded by Supervisor Paul, to pay the unpaid bills as of December 10, 2018. Motion carried 5-0.
Two motions were approved 5-0: Supervisor Paul motioned to approve the November 12, 2018 meeting minutes, and Supervisor Schreffler motioned to approve the Budget Workshop Meeting Minutes of October 15 and October 22, 2018.
EMC Report
EMC Tim Neiter reported the Township received radios purchased through gaming monies. He noted another township is seeking gaming monies for fire radios and suggested Halifax Township could obtain two additional radios through that township; this will be discussed at January's meeting.
Planning Commission Report
The Planning Commission voted to support the Act 537 plan as drafted and submitted a signed letter. The Commission also reviewed all proposed changes to the August 2, 2012 SALDO and forwarded the revised SALDO to the Supervisors for setting a hearing and adoption date.
Solicitor Report
Solicitor Warshawsky reported that Norfolk Southern will counter-execute the railroad crossing agreement and return it to the Township once they receive the Insurance Certificate.
Roadmaster Report
Roadmaster Tim Belk submitted his report for November road work. The road crew will be purchasing sweatshirts and t-shirts identifying them as Halifax Township Roadcrew. He also gave an update on Parmer Drive.
Friends of Fort Halifax
Supervisor Bruner motioned, seconded by Supervisor Schreffler, for the Township to provide posts and assist in placing them near the park entrance. Motion carried 5-0.
Supervisor Paul motioned, seconded by Supervisor McBurney, to allow the Dauphin County Great Outdoors 4-H Club to install up to 12 wood duck boxes at the park. Motion carried 5-0.
Administrative
Two motions passed 5-0: the first to dispense with the reading of the Resolution, and the second to adopt the proposed Act 537 Plan.
Two motions passed 5-0: the first to accept the resignation of Melinda Warfel as Tax Collector effective December 31, 2018, and the second to appoint Kyley Schadel as the new Tax Collector for Halifax Township.
After discussion, the Township will seek quotes for keypads or card key pads to replace existing building keys. The item will be on the agenda for the next meeting.
Corey Salmon from HRG presented the firm's agreement and fee schedule for consideration as the Township's engineers for 2019. No action was taken.
Supervisor McBurney attended a meeting for the 225th Anniversary of Halifax. The board will partner with Communities That Care, and a community-wide church service is planned for July 18th. Committee volunteers are being sought.
Old Business
Solicitor Warshawsky reviewed 14 proposed revisions to the existing SALDO, including changes to definitions of driveway, land development, private road, and structure, as well as provisions for driveways, lots, mailboxes, pools, and stormwater management. Supervisor Bruner motioned to advertise a hearing for January with a hearing date of February 4, 2019 and proposed adoption on February 11, 2019. Motion carried 5-0.
New Business
After lengthy discussion regarding a drainage issue on Pawnee Lane involving Swider, it was determined the issue was the responsibility of the landowners. No action was taken.
Supervisor McBurney motioned, seconded by Supervisor Paul, to direct the Planning Commission to begin the process of developing a sign ordinance. Motion carried 5-0.
Supervisor McBurney motioned, seconded by Supervisor Schreffler, to adopt the 2019 Budget as presented. Motion carried 5-0.
Two motions passed 5-0: the first to dispense with the reading of the Tax Resolution, and the second to pass the 2019 Tax Resolution.
Supervisor Schreffler motioned, seconded by Supervisor Paul, to advertise the 2019 meeting dates for the Board of Supervisors and the Planning Commission. Motion carried 5-0.
Two motions passed 5-0: the first to dispense with the reading of the Resolution, and the second to pass the Supplemental Appropriations Resolution for the 2018 Budget.
Adjournment
Supervisor Bruner motioned, seconded by Supervisor Paul, to adjourn at 9:27 p.m. Motion carried 5-0.
This page is an automated summary of official township records. For the authoritative version, always refer to the original document.