Monthly Business

Supervisor Paul moved to approve paid interim bills through October 11, 2021 (passed 5-0). Supervisor Schreffler moved to pay unpaid bills, with discussion about Russell Standard's work quality—Roadmaster Tim Belk noted good work but concerns about larger stone and poor flagging (passed 5-0). September 13, 2021 minutes were approved 5-0. Supervisor McBurney asked about extra general fund money; Supervisor Bechtel explained it was $182,857.11 from the American Rescue Plan. Financial report placed on file for audit.

EMC Tim Neiter reported a new brush truck is scheduled for delivery this month with a dedication ceremony at Halifax Fire Department on November 7 at 11 a.m. The fire department responded to 27 events in September 2021 and held a Fire Prevention Class at two elementary schools on October 8. The department now has Naloxone/Narcan capability after a 20-minute overdose response. The Rummel Road bridge over Powells Creek will be closed October 4 through December 31, 2021. DCNR's Ty Buffington will host Wildland Fire Classes in February 2022.

The McCleaf Subdivision received comments but no action was taken. The David and Jo Etta Miller Land Development Plan was accepted for review. Resolution 21-06-2021 for the Randy & Candy Paul/Sandy Bowman Subdivision Plan Revision for New Land Development was approved 4-0-1, with Supervisor Paul abstaining due to conflict of interest. The board ratified Dwight Hoffman as acting Chairman (appointed by the Planning Commission) for the sole purpose of signing the Paul/Bowman plans, since Randy Paul could not sign his own plans.

Engineer Marc Kurowski reported the McCleaf Subdivision review is on the Planning Commission's November 1 agenda, and the Miller Subdivision Plan is awaiting escrow posting. Discussion focused on the Cedar Lots, where potential buyers need clarity on a required traffic impact study and driveway restrictions relative to a turn lane. Supervisors directed Engineer Kurowski to contact PennDOT about funding options and relief on driveway restrictions, possibly through Dauphin County's Infrastructure Bank, to help get the property sold and developed.

Solicitor Bruce Warshawsky submitted his report for September 2021. The Ziegler property at 194 Kinsinger Road still had not been cleaned up as of October 11. The Zieglers have until October 18 to clean the property or face a $300 judgment plus fees at the November 8 Board of Supervisors meeting.

Roadmaster Tim Belk plans to install bump signs on Middle Road. Boom mower quotes were discussed.

Friends of Fort Halifax requested $587.00 from the township to repair the park entry sign. The township wants to first address illegal activity at Fort Halifax, including harassment of visitors by young men in a black Dodge Charger, by purchasing two additional cameras and repositioning existing ones. PSP has been called twice but lacks sufficient evidence for enforcement.

Roadmaster Tim Belk reported that Gilmore and his neighbor are still working on stormwater driveway issues. Earl Wilson at 540 Matamoras Road called to say he is addressing his stormwater problem. A McClellan Road property owner is reworking his driveway. Pipes from State Route 147 need replacement and two residents have sinkholes from rain; Belk is awaiting PennDOT's response. Supervisor Bechtel declined Ms. Mary Bohn's request to replace pipes on Gilbert Street, now considered a private road. A new nuisance at 47 Mountain Road (owned by Geraldine Scheidler, contact Brad Stone) was reported for trash; pre-nuisance letters to owner and tenant were approved 5-0. A pre-nuisance letter was also sent to Michael E. & Lori A. Kline.

Amanda Silcox from Easter Seals requested free pumpkins and hayrides for military families; Supervisor Bechtel suggested his cousin's son Ryan as a contact and will provide his information via email. Regarding the federal supplemental appropriation, Supervisor Bechtel advised the township to hold the American Rescue Plan money until the federal government finalizes the rules.

Sycamore Trees: Representative Logan Zeigler from Rep. Sue Heim's office confirmed PennDOT does not require a permit for vine trimming outside the roadway; Mr. Robert Swope needs a township letter of authority, individual property owner permission, and to be added as named insured on the township policy, and the township must apply for a Highway Occupancy Permit for any roadway work. A to Z Construction received NPDES in August 2021 but has not yet posted financial security. Kieffer Road and Halifax Farmhouse & Barn had nothing to report. The Fort Halifax Railroad Crossing grant application is awaiting a response.

Fire Relief Monies: $17,818.51 donation to Halifax Fire Department was approved 5-0. Supervisor McBurney contacted Senator DiSanto's office about debris buildup at the Norfolk Southern Bridge; DEP reached out to Norfolk Southern, who sent a contractor to assess cleanup. The Flightsource Letter of Credit was postponed pending a K&W inspection. For the DEP Targeted Radon Survey, Supervisor Bechtel suggested contacting Denise Bleiler to obtain resident addresses from Dauphin County Tax Assessment.

Supervisor Bruner moved and Supervisor Paul seconded to adjourn at 9:07 p.m. Motion carried 5-0.