MINUTES of MEETING
Durham Township Planning Commission
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Township Building Meeting Room
Attendees: Ken Klein, Pete Thomson, Tom Harbin, Lois Oleksa, & Jim Pavlica
Quorum: Yes
Secretary: Joseph M. Kulick
Absent: George Helwig & Cindy Skoriak
Township Zoning Officer Peter Bent and Township Engineer Scott Mease were NOT present.
Audience: None
Meeting called to order by Member Ken Klein at 7:36 PM. All in attendance stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.
2010 Reorganization Meeting
Member Ken Klein opened the reorganization meeting. He noted that he was reappointed to the Planning Commission by the supervisors for a four (4) term and called for nominations for the position of Temporary Chairperson. Jim Pavlica nominated Ken Klein and Pete Thomson seconded the motion. A vote was taken and all members agreed. Motion passed.
Temporary Chairman Ken Klein called for nominations for the position of Chairperson and Pete Thomson nominated Ken Klein. Jim Pavlica seconded the motion and a vote of all members produced a unanimous approval of the motion. Motion passed. Ken Klein accepted the position of Chairman, Durham Township Planning Commission.
Chairman Ken Klein called for nominations for Vice Chairperson. Tom Harbin nominated Pete Thomson and Jim Pavlica seconded the motion. A vote was taken and all members agreed. Motion passed. Pete Thomson accepted the position of Vice Chairman, Durham Township Planning Commission.
The Chairman recognized Joe Kulick as the appointed Recording Secretary.
The Chairman called for any comments or questions from the floor; there were none.
Jim Pavlica made a motion to close the reorganization meeting and Lois Oleksa seconded the motion, all agreed. Motion passed. Reorganizational Meeting closed at 7:47 PM.
Regular Planning Commission Meeting:
The Chairman opened the regular meeting at 7:47 PM
Approval of Minutes from 12-01-2009 Meeting:
Pete Thomson made a motion to accept the Minutes as presented; Tom Harbin seconded the motion and all agreed. Minutes approved as submitted.
New Business: None Presented
Old Business:
Zoning Ordinance Update: RAP District Review Guideline Draft Letter to BOS:
Chairman Ken Klein proposed revamping the letter to the board of supervisors approved at last months’ meeting regarding the Durham Township RAP District guidelines. He suggested rearranging the seven (7) items into a more appropriate order and adding additional verbiage as presented by himself and Tom Harbin.
With the approval of the members; Jim Pavlica then made a motion for the secretary to re-formulate a letter containing the re-arranged seven (7) line items and the additional closing paragraph: (Copy as submitted below)
Dear Board of Supervisors:
As you are already aware the Planning Commission, at your direction, has been reviewing our present Zoning Ordinance for updating. Pursuant to our Comprehensive Plan; a major part of this process is the creation of a new zoning district know as the “Resource / Agriculture Preservation” (RAP) District. After months of discussion, the planning commission has narrowed down several points of interest in relation to developing this district. It is the undivided desire of the commission to now solicit the supervisor’s opinion on these points, so as not to continue in the wrong path.
We respectfully request that you review the below seven (7) items and offer any advice and/or opinions on this subject:
1. Sixty (60%) percent of the prime agricultural and statewide important soils on the parcel would be employed as the soil protection area (preserved area) standard and 40% would be available for development.
2. The 60% preserved area will be defined as “agricultural use” only with no further subdivision permitted.
3. All existing land features with a higher protection factor, i.e. steep slopes, wetlands, Etc. would be exempt from inclusion in preserved area calculation.
4. Lot sizes on the remaining (40%) tract will be a minimum of one (1) acre, or more.
5. A minimum lot size of ten (10) acres to require the 60% soil protection area.
6. The protected area will be a contiguous area with a minimum width of 200’.
7. One (1) new or existing free-standing single-family farm residence, with agricultural out-buildings, would be a permitted use on the 60% preserved portion of the parcel.
Due to the potential configuration of developable parcels (Remaining 40%) it may be necessary to grant waivers against ordinances such as cul-de-sac length. This has been observed in other townships with similar ordinances and may be unavoidable. We appreciate your consideration of this possibility and would like to understand your willingness to grant such waivers as necessary.
After you have read and commented on the above points; there may be other items you wish to discuss with us. Perhaps a joint meeting, at your convenience, may be in order in the immediate future. Respectfully yours, DTPC
Tom Harbin seconded the motion and the remaining members all agreed. Motion passed. Joe Kulick will submit the letter to the board of supervisors for their review and comments. There were no further comments or questions on this matter.
Comments / Questions from the Floor: None
Closing:
A motion to Adjourn was made by Jim Pavlica and seconded by Tom Harbin, all were in favor. Meeting adjourned at @8:30 PM. Next meeting is scheduled for 02-02-2010.
Minutes Submitted By: Joseph M. Kulick, Recording Secretary
Minutes APPROVED at February 02, 2010 Meeting