MINUTES of MEETING
Durham Township Planning Commission
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Township Building Meeting Room
Attendees: Ken Klein, Pete Thomson, Tom Harbin, Jim Pavlica,
Cindy Skoriak (arrived 8PM) and Lois Oleksa
Quorum: Yes
Secretary: Joseph M. Kulick
Absent: George Helwig
Township Zoning Officer Peter Bent and Township Engineer Scott Mease were also present.
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.
2009 Reorganization Meeting
Member Ken Klein opened the reorganization meeting. He thanked former member Don Ratushny (present at meeting) for his many years of service to the planning commission. He also welcomed Lois Oleksa (newly appointed by the supervisors) and called for nominations for the position of Temporary Chairperson. Tom Harbin nominated Pete Thomson and Lois Oleksa seconded the motion. A vote was taken and all members agreed. Motion passed.
Temporary Chairman Pete Thomson called for nominations for the position of Chairperson and Tom Harbin 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 Recording Secretary and the re-appointment of Member Cindy Skoriak (12-31-2012) and the new appointment of Lois Oleksa (12-31-2012) by the Board of Supervisors.
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 Pete Thomson 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 10-07-2008 Meeting: (No meetings Nov/Dec)
Jim Pavlica made a motion to accept the Minutes as presented; Pete Thomson seconded the motion and Lois Oleksa abstained (not present). All agreed. Minutes approved.
New Business:
Forestry Plan/Timber Harvest: AP Creations Parcel # 11-005-109 & 110 & 119
Zoning Officer Peter Bent advised the commission on the receipt of a plan to selectively remove approximately 370 trees from the above properties located in the area of State Routes 611 & 212 in our township; under “Use A-4, Forestry”. One of the owners of the property, Pat Cook, was present along with Dave Clymer, Forester, from
Tuscarora Hardwoods, Inc. Mr. Bent reported that he, Bartley Millett, John Perkins and Dave Clymer had walked the site.
Dave Clymer gave an in-depth verbal presentation on his proposed timber harvest; noting that the majority of the trees to be removed are of the tulip poplar hardwood variety. This type of selective thinning could take place every 20 years or so. He plans on beginning work sometime in January if possible. Existing driveways exiting unto Route 611 will be utilized to access the property. Pete Thomson questioned if a highway access permit would be required from PennDOT since the construction entrances are on Route 611. Mr. Clymer will contact PennDOT and copy the township on his results. Joe Kulick noted that PennDOT will also automatically copy us.
Lois Oleksa questioned Mr. Clymer on the environmental impact to the area and on the protection of Cooks Creek, an exceptional value (EV) stream, which runs along the property. Peter Bent & Mr. Clymer noted that work will not encroach within 100’ of the stream bank. The trees will be cut approximately 6” above the ground.
Zoning Officer Peter Bent advised that under Use A-4, forestry is a “use by right” subject to several conditions; one cannot clear-cut more than 5 acres or 20%; one must re-establish forestation (except for agricultural purposes); a complete clear-cut is prohibited; they must maintain a “visual appearance”; and post a bond to ensure re-forestation and to guarantee a satisfactory clean-up and damage repair. A minimum three (3) day notice to township and BC Conservation District is required prior to starting work. If issued, a permit would remain in force for one (1) year. The county has approved the soil & erosion plan as submitted. The township engineer requested a complete copy of the plan.
Pete Thomson then made a motion to recommend approval to the Board of Supervisors with five (5) conditions:
The motion was seconded by Tom Harbin and approved by all members. Motion passed. There were no further comments or questions.
Old Business:
Update on Cartway Widening Draft Ordinance Recommended to Supervisors:
Township Engineer Scott Mease gave a brief overview on the above draft ordinance and its progress at the board of supervisor’s level since leaving the commission’s recommendation.
Comments / Questions from the Floor: None
Closing:
A motion to Adjourn was made by Pete Thomson and seconded by Tom Harbin, all were in favor. Meeting adjourned at @8:44 PM. Next meeting is scheduled for 02-03-2009 if needed.
Minutes Submitted By: Joseph M. Kulick, Recording Secretary
Approved: 02-03-09 PC Meeting