MINUTES of MEETING
Durham Township Planning Commission
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
Township Building Meeting Room
Attendees: Ken Klein, Pete Thomson, Tom Harbin, George Helwig, Lois Oleksa, & Jim Pavlica and
Cindy Skoriak
Quorum: Yes
Secretary: Joseph M. Kulick
Absent: None
Township Zoning Officer Peter Bent and Township Engineer Scott Mease were also present.
Meeting called to order by Chairman Ken Klein at 7:33 PM. All in attendance stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.
Approval of Minutes from 02-02-2010 Meeting:
Pete Thomson made a motion to accept the Minutes as presented; George Helwig seconded the motion and all agreed. Minutes approved as submitted.
New Business:
Attorney for applicant, Catherine Durso, gave a presentation to the commission, noting a possible 90 day construction period for erection of the monopole, single row of antenna and related facilities on the Hissim property on State Route 212 in our township in the RP (Resource Protection) Zoning District. The antenna would be specific to AT&T service for starters but the tower could service up to two other co-providers should the need arise. Chairman Ken Klein asked if the equipment area would need to be enlarged if other providers utilized the tower. Ms. Durso replied no additional ground space within the compound would be required since the facility could service up to 3 providers as-built. Pete Thomson questioned the need for a 150’ high tower. She (Durso) replied that the 150’ height is the minimum required to properly provide the desired coverage; which would eliminate the “dead spots” west of the site to Springtown ( a before & after coverage map was provided). The antenna would also provide improved 360 degree coverage and would extend approximately 30’ above the top of the hill.
Greg DeStefano, Site Engineer for AT&T, commented that several locations were considered; such as existing high power towers in area, but none were suitable due to access restrictions and other factors. Lois Oleksa asked if AT&T considered placing their antenna on an existing farm silo at the Crouse farm on Durham Road since it already contains Sprint/Nextel antenna. He (DeStefano) was not aware of the location but would look into the possibility. Jim Pavlica asked what finish the tower would have. It will be of a natural galvanized light gray finish. He (Pavlica) asked if it could be camouflaged to blend in with the trees. No. She (Oleksa) asked if testing for possible mines shafts, etc. will be performed prior to establishing a location for the towers foundation. Several 6” holes will be bored in various locations to check for stability of the area prior to construction. The equipment compound at the base of the tower will be an approximate 50’ x 50’ area cut into the hill. The “existing” dirt road will be improved to permit access to the site. Lois Oleksa questioned the legality of the dirt road. The Chairman requested if anyone, including attendees, had any questions before proceeding. There were none.
The Chairman requested a review by the Township Engineer, Scott Mease, of his review letter of February 22, 2010; specifically the Conditional Use portion being addressed tonight. Items C1 thru were mostly “will comply” with the exception if C2 (requirement of a minimum lot size of 25 acres) which Attorney Catherine Durso did not agree and will contact the township solicitor to discuss. Also, C6 as non-applicable since no signs are proposed. Items E1 thru E9 are “will comply”. All other items in the letter reference land development. If granted all of the required approvals construction could possibly begin in the fall of this year. Lighting on the tower will not be employed since it is less than 200’ as required by the FAA.
A motion was then made by Tom Harbin to recommend approval of the Conditional Use application to the Board of Supervisors with the following five (5) conditions: Applicant investigate the possibility of utilizing the Crouse silo to install the antenna; Existing parking spaces, as required by an earlier Zoning Hearing Board, are not eliminated by the access road; Minimum lot size requirement of 25 acres is remedied by township solicitor or by a Zoning Hearing Board variance; Applicant provides an aerial map (photo) of existing features within 500’; proper buffering of equipment shelter with natural vegetation. Jim Pavlica seconded the motion and a vote was then taken with six (6) yes votes and one (1) no vote by Lois Oleksa. Motion passed 6 to 1. There were no further comments or questions.
Several members of the D&L were present and provided an in-depth slide show of the proposed project; creation a “Scenic Byway” route from Wilkes-Barre to Bristol via Route 611 and Route 32. They requested the Planning Commission to recommend approval of the project to the Board of Supervisors. Jim Pavlica requested that a vote be tabled in order for him to obtain further information and input on the project. The commission members agreed and tabled a vote until the next meeting. There were no further comments or questions.
Old Business:
Zoning Ordinance Update: RAP District Review (Tabled)
Comments / Questions from the Floor: None
Closing:
A motion to Adjourn was made by Jim Pavlica and seconded by Pete Thomson, all were in favor. Meeting adjourned at @9:53 PM. Next meeting is scheduled for 04-06-2010.
Minutes Submitted By: Joseph M. Kulick, Recording Secretary
Minutes APPRROVED at 04-06-2010 Meeting