MINUTES of MEETING

Durham Township Planning Commission

Tuesday, March 03, 2009

Township Building Meeting Room

Attendees:             Pete Thomson, Tom Harbin, George Helwig, Lois Oleksa, Jim Pavlica, and Cindy Skoriak

Quorum:               Yes

Secretary:             Joseph M. Kulick

Absent:                  Ken Klein

Township Zoning Officer Peter Bent and Township Engineer Scott Mease were also present.

Meeting called to order by Vice Chairman Pete Thomson at 7:39 PM.  All in attendance stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.

Approval of Minutes from 02-03-2009 Meeting:

George Helwig made a motion to accept the Minutes as presented; Tom Harbin seconded the motion and Pete Thomson abstained (not present). All agreed.  Minutes approved.

New Business: None Presented

Old Business:

Cartway Widening Draft Ordinance:

Township Engineer Scott Mease reviewed the final updates to this long pending ordinance.  He explained that the Bucks County Planning Commission has reviewed the draft and has recommended the distance of fifteen (15’) feet per lot of widening for all new development entrance roads.  The final draft has incorporated this calculation.  Thus, all new development entrance roads will be wider by eight (8’) feet (4’ of paved shoulder per side) to allow for temporary stopping of vehicles while awaiting the arrival of the school bus.  A motion to recommend approval of the draft to the board of supervisors was then made by Cindy Skoriak and seconded by Tom Harbin.  All agreed and the motion passed unanimously.  There were no further comments or questions.

Zoning Ordinance Update: 

Individual Assignments: Jim Pavlica noted on his livestock review that he researched the last draft that was presented by the township solicitor on this topic.  The Bucks County Planning Commission also reviewed this draft in April of 2007 and noted a conflict between the numbers of horses allowed per acre. They (BCPC) also noted the absence of parking provisions for a riding academy. He (Pavlica) felt the definition of “livestock” needed to be reviewed and updated to include “rescue” animals.  Also, the acreage requirements per horse need to be discussed along with the difference between a riding academy and stable, if any.  These items will have to be addressed.  Joe Kulick suggested that Jim Pavlica provide written notes on his findings and suggestions so that he could copy them and distribute them to all members prior to the meeting.  He (Kulick) reminded the members that individual sections would be reviewed quickly (@ 5 minutes) at each meeting until the time evolved for it to become a “major topic” for a scheduled review at a meeting.  In other “quick reviews”; Tom Harbin reported on “Sexually Oriented Business” noting that present zoning permits this activity in our commercial district and only addresses “Adult Book Stores”.  He (Harbin) felt that our exposure was minimal due to the fact that most of our commercial area is located in the flood plain.  The sample ordinance provided earlier by Scott Mease appears to adequately address all areas of this category.  Zoning Officer Peter Bent added that a prior township ordinance (1984-3) addressed this topic in great detail.  Pete Thomson noted that he has just started to research the Planned Commercial / Industrial District assignment and had nothing to report at this time.

Cindy Skoriak reported briefly on the Karst/Limestone Region noting that she has reviewed two maps and that they need to be updated to current standards.  She also suggested adding the requirement for a “professional survey/report” for all development in this designated area. Joe Kulick suggested also naming possible Karst/Limestone areas by tax map parcel number.  He (Kulick) also read aloud the guidelines as established by our Comprehensive Plan for the Limestone Region.  Other members had nothing to report at this time.

Continued Discussion on Major Topic:  Creation of RAP District

Township Engineer Scott Mease presented the members with a detailed soils map of the township overlaid on a tax map parcel detail as requested by the commission at the last meeting.  Defining prime soil types found in our area is of major importance when developing the guidelines for this region.  Scott will shade all prime soil areas on the map and obtain a copy of the Springfield Township Agriculture District (AD) for review at the April meeting.  Jim Pavlica felt that the (RAP) district guidelines should be kept very general; then allow the supervisors decide where to allow development in relation to prime soils.  Scott Mease noted that some sort of definition needed to be provided.  He (Mease) suggested the “sample parcel” exercise as a good practice to develop these guidelines.

Lois Oleksa reminded the members that other resources such as wetlands would also need to be protected in this area, not just prime soils.  She (Oleksa) also questioned the fact; if we “cluster” development in the RAP District then does this area become a “Village Center” subject also to that districts guideline?   And could commercial/local services be incorporated.  The commission agreed that it was a good point to be considered.  There were no further comments and/or questions.

Comments / Questions from the Floor:

Lois Oleksa felt that the township should address “Wind Power” and the use of wind mills.  Scott Mease will obtain a copy of the recent Haycock Township Wind Power Ordinance for future review.

Closing:

A motion to Adjourn was made by Jim Pavlica and seconded by George Helwig, all were in favor.  Meeting adjourned at @9:15 PM.  Next meeting is scheduled for 04-07-2009.

Minutes Submitted By:  Joseph M. Kulick, Recording Secretary

Minutes Approved at 04-07-2009 Meeting