MINUTES of MEETING

Durham Township Planning Commission

Tuesday, April 06, 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:                Township Engineer Scott Mease

Township Zoning Officer Peter Bent was also present.

Meeting called to order by Chairman Ken Klein at 7:34 PM.  All in attendance stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.

Approval of Minutes from 03-02-2010 Meeting:

Tom Harbin made a motion to accept the Minutes as presented; George Helwig seconded the motion and all agreed.  Minutes approved as submitted.

New Business:  None Presented

Old Business:

D&L Scenic Byway Vote:

The vote that was tabled from the March meeting was discussed prior to voting.  Jim Pavlica commented that he felt 50/50 on his position.  He (Pavlica) did not see any definite benefit or any negative impact. He (Pavlica) did not see why Durham should block its creation.  Tom Harbin agreed with Jim Pavlica with the exception of possible grant money to be obtained and the elimination of billboards.  Karen Williamson of Heritage Conservancy, present in the audience, stressed that local businesses along the route will still not be restricted from advertising their business.  Pete Thomson noted the existence of the State DCNR Canal Park, which controls most of the east side and cliffs on the west side of the proposed route (611). He (Thomson) did not see any possible reason to oppose it.   Lois Oleksa liked the idea of the possible availability of grant money to preserve properties along the route. Also, our historic grist mill may be entitled to restoration grant money.   She (Oleksa) also felt it complimented the historic value of the township. 

Tom Harbin then made a motion to recommend approval to support the Scenic Byway Designation to the Board of Supervisors.  The motion was seconded by Lois Oleksa and approved by all members.  Motion passed unanimously.  There were no further comments or questions.

Zoning Ordinance Update:

Chairman Ken Klein requested input on the possibility of utilizing the neighboring municipalities zoning ordinances’ as a template for updating our ordinance.  Tom Harbin felt that it may save time but would still require several modifications to customize them to our requirements.  Pete Thomson agreed but did feel that it would save time due to them addressing several zoning districts not present in Durham.  Township Manager Joe Kulick noted that they have already been reviewed by the Bucks County Planning Commission and in some instances have been tested in court.  Jim Pavlica, having reviewed their definitions, felt they were far superior to our existing definitions, for example.   Lois Oleksa stated that since our present zoning ordinance requires a complete environmental overhaul it would be useless to attempt to update ours.  She felt that utilizing the already updated ordinances would be a major leap forward environmentally; although they will also require some tweaking and updating. 

Jim Pavlica suggested that the group meet outside of the regular meeting to review the neighboring ordinances.  This would allow the time required without the interruptions from other planning commission business.   These informal meetings would be conducted without any official decisions or motions.  Any formal decisions would be reviewed and voted on at a regular meeting.  The members agreed and established the first “work session” for Tuesday, April 20, 2010 at 7:30 PM at the township building.  Sections 3 & 4 will be reviewed.  There were no further comments or questions. 

Comments / Questions from the Floor:

Cindy Skoriak commented that she has reconsidered her positive vote to recommend approval to the Board of Supervisors of the Hissim / AT&T Mobility cell tower.  She now opposes the approval as a citizen, as she was unaware of the required zoning variance of the mandatory 25 acres.

Jim Pavlica commented that the interior road on the AT&T Cell Tower Plan is a non-issue.

Jim Pavlica questioned the zoning officer if additional truck tractors are authorized to park along Route 611 in the area of Lehnenberg Road, just above the body shop; and on the placement of additional van boxes at that location.  Also, what is happening at Sophia Weiss’ property at Island & Easton Roads?  Several dump trucks, construction equipment are suddenly appearing. 

Closing:

A motion to Adjourn was made by Jim Pavlica and seconded by George Helwig, all were in favor.  Meeting adjourned at @8:50 PM.  Next public meeting is scheduled for 05-04-2010.

Minutes Submitted By:  Joseph M. Kulick, Recording Secretary

Minutes APPROVED at 05-04-10 Meeting