MINUTES of MEETING
Durham Township Planning Commission
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
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.
Audience: Pinky Koplin & Mike Negri
Meeting called to order by Chairman Ken Klein at 7:35 PM. All in attendance stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.
Approval of Minutes from 04-07-2009 Meeting:
Tom Harbin made a motion to accept the Minutes as presented; George Helwig seconded the motion and Pete Thomson abstained (not present). All agreed. Minutes approved. (Cindy Skoriak arrived after @ 7:40 PM and was not present for vote)
New Business:
Existing Zoning Ordinance & Map Re-Adoption: (Public Hearing rescheduled due to advertising requirements)
Old Business:
Zoning Ordinance Update:
-Continued Discussion on Major Topic: Creation of RAP District
Township Engineer Scott Mease advised the commission on the process to consider when reviewing a parcel; soils, steep slopes, woodlands, wetlands and all other natural resources. These items would have to be considered when developing a property. He (Mease) will review the sample (Ulmer) property on Dogwood Lane for these characteristics and prepare an evaluation for next months meeting. Jim Pavlica questioned the required size of a property to provide a proper yield for a rural environment. The 60/40 ratio was discussed as a possible solution. The 40% would include all of the buildable area including the required roadways. Chairman Ken Klein felt we should determine a floor (size of lot) to work from. Tom Harbin questioned who would be responsible for the maintenance of the remaining open space and who would own and pay the taxes on this land. Scott Mease noted that other municipalities have incorporated this land into one larger buildable parcel within the development, making the owner of this residence responsible for all of the latter items. This parcel would also be deed restricted from any further subdivision. The commission agreed with this concept.
Lois Oleksa questioned Scott Mease on the purpose of establishing several different categories of parcels when developing a RAP District. Scott was not aware of the reasoning behind Bedminster or Springfield Townships AP District creation. Resident Pinky Koplin, present in the audience, questioned the viability of efficient septic systems when condensing the residences into a smaller cluster. Scott Mease answered that set-backs may have to be adjusted to meet these requirements. Jim Pavlica suggested adjusting the percentage to 50/50 or even 40/60 to accommodate septic and water well requirements. The pitfalls of a common septic system serving several properties were also discussed. There were no further comments or questions on this subject.
-Individual Assignments:
Chairman Ken Klein reported that Jim Pavlica, Tom Harbin and he had met to discuss Section 4 Use Regulations. Several items were identified for updating. He (Klein) also commented on the Village Center/Historic District noting that a letter will be sent to all area residents to attend next months meeting and offer any input they may have regarding this area. Lois Oleksa suggested a specific demolition permit be issued prior to removing any historical structure. This would allow a possible interested party to move the structure in lieu of demolition or additional time to document it. Limekilns and barns should be specifically targeted for documentation. Jim Pavlica noted that he e-mailed the township all of his comments on the agricultural (livestock) items assigned to him. Zoning Officer Peter Bent noted there presently is a statement in the zoning permit that all state regulations must be complied with. Lois Oleksa reported on the afforestation/reforestation items. She discussed these items at the last EAC meeting and will continue to follow-up. Rather than a specific separate ordinance these items could be blended into the Zoning and SALDO along with required riparian buffer widths. She (Oleksa) felt we should consider strict specific guidelines in these documents. Pete Thomson reported that he is still researching the PC/Industrial District and that he, Cindy Skoriak and Lois Oleksa will be meeting shortly to review the Limestone/Karst Region regulations. They will be reviewing copies of the Buckingham and Williams Township’s existing regulations for Karst geology. Other members had nothing to report at this time. There were no further comments and/or questions.
Comments / Questions from the Floor:
NONE
Closing:
A motion to Adjourn was made by Jim Pavlica and seconded by George Helwig, all were in favor. Meeting adjourned at @8:56 PM. Next meeting is scheduled for 06-02-2009.
Minutes Submitted By: Joseph M. Kulick, Recording Secretary
Minutes Approved: 06-02-2009 Meeting