MINUTES of MEETING

Durham Township Planning Commission

Tuesday, June 02, 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:  Andy Killcoyne, Dale Graham, Mr. & Mrs. Abel (All left after VC Discussion)

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 05-05-2009 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:

Existing Zoning Ordinance & Map Re-Adoption:  (Public Hearing rescheduled due to advertising requirements)

Old Business:

Zoning Ordinance Update: 

-Village Center/Historic Building Review

Chairman Ken Klein addressed the VC residents (in attendance as a result of a general notice mailed to all VC District residents) regarding the planning commissions intended review of their zoning district.  He noted that it was not the intention of the board to institute strict historical guidelines regarding historic structures but to “keep the same” general atmosphere that presently exists.  Resident Andy Killcoyne commented that it would be very hard to dictate a specific type of architecture, since there presently exists several different styles of varying years. 

Pete Thomson suggested that a copy of the existing VC zoning be supplied to the attending residents.  Zoning Officer Peter Bent briefly described the general concept of the Village Center District and will supply the requested copies prior to the next meeting via US Mail to the attending residents. Lois Oleksa suggested the exclusion of “ultra-modern” buildings in the district.  The attending residents all agreed that a strict restriction should be placed on junk cars, trash, and generally unmaintained properties in the area.  The institution of a township-wide “Property Maintenance Code” would accomplish this goal noted the Chairman.  Resident Dale Graham asked if we could limit the size of a house on a parcel.  Zoning Officer Peter Bent responded, noting that the height is currently set at a maximum of 35’; the size of the septic system would limit the number of bedrooms and the amount of impervious surface is limited.  There were no further comments or questions regarding this topic.

-Continued Discussion on Major Topic:  Creation of RAP District

Township Engineer Scott Mease presented the commission several copies of the necessary site calculations to sample develop the Ulmer properties on Dogwood Lane and explained their use. Jim Pavlica noted the existence of a power line and an oil pipeline right-of-way on the property which was not included in the calculations.  Chairman Ken Klein estimated a loss of one-third of the parcel due to all of the calculations, with an approximate 70% remaining for development.  Incorporating the proposed 60/40 formula for soil protection/open space, this would leave only @ 40 of 103 acres to be developed.  Scott Mease noted that reducing the required minimum lot size from 3 acres would provide some relief.  Chairman Ken Klein suggested leaving it at 3 acre lots.  Jim Pavlica thought that the proposed “clustering” theory would reduce the minimum lot size to allow for maximum allowed development, while providing additional open space. Chairman Ken Klein noted that a property with poor soil should also be required to follow the proposed 60/40 ratio regardless of the soil condition.  Scott Mease reminded the commission that the 60% of open space should be contiguous and farmable prime agricultural soils.  Also, a minimum lot size of one acre would be required to meet existing septic and well requirements.  He (Mease) stressed the importance of placing a high priority on writing exact guidelines for the district.  Jim Pavlica suggested taking up to 60% from the better soils first and then working downward from there.  He (Pavlica) felt that 3 acre home sites are too big for the average family and that if half (50%) of the property is preserved it would be a plus.    Lois Oleksa stressed the importance of also allowing the developer to preserve more than 60% of the property, with less homes, if they so choose.  Pete Thomson questioned the use of the 60/40 formula and if that ratio has already been decided.    There were no further comments or questions on this subject.

-Individual Assignments:

Pete Thomson reported progress on the Karst/limestone Region via a separate meeting with Cindy Skoriak & Lois Oleksa. They used the present Williams Township and Springfield Township as a model.  The Springfield verbiage particularly meets our townships situation.  He noted the Williams Township ordinance strangely exempts the requirement for development of one (1) single-family residence, which should be included in our regulations.  Pete Thompson suggested the inclusion of the term “Carbonate Geology Area” in lieu of “Limestone/Karst Region” in any future township regulations.  Scott Mease stressed the requirement for a licensed geologist to conduct a study for each individual parcel prior to development. 

Chairman Ken Klein reported on the progress for Article 4; Use Regulations.  He has several notes on the provisions that will be discussed in detail at a future meeting, after meeting with the Zoning Officer, Peter Bent.  Pete Thomson also reported on the PC/IC District.  He reviewed the Bristol and East Rockhill regulations, but will wait for the Use Regulations review to report further.  Cindy Skoriak reviewed Wilson Borough’s Zoning Ordinance and felt the commission may also be interested in reading it.  There were no further comments and/or questions.

Comments / Questions from the Floor:

NONE

Closing:

A motion to Adjourn was made by Tom Harbin and seconded by Lois Oleksa, all were in favor.  Meeting adjourned at @9:10 PM.  Next meeting is scheduled for 07-07-2009.

Minutes Submitted By:  Joseph M. Kulick, Recording Secretary

Minutes Approved at 07-07-2009 Meeting