MINUTES of MEETING

Durham Township Planning Commission

Tuesday, August 04, 2009

Township Building Meeting Room

Attendees:             Ken Klein, Pete Thomson, Tom Harbin, George Helwig, Lois Oleksa,

Jim Pavlica & Cindy Skoriak 

Quorum:               Yes

Secretary:             Joseph M. Kulick

Absent:                  Township Zoning Officer Peter Bent

Township Engineer Scott Mease was also present.

Audience:  None

Meeting called to order by Chairman Ken Klein at 7:36 PM.  All in attendance stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.

Approval of Minutes from 07-07-2009 Meeting:

George Helwig made a motion to accept the Minutes as presented; Lois Oleksa seconded the motion and all agreed.  Tom Harbin & Cindy Skoriak abstained as they were not present at that meeting.  Minutes approved as submitted.

New Business:

Bucks County Conservation District Presentation: 

Gretchen Schatschneider from the BCCC was on hand to discuss various stormwater management practices. 

Jim Pavlica questioned the exact definition of a “rain garden”?  Gretchen described it as a small vegetated, sometimes decorative depression, designed to hold storm water until it infiltrates back into the soil.  Size would be determined by the amount of impervious surface present.  Due to the “high value” status of Cooks Creek, an individual permit would be required for our area.  Chairman Ken Klein questioned the amount of upkeep required for a rain garden and what would mandate the home owner to maintain it?  Gretchen noted that new regulations are presently being developed by the PA DEP, until then it would remain the responsibility of the developer, homeowner association and the local municipality.  An easement or deed restriction may also be considered.  A once a year cleanup of debris would be the minimum upkeep required. 

Jim Pavlica asked what the best and worst method of stormwater management is.  Gretchen stated the lowest form, which is not highly recommended, is the street inlet.  However street sweeping and cleanout is very important with this method.  Moving up is a running detention system with baffles to catch sediment as it transverses the property.  She (Gretchen) could not elaborate any further on the question.  Township Engineer Scott Mease added the significance of vegetated swales with prepared sub-surfaces to allow increased filtration/drainage.  Gretchen stressed the importance of a detailed stormwater management plan and the follow through after the plan is approved during the construction process.

Lois Oleksa questioned if developers can be required to position houses according to soil types.  Gretchen commented that developers are required to perform (soil) infiltration testing to get an approved permit from both the PA DEP and the BCCC prior to building.  George Helwig asked if developers can be required to install French drains to catch rainwater run-off from roof gutters.  Yes, but maintenance is a key issue no matter what system is installed.  Also, water temperature is closely reviewed as warm water is not desirable to enter Cooks Creek.  Native plants are desirable for placement in rain gardens.  Invasive plants should be promptly weeded out.  Costs for continued maintenance of these systems could be included as part of a formal Developers Agreement.

Since there were no further comments or questions; the Chairman thanked Gretchen for attending the meeting.

Old Business:

Zoning Ordinance Update: 

-RAP District: Continued Discussion

Chairman Ken Klein was puzzled over the next step in possibly developing this district.  Jim Pavlica questioned the need to incorporate soil quality into the formula.  He felt this complicated the 60/40 or other division.  Township Engineer Scott Mease explained the need to only look at preserving up to 60% (for example) of the quality soils, not the entire tract.  Scott Mease will supply a sample development plan at next months’ meeting for further review and comment.  Scott also reviewed the entire ordinance development process through the various departments and levels.  Lois Oleksa suggested the hiring of a person to word process the entire ordinance into the computer (to aid the amending of it). Jim Pavlica suggested that we write the new ordinance as we seem fit and submit it to the Bucks County Planning Commission for their review and comment.  This should eliminate the need to hire an expensive consultant.  It was decided to review the Springfield Township Ordinance (Scott will provide?) at next months’ meeting.  There were no further comments or questions regarding this topic.

-Individual Assignments:

Ken Klein reported no progress on meeting with Zoning Officer Peter Bent. Pete Thomson noted that he did meet with Peter Bent on the Carbonate Region verbiage. He also stressed the need that electronic versions of zoning ordinances would make it much easier to “cut & paste” additions, changes, etc.  Lois Oleksa reported on a meeting with some EAC members regarding developing “green” energy wise requirements into the ordinance.

Comments / Questions from the Floor:

NONE

Closing:

A motion to Adjourn was made by Pete Thomson and seconded by George Helwig, all were in favor.  Meeting adjourned at @9:14 PM.  Next meeting is scheduled for 09-01-2009.

Minutes Submitted By:  Joseph M. Kulick, Recording Secretary

Minutes Approved at 09-01-2009 Meeting