MINUTES of MEETING

Durham Township Planning Commission

Wednesday, November 4, 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:                None

 

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

 

Audience:  None

 

Meeting called to order by Chairman Ken Klein at 7:37 PM.  All in attendance stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.

 

Approval of Minutes from 09-01-2009 Meeting:   (No Meeting in October)

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

 

Old Business:

 

Patterson Minor Subdivision Pre/Final Plan; 2nd Review

 

Ted Koven, Jr., P.E. from Springtown Consulting, LLC, representing Arnold (present at meeting) & Sheryl Patterson, applicants, presented a revised review of the proposed two (2) lot minor subdivision on Mine Hill Road.

 

Project: Existing Parcel No. 11-005-050-004 consisting of approximately 20 acres would be divided into two (2) building lots; one would be approximately 12 acres and the other 8 acres. Two (2) single family detached dwellings, one on each lot, would be erected and sold by the Patterson’s. The larger lot would remain in Act 319 assessment.  On lot wells and septic systems would be employed.  A shared common driveway would be constructed for access to the two properties.  Sight distances for the new driveway access to Mine Hill Road were calculated at a speed limit of 35 MPH (current speed limit is un-posted at 55 MPH). 

 

Ted Koven responded to the Township Engineers 2nd Review Letter of 11-02-2009 advising that they “will comply” with all items but have some questions regarding C-2; street tree planting locations.  Oak trees will be substituted for the previously proposed Bradford Pear trees.  Lois Oleksa requested a replacement for the proposed Douglas Firs.  Township Engineer Scott Mease noted that our ordinance provides for various options.  Also, on Item D-7 regarding monument requirements on easements; Mr. Koven requested an okay to install “iron pins” on interior points and concrete monuments on the corners and starting & ending points of the easements. 

 

Chairman Ken Klein questioned the status of the relocation of the MetEd power lines through the property.  Ted Koven responded that an agreement has not been reached with MetEd at present.  If relocated the lines would remain above ground while all other site utilities would be underground.  Mr. Patterson commented that the cost to relocate the lines may be prohibitive.  Jim Pavlica questioned if the planning commissions recommendation is contingent on the relocation.  Scott Mease replied that the present plan calculations are based on the relocation.  If the wires are not relocated a new plan would have to be re-submitted to the township with the corrected site calculations.  Chairman Ken Klein suggested tabling any recommendation until a decision is made.  Scott Mease requested the applicant submit an extension of time request (which they did for a 100 day extension).

 

Pete Thompson asked if the applicant had considered the relocation of property lines to correspond with the driveway.  Ted Koven noted that individual parcel site calculations prohibited any adjustments.  Lois Oleksa, referring to the Bucks County Planning Commission Review Letter, asked if there is a way to coordinate the various storm water facilities into a general system.  Ted Koven noted the various soils dictate the method.  She (Oleksa) also asked if soil testing will be performed to determine the best placement of the basins.  Ted Koven responded yes it will prior to placement.  She (Oleksa) also questioned if rainwater will create erosion on the (stone) driveway where a 14% grade exists.  Ted Koven responded the rainwater should cross the driveway and continue down the hillside. He (Koven) felt that leaving the area natural (not re-grading) will assist in the infiltration process.  Scott Mease commented that the Bucks County Conservation District will be monitoring all of these items.  She (Oleksa) also asked if the road ROW easement to the township will contain any stormwater facilities.  No.  She (Oleksa) questioned the flow of stormwater and the placement of trees in the area of the proposed upper dwelling (lot 1).  Ted Koven explained.   As a final question, Oleksa asked for clarification on the “brush” area noted on the plan and if it is of the invasive variety.  No.  The applicants were advised to notify the township when prepared to return. There were no further comments and/or questions

 

Zoning Ordinance Update:  (TABLED)

 

New Business:  None Scheduled

 

 

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 @8:17 PM.  Next meeting is scheduled for 12-01-2009 if necessary.

 

Minutes Submitted By:  Joseph M. Kulick, Recording Secretary

Minutes APPROVED at December 01, 2009 Meeting