MINUTES of MEETING

Durham Township Planning Commission

Tuesday February 07, 2006

Township Building Meeting Room

Attendees:             George Helwig, James Herrmann, *Ken Klein, James Pavlica,

Don Ratushny and Cindy Skoriak

Absent:                  Gerald Ulmer

Quorum:               Yes

Secretary:             Joseph M. Kulick

(Also not present were Township Engineer Scott Mease and Zoning Officer Peter Bent.)

*Newly Appointed Member Ken Klein (Replacing Mary Dungan) attending first meeting.

Meeting called to order by Chairman James Pavlica at 7:30 p.m.  All in attendance stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.

Approval of Minutes from 01-04-06 Meeting:

A motion was made by Don Ratushny to approve the Minutes of 01-04-06 as presented, seconded by Jim Herrmann; all were in favor.

New Business:

Verizon Wireless Conditional Use Application Review: (Present were Attorney Edward Wild, Mario Calabretta, and Mr. Jim Rodgers representing Verizon Wireless)

Attorney Edward Wild presented the Planning Commission with a detailed overview of a proposed plan of Verizon Wireless to add an additional antennae and utility building to the existing Sprint monopole tower located behind the First Savings Bank on Route 611. He asked that the Commission submit their approval to the Board of Supervisors Conditional Use Hearing scheduled for March 09, 2006.

Don Ratushny questioned the need for an additional utility building, since he believed the existing Sprint building was capable of handling up to three systems.  Attorney Wild felt that the existing facility was designed to handle more than one user and different users require different facilities for their specific equipment.  He also noted that all users may not require a separate building to house their specific equipment.

Ken Klein questioned the required setbacks for the facility.  Attorney Wild commented that the only setback variance, already approved by the Zoning Hearing Board for the initial Sprint application, was for the height of the tower from the bank building.  Don Ratushny added the need for sufficient clearances for fire department access in the event of a fire.  Jim Rodgers replied that the utility building would be equipped with a 24 hour monitored fire alarm and Halon fire suppression system.

Jim Pavlica asked for any further questions or comments.  Since there were no further comments or questions, Jim Herrmann made a motion to provide the Commissions approval to the Board of Supervisors, Ken Klein seconded the motion.  All were in favor.  After the motion was approved, Don Ratushny noted to Attorney Wild, of an existing Osprey nest on top of the existing monopole tower.  He (Ratushny) asked that Verizon be mindful of the nest and not disturb it.  Verizon reps stated, “it could stay as-long-as it wants”.

Old Business:

Knuth Lot line / Subdivision Review:

Joe Kulick noted that we have received an extension from 02-18-2006 to 05-18-2006 to render a decision. And a Zoning Hearing Board is scheduled for February 23, 2006 at 7:00 PM in Township Meeting Room, no further action required by Planning Commission at this time.

Viegas / Dungan Lot Line Review:

No one representing the above Plan was present.  Joe Kulick noted that he did advise Steve Jensen of the scheduled review.

Comprehensive Plan Update: 

Mr. George Spotts of Castle Valley Consultants provided an update to his last visit in December to the Planning Commission.  Jim Pavlica asked Mr. Spotts to comment on several suggestions provided by Jim Herrmann at an earlier meeting.  Don Ratushny asked if the suggestions were definitely being included in the Comprehensive Plan or are they just open for discussion.  Mr. Spotts replied that they were first open for discussion, and then if the Commission agreed, they would be included in the draft plan.

 Ken Klein asked for a clarification on the steps involved in updating the Comprehensive Plan since he is a newly appointed member.  Mr. Spotts explained the process and noted that we only have until May 2006 to finalize the plan.  Jim Pavlica asked if the Herrmann suggestions could be listed (in the Plan) as possible things for the Board of Supervisors to consider.  BOS Chairman Bartley E. Millett, present in the audience, noted that they could be addressed simply as “items for the Board of Supervisors to consider”.  George Spotts had some concern over Jim Hermann’s suggestion requiring a “sketch plan”.  He felt that it should remain as an option only.   Also, number 17, requiring an “Impact Fee” for developers, should be reviewed by the Township Solicitor before being placed in the Plan.

Don Ratushny recommended tabling the suggestions; Jim Pavlica noted that we must move forward due to time constraints.  The Chairman suggested that Mr. Spotts include the suggestions in the draft as he may seem fit.  Don Ratushny made a motion to table the “Herrmann Suggestions” until the SALDO is updated and to move on with the Draft Comprehensive Plan, Ken Klein seconded the motion.  All agreed with Jim Herrmann abstaining.

Mr. Spotts commented on the suggestions received from the Durham EAC.  He felt they were also good suggestions and could be included.  Don Ratushny and Jim Pavlica noted that since they did not have time to review the EAC suggestions, they should be tabled for tonight’s meeting.  Don Ratushny made a motion to table the EAC suggestions, seconded by George Helwig.  All agreed with Jim Herrmann abstaining.

The Chairman asked for clarification from Mr. Spotts regarding “well head zones” and if the zone could extend beyond municipal boundaries.   Since the Township Engineer was not present, an in-depth answer could not be provided.  He also questioned the Draft Plan noting “10 Rare Bird Breeders” in the Township.  He also questioned the properties listed on page 49 as “Karse Area Properties” and how he could locate them.  Mr. Spotts replied that he utilized an area map and that he will reconfirm their specifications and locations.

Mr. Spotts will supply an updated Draft Comprehensive Plan, for members review, prior to next months Planning Commission Meeting.  There were no further comments or suggestions.

Comments / Questions from the Floor:

Member Jim Herrmann provided his written resignation, moving out of area.  Chairman Jim Pavlica presented a Letter of Appreciation to Jim.  This was his last meeting.

Jim Pavlica had a comment regarding available zoning and land development training seminars in the area for Planning Commission Members.  He felt that it would be a good idea to attend to keep up with laws, Etc.  BOS Chairman Bartley E. Millett responded by stating that the township would consider funding any relevant seminars that members may want to attend.  Members should submit a letter to BOS for approval.

A motion to Adjourn was made by Don Ratushny and seconded by Ken Klein, all were in favor.  Meeting adjourned at @ 8:59 PM.

Minutes Submitted By:  Joseph M. Kulick, Recording Secretary

(Next Planning Commission Meeting to be held on Tuesday, March 07 at 7:30 PM…)