MINUTES of MEETING

Durham Township Planning Commission

Tuesday September 05, 2006

Township Building Meeting Room

Attendees:             James Pavlica, Don Ratushny, Cindy Skoriak, Gerald Ulmer

Peter Thomson, Ken Klein, and George Helwig

Quorum:               Yes

Secretary:             Joseph M. Kulick

Also present was Zoning Officer Peter Bent.  Township Engineer Scott Mease not present.

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

Approval of Minutes from 08-01-06 Meeting:

Don Ratushny made a motion to accept the Minutes as presented; Pete Thomson seconded the motion and all agreed with the exception of Gerald Ulmer, who abstained, he was not present at meeting. Minutes Approved.

New Business:

Non-Conforming Use Permit Review – NorthEast Industrial Sales, LLC.

Mr. Bill Neis from the above company presented the Commission with his plan to utilize the property located at 5235 Route 212 as a warehouse/shipping operation.  The property is currently used commercially as a woodworking/cabinet operation.  Due to its’ location in a zoned residential area (RP) and the proposed change of ownership of a prior non-conforming use; the Commission is required to review and recommend to the Board of Supervisors.

Mr. Neis advised the Commission his operation will be less intense from the existing operation as no painting/finishing of wood will be involved.  An occasional UPS truck (“2 or 3 a week”) dropping-off or picking-up; structure will not be altered inside or out.  No toxic or hazardous waste will be stored on the property.

A motion was made by Don Ratushny to recommend approval to the Board of Supervisors to allow NorthEast Sales, LLC to operate at 5235 Route 212.  The motion was seconded by Ken Klein and agreed to by all members.  Motion passed.

Old Business:

Open Burning Discussion:  (Tabled to Next Meeting...State DEP will attend)

Comments / Questions from the Floor:

Don Ratushny commented on a potentially very dangerous situation that exists on our area bridges.  He felt the county has ignored numerous small bridges that cannot support our fire trucks or vital heavy farm equipment.  He suggested petitioning the county to improve and increase their weight limits.  Ken Klein suggested compiling a survey/inventory of all bridges in the township.  The Commission suggested the township conduct such an inventory and report back to the Commission at a later date.

Cindy Skoriak commented on the area’s storm water management techniques.  Several individuals have been meeting to discuss alternative sample ordinances.  The meetings have included several township officials and engineers from both Bucks and Northampton Counties.  Their purpose was to address best management practices for storm water management to prevent flooding.  Don Ratushny reminded the Commission must not deter development but to steer development in the proper direction.  He provided the example of developing a sewer plant in Durham before someone else develops one above Durham (on Cook’s Creek). 

Closing:

A motion to Adjourn was made by Gerald Ulmer, and seconded by Don Ratushny, all were in favor.  Meeting adjourned at @9:03 PM.

Minutes Submitted By:  Joseph M. Kulick, Recording Secretary