MINUTES of MEETING
Durham Township Planning Commission
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Township Building Meeting Room
Attendees: Jim Pavlica, Don Ratushny, Cindy Skoriak,
Peter Thomson, Ken Klein and George Helwig
Quorum: Yes
Secretary: Joseph M. Kulick
Absent were Member Gerald Ulmer, Zoning Officer Peter Bent & Township Engineer Scott Mease
Meeting called to order by Chairman Jim Pavlica at 7:39 PM. All in attendance stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.
Approval of Minutes from 11-08-06 Meeting:
Vice Chair Don Ratushny made a motion to accept the Minutes as presented; George Helwig seconded the motion and Pete Thomson & Cindy Skoriak agreed. Jim Pavlica & Ken Klein abstained since they were not present at 11-08-06 meeting. Minutes Approved as presented.
Note: Freelance (not on Agenda) discussion on Rohs Subdivision took place...
New Business:
Mine Hill Road Speed Limit Discussion:
Chairman Jim Pavlica commented on his letter to the Planning Commission & Board of Supervisors; requesting a reduction in the non-posted default speed limit of 55 MPH on Mine Hill Road to 35 MPH. Jim Pavlica stated the reason for the request involves the development of his and an adjoining property and the increased requirements on a higher speed road. He also commented on the need to improve safety on the roadway. The Chairman stated that all costs (associated with the speed reduction) would be paid by the developer. Joe Kulick noted that the Board of Supervisors had in fact reviewed the letter at their November meeting and declined to take any action at that time.
Pete Thomson requested clarification on the status of Mine Hill Road. Don Ratushny stated that is a township road and is classified as a “collector” road. He (Thomson) asked if any other township road is posted (with speed limit signs). Ratushny noted that Stouts Valley Road was posted at one time but the signs have since been stolen or vandalized. Also, other roads have been posted in the past. Vice Chair Don Ratushny suggested the posting of signage at every entrance to the township stating a maximum speed limit of 35 MPH on ALL township roads. Resident Lois Oleksa suggested keeping the higher speed since the safety regulations are much higher on a faster road.
Township Supervisor Bartley Millett, present in the audience, questioned the need to change the speed limit now after all of the years. Chairman Jim Pavlica replied that the higher speed limit is now denying him from getting the full monetary value of his property. Vice Chair Don Ratushny cautioned the Chairman regarding conflict of interest now that he has mentioned increasing his financial gain. The Chairman then offered to recuse himself from the table. The Vice Chair recommended tabling any further discussion until the developer submits his plans; and then requests a waiver from the 55 MPH requirements (as was granted to Glazier on Lehnenberg Rd.). Jim Pavlica withdrew the request but wanted it noted that he was just in pursuit of what was right for the conditions that exist on the roadway and not looking for a favor to increase his financial gain. There were no further comments or questions.
Old Business:
Open Burning Discussion:
Vice Chair Don Ratushny provided a brief overview of the last Planning Commission Meeting, where the Commission voted to draft a letter to the Board of Supervisors recommending township action on the open burning issue. Joe Kulick presented the draft letter to the Commission for their review and approval.
A Motion was made by Ken Klein for the Commission to approve the draft letter of recommendations regarding open burning to the Board of Supervisors. The Motion was seconded by Don Ratushny. All agreed and the Motion passed. Joe Kulick to forward the letter to the Board of Supervisors for their reaction.
Comments / Questions from the Floor:
None
Closing:
A motion to Adjourn was made by Ken Klein, and seconded by Don Ratushny, all were in favor. Meeting adjourned at @8:38 PM.
Minutes Submitted By: Joseph M. Kulick, Recording Secretary